A New Biosensor for Rapid Identification of Bacterial Pathogens

There is an immediate need for rapid, portable analytical instruments to ensure the safety of natural and manmade water supplies, including source, recreational, treated, and distributed waters. Echo Technologies, Inc., proposes a Phase I project to develop and demonstrate a new type of optical biosensor that is simple, rapid, specific, and sensitive. The biosensors are based on the use of fluorescently labeled virus probes (FLVPs), which are highly specific bacteriophage particles labeled with fluorescent reporters. The sensor is monitored by wavelength-specific fluorescence spectroscopy, which indicates the presence of the phage/host complex. In Phase I, sensors will be fabricated and evaluated against bacteria posing a human health risk in recreational and other natural waters, including Escherichia and an Enterococci such as Streptococci. This sensor approach is applicable to the detection of other harmful or signature bacteria, including Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. Sensors will be evaluated against a specific test matrix, including preliminary interferent/matrix effects testing. A breadboard miniature optoelectronic interface and data acquisition system will be demonstrated for reading the sensor. In Phase II, a prototype four-channel biosensor array will be developed using commercial off-the-shelf photonic components, and tested with selected microbial contaminants.