Development of Simple, Field-Deployable Kit for Detecting Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Wastewater

Antibiotic resistant bacteria have become a major concern in discharges from hospitals, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural runoff. A quick, inexpensive, field- deployable method of detecting antibiotic resistant bacteria in these waters is desirable. Antibiotic resistant bacteria of concern include Salmonella, Staphylococci, E. coli, Enterococci, and coliform bacteria, among others. A product is needed that can detect these bacteria on-site and at low cost. Smart Gel is an innovative product that is easy to use and readily adapted towards various testing applications. This technology has already shown excellent results in recovering reference strains of E.coli, Enterococci, and coliform bacteria, as well as antibiotic resistant E. coli (Famp). By adjusting the components of the Smart Gel system and its standard application, the product can be adapted for use in the detection of many other types of bacteria in a range of water matrices. Preliminary testing of the prototype Smart Gel product indicates that its performance matches or exceeds that of three currently available methods for bacterial detection in water.Smart Gel is not only easily applied toward the detection of different types of bacteria, but simplifies the burden of water testing by eliminating the need for sterile petri dishes, thermal sealers, and costly laboratory equipment. The components of the Smart Gel system include plastic bags with powdered solidification reagents, small nutrient media packets, and sterile bags for sample collection.These flat, lightweight components reduce the initial cost of testing and shipping charges, and also reduce the amount of waste that must be discarded at the end of the test. The minimal components pose little threat to the environment and can be disinfected using conventional means (autoclaving or chemical disinfection). The potential market for Smart Gel is global. Hospitals all over the world could benefit from this technology, especially where antibiotics are heavily used. The field of agriculture would also benefit from this testing since multiple antibiotics are widely used in animal feed operations.Wastewater treatment plants are also part of the potential market. Smart Gel will be easy to use, inexpensive (approximately $5 per test), field-deployable, and highly adaptable. End users will be able to test water samples for antibiotic resistant bacteria without using expensive laboratory equipment or sending samples to laboratories.