Piezoelectric immunosensor for the direct and rapid detection of Francisella tularensis

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2007;52(4):325-30. doi: 10.1007/BF02932086.

Abstract

A novel immunosensing device based on a piezoelectric sensor for direct detection of the biological warfare agent Francisella tularensis was developed. This sensor includes mouse polyclonal antibody immobilized in a layer of protein A covalently linked to the gold electrode of the sensor. The immunosensor is able to detect F. tularensis with the limit of detection 10(5) CFU/mL with a typical measuring cycle > 5 min. The sensor was successfully evaluated for rapid detection of F. tularensis spikes in drinking water and milk; no deterioration of sensitivity in comparison with buffer solutions was observed. The proposed concept of a rapid measurement of microbial agents seems to be promising for evaluation of samples after short pre-cultivation enrichment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / chemistry*
  • Biological Warfare Agents
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Female
  • Francisella tularensis / isolation & purification*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Tularemia / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Biological Warfare Agents