Abstract
Detection of microbial contamination in water is imperative to ensure water quality. We have developed an electrochemical method for the detection of E. coli using bi-functional magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) conjugates. The bi-functional MNP conjugates were prepared by terminal-specific conjugation of anti-E. coli IgG antibody and the electroactive marker ferrocene. The bi-functional MNP conjugate possesses both E. coli-specific binding and electroactive properties, which were studied in detail. The conjugation efficiency of ferrocene and IgG antibodies with amine-functionalized MNPs was investigated. Square-wave voltammetry enabled the detection of E. coli concentrations ranging from 101–107 cells/mL in a dose-dependent manner, as ferrocene-specific current signals were inversely dependent on E. coli concentrations, completely suppressed at concentrations higher than 107 cells/mL. The developed electrochemical method is highly sensitive (10 cells/mL) and, coupled to magnetic separation, provides specific signals within 1h. Overall, the bi-functional conjugates serve as ideal candidates for electrochemical detection of waterborne bacteria. This approach can be applied for the detection of other bacteria and viruses.
Highlights
Concomitant with the increase in the global world population, water consumption has been increasing at an annual growth rate of 1% in the past 50 years and is projected to further increase by 20–30% by 2050 [1,2]
We aimed to develop bi-functional magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) that contain both specific bio-recognition elements and redox markers (Ferrocene) for immunomagnetic separation and square wave voltammetry (SWV)-based detection of bacteria
We have demonstrated the feasibility of electrochemical detection of E. coli using bi-functional MNP conjugate (Fc-MNP-IgG) with immunomagnetic separation (IMS)
Summary
Concomitant with the increase in the global world population, water consumption has been increasing at an annual growth rate of 1% in the past 50 years and is projected to further increase by 20–30% by 2050 [1,2]. The quality and availability of safe drinking water are decreasing due to domestic, industrial, agricultural, and environmental pollutions, leading to severe health hazards for humans and animals [3]. Namely treated wastewater reclamation, is becoming increasingly important as freshwater scarcity becomes prevalent worldwide. The frequency of water reuse varies globally, with Israel, Qatar, and Kuwait ranked first with >85% of their wastewater treated and reused [7]. Continuous assessment of drinking and reclaimed water quality is imperative
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