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R. A. MONTAGNA, Innovative Biotechnologies International, Inc., 335 Lang Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072, A. J. Baeumner, Dept. of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Cornell Univ., 318 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701, and R. A. Durst, Food Science & Technology, Cornell Univ., New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 W. North St., Geneva, NY 14456-1371. Innovative Biotechnologies International has licensed several complementary technologies from Cornell University that we are incorporating into a fully integrated biosensor for the rapid and sensitive detection of various human pathogens. Liposome nanovesicles serve as the basis of the biosensor. A variety of biorecognition elements, including antibodies, nucleic acid probes and receptors can be coupled to the external bilayer of the liposomes, thereby providing considerable versatility in the types of possible assay formats. Since signal generation and amplification result from the ability to encapsulate up to millions of signal-generating molecules within the aqueous core of the liposome nanovesicles, the range of possible encapsulants permits a broad spectrum of powerful detection schemes. One to 10 organisms can be detected by encapsulation of optically detectable dyes, while even more sensitivity is possible by encapsulation of fluorescent dye molecules. By integrating another Cornell technology, an ultramicroelectrode interdigitated array (IDUA), a sophisticated electrochemical assay format has been developed that provides for a convenient way to acquire and transduce a biological signal into an electrical one. A variety of assay formats and detection schemes will be presented, including a simple lateral flow assay that provides rapid, sensitive results, discernable by the naked eye or by means of a simple handheld reflectometer, within minutes. In addition, a fluorescence assay, taking advantage of self quenching that results from encapsulating high concentrations of fluorescence dye molecules within the liposome nanovesicles will also be reported. Finally, further improved sensitivity, resulting from the encapsulation of electroactive compounds and integration of the IDUA will be described. Since one of the goals of our collaborative efforts is to develop a fully integrated biosensor for the rapid detection of food pathogens, we will also describe our efforts to incorporate microfluidic sample handling into the biosensor platform technology.
Session 26, Food defense and protection: Detection of poisonous agents
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |