Surface acoustic wave-based lab-on-a-chip for the fast detection of Legionella pneumophila in water

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) -based immuno-biosensors are used for several applications, thanks to their versatility and faster response than conventional analytical methods. SAW immuno-biosensors can be usefully applied to promptly detect bacteria and prevent bacterial infections that can lead to severe diseases. Here, we present a SAW immuno-biosensor to detect Legionella pneumophila in water. Our device, working at ultra-high frequency (740 MHz), is functionalized with an anti-L. pneumophila antibody to maximize the specificity. We report the characteristic curve of the sensor, calculated measuring bacterial samples at known densities, and its related parameters. We also measure L. pneumophila samples contaminated with different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium) and samples diluted in mains waters. The proposed device is able to detect L. pneumophila in the range from 1.10(6) to 1.10(8) CFU/mL, with a limit of blank of 1.22.10(6) CFU/mL and a limit of detection of 2.01.10(6) CFU/mL. The nonspecific signal due to contaminant bacteria is very limited and measurements of L. pneumophila are not affected by contamination. We obtain a good detection also in mains water, representing a realistic matrix for L. pneumophila. Our results are encouraging and pave the way to the use of fast, easy-to-use, reliable and precise sensors to prevent bacterial infections in human activities.

Automated summary

SAW-based immuno-biosensors have versatile applications and faster response than conventional methods. A SAW immuno-biosensor is developed to detect Legionella pneumophila in water using an anti-L. pneumophila antibody. The device shows good detection performance with limited interference from contamination, and it can be applied in mains water for practical use.