A conductometric immunosensor based on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles for E. coli detection

We report a new approach for immunoassays based on magnetite nanoparticles for Escherichia coli (E. coli) detection using conductometric measurements. Biotinylated antibodies, anti-E. coli, were immobilized on streptavidin modified magnetite nanoparticles by biotin-streptavidin interaction. A layer of functionalized nanoparticles were directly immobilized on the conductometric electrode using glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The specific test with E. coli cells and the non specific test using Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) were investigated by conductometric measurements. Results show a good response as a function of antigen additions. The detection of 1 CFU/ml of E. coli induces a conductivity variation of 35 mu S. The negative test shows good selectivity using the conductometric immunosensor. Conductometric measurements allow to detect 500 CFU/l. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.