Development of magnetic sensors for rapid detection of the Salmonella serotype common in Serbia and Portugal

Project aim: Two main objectives of this collaborative project between Serbian Biosense Institute and  Portuguese INESC-MN are 1) to evaluate efficacy of antibody-based vs. nucleic-acid based magnetic biosensors for point-of-need (PON) detection of S. Typhimurium and 2) to develop microfluidic magnetic platform utilizing biosensor identified as the more efficient in terms of specificity and other sensory performance parameters (limit of detection-LoD, dynamic range, response time). Other objectives include 3) evaluation for PON-use of two methods for DNA enrichment that each partner has been previously working on (see details below) 4) adapting the sensing platform for the PON-use 5) deepening collaboration between the two partners by providing trainings for the young researchers in both teams on the expertise missing in their own institution and by preparing joint publications and joint proposals to other funding schemes.

 

About the project: The project will compare antibody- and DNA-based magnetic biosensors in order to identify the most applicable biosensors for PON use. Both types of biosensors will be integrated onto a microfluidic chip, that is portable and requires low amounts of reagents making it convenient for PON use. In addition, the microfluidic cartridge will enable integrated operations such as sample preparation and DNA purification.

The focus is put on magnetic sensing due to the following: 1) magnetic markers/nanoparticles (MMNP) can be easily functionalized to label any bioentity (antibodies or DNA) 2) high signal-to-noise ratio for MMNP labeling due to absence of magnetic targets in majority of cells 3) MMNP can be manipulated inside microfluidic channels by high gradient MF that can in turn be detected by magnetic sensors.

In Serbia, S. enterica serotype Enteritidis is considered the most important bacterium from food that can cause disease in humans, followed by S. enterica (ser) Typhimurium. In Portugal, the most commonly reported serotypes of S. enterica that cause infections in humans are: S. Typhimurium, S. Derby, S. Rissen. Therefore, the focus of this bilateral project will be on the detection of S. e. Typhimurium, in food and water, is the most common serotype in both countries.