Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In our laboratory, we have tested our sensor for Hantavirus detection of rodent's blood
in the lab as well as in the field. We are now testing other virus such as Para Influenza and
Influenza A.
21.5
Conclusions
Biosensor techniques are dynamic tools for determination of different analytes for envi-
ronmental, clinical, agricultural, food, veterinary, or military applications. Finally, biosen-
sor must be able to provide a lower and higher detection limit with a rapid analysis time
at a relatively low cost.
Immunofiltration assay utilizing the carbon membrane can successfully determine con-
centrations of bacteria such as
Salmonella, Shigella
,
and E. coli
as low as 50 cells/ml. This
system could be adapted for virus detection and can be easily automated and operated by
a person with little or no training. The assay for virus detection takes about 22 min, which
could be decreased with further optimization. Other benefits of this type of assay include
a disposable sensing element, use of very little reagents, an increased signal relative to the
immunosorbent assay, and the possibility for easy adaptation to detect other virus and
bacteria [87,89,117-121].
An array of sensors should follow using microfluidics and nanotechnology. Most of the
existing limitations could be directly related to operational and long-term stability of the
sensor's components or the transducer itself. Other limitations could be attributed to
reproducibility in complex matrices. For practical applications, the most important use of
the sensors is encountered once the sensor is used for in situ real-sample monitoring. We
have done that in the Hantavirus experiment referred to in the article of Vetcha, Wilkins,
and Yates [137-159]. We have modified our immunoassay device, which contains a set of
electronics that will drive an immunoelectrode and test a sample for Hantavirus. The pho-
tograph of the device is shown in Figure 21.8.
FIGURE 21.8
Photo of portable automated immunosensor
device.
