Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER NINE
Nanotechnology for Detection
of Waterborne Pathogens
Helen Bridle
Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Riccarton,
Edinburgh, Scotland
9.1. INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology is the characterization, fabrication and/or manipu-
lation of structures, devices or materials between 1-100 nm. The properties
observed in materials at this size range are different to those found in the
bulk material, mainly due to a large surface-to-volume ratio. This results in
enhanced surface reactivity, quantum confinement effects, enhanced elec-
trical conductivity and enhanced magnetic properties, among others. For
these reasons nanotechnology has recently been exploited in a wide range
of different applications including biotechnology, drug delivery and other
biomedical applications, catalysis, electronics, food, cosmetics and design of
new fabrics and materials, for e.g. construction or sports articles.
In addition to these other applications, nanotechnology presents a great
opportunity to develop fast, accurate and cost effective diagnostics for the
detection of pathogenic infectious agents.
1
This chapter aims to provide an introduction to nanotechnology for
monitoring applications. Particular attention is devoted to examples con-
cerning waterborne pathogens, given in each of the categories of water-
borne pathogens. Firstly, an overview of the types of nanomaterials that
have been employed in monitoring is given. Secondly, this chapter will
focus on the ways in which nanotechnology can enhance the sample pro-
cessing and detection methods presented in earlier Chapters.
9.2. BACKGROUND
This section introduces the nanoscale and the types of nanomaterials
that exist.
Figure 9.1
indicates the typical size of some of the nanomaterials
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