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Related Experiment Videos

A rapid biosensor for viable B. anthracis spores.

Antje J Baeumner1, Barbara Leonard, John McElwee

  • 1Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701, USA. ajb23@cornell.edu

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|August 17, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study presents a rapid biosensor assay combined with nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) for detecting viable Bacillus anthracis spores. The new method detects ten spores in four hours, offering a faster and specific detection of anthrax.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
  • Biosensor Technology

Background:

  • Bacillus anthracis spores pose a significant biosecurity threat.
  • Rapid and specific detection of viable B. anthracis is crucial for public health and security.
  • Existing detection methods can be time-consuming or lack specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a rapid, specific, and sensitive biosensor assay for detecting viable Bacillus anthracis spores.
  • To combine a membrane-strip biosensor with nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) for enhanced detection.
  • To utilize the protective antigen (pag) mRNA as a specific target for B. anthracis identification.

Main Methods:

  • A membrane-strip biosensor assay was developed using an oligonucleotide sandwich-hybridization format.

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  • The assay targets the protective antigen (pag) mRNA, unique to B. anthracis.
  • RNA was extracted, amplified using nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and detected by the biosensor.

    • Main Results:

    • The combined assay detected as few as ten viable B. anthracis spores within 4 hours.
    • The biosensor demonstrated high specificity, with no cross-reactivity against 11 other tested organisms.
    • The assay successfully distinguished between viable and nonviable spores, providing reliable results.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed biosensor assay offers a rapid, inexpensive, and highly specific method for detecting viable B. anthracis spores.
    • This technology is suitable for on-site analysis and can significantly shorten detection times.
    • The pag mRNA target and NASBA amplification contribute to the assay's sensitivity and specificity.