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High-throughput Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Animal Specimens by Nanoscale PCR
Published on: November 28, 2016
Recent progress in nanomaterial-based sensing of airborne viral and bacterial pathogens
Sanjeev K Bhardwaj1, Neha Bhardwaj2, Vanish Kumar3
1Department of Nanomaterials and Application Technology, Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Sector 81 (Knowledge City), S.A.S. Nagar 140306, Punjab, India.
Abstract:
Airborne pathogens are small microbes that can cause a multitude of diseases (e.g., the common cold, flu, asthma, anthrax, tuberculosis, botulism, and pneumonia). As pathogens are transmitted from infected hosts via a number of routes (e.g., aerosolization, sneezing, and coughing), there is a great demand to accurately monitor their presence and behavior. Despite such need, conventional detection methods (e.g., colony counting, immunoassays, and various molecular techniques) generally suffer from a number of demerits (e.g., complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive nature). To help overcome such limitations, nanomaterial-based biosensors have evolved as alternative candidates to realize portable, rapid, facile, and direct on-site identification of target microbes. In this review, nano-biosensors developed for the detection of airborne pathogens are listed and discussed in reference to conventional options. The prospects for the development of advanced nano-biosensors with enhanced accuracy and portability are also discussed.
Insights
Nanomaterial-based biosensors offer a rapid and portable solution for detecting airborne pathogens, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. This review highlights advancements in nano-biosensor technology for on-site microbial identification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensor development
Background:
- Airborne pathogens cause numerous diseases and require accurate monitoring.
- Conventional detection methods are often complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive.
- There is a significant need for rapid, portable, and on-site detection solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanomaterial-based biosensors for airborne pathogen detection.
- To compare nano-biosensors with conventional detection methods.
- To discuss future prospects for advanced nano-biosensor development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nano-biosensors for airborne pathogen detection.
- Discussion of sensor principles and performance metrics.
- Comparative analysis against traditional diagnostic techniques.
Main Results:
- Nano-biosensors present a viable alternative to conventional methods.
- These sensors offer portability, speed, and ease of use for on-site detection.
- Various nanomaterials and designs have been explored for enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Nanomaterial-based biosensors are crucial for advancing airborne pathogen surveillance.
- Further development can lead to highly accurate and portable microbial detection systems.
- These technologies hold promise for public health and environmental monitoring.
