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Development of cell-imprinted polymer surfaces for Cryptosporidium capture and detection
Tooba Sarkhosh1, Elisa Mayerberger2, Kristen Jellison2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA.
Water Research
|October 2, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using whole cell imprinting to capture Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in water. This technique offers a potentially more accessible way to detect this dangerous waterborne parasite.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Analytical chemistry
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne parasite causing severe gastrointestinal illness.
- It is resistant to chlorine disinfection, a common water treatment.
- Current detection methods are costly, hindering thorough watershed monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective and sensitive method for capturing Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.
- To explore the potential of cell imprinting for waterborne pathogen analysis.
Main Methods:
- Whole cell imprinting technique was employed.
- Cell-imprinted Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces were fabricated using a modified stamping approach.
- Sensitivity and selectivity were assessed using various water chemistries and surrogate particles.
Main Results:
- Cell-imprinted PDMS demonstrated selective and sensitive capture of C. parvum oocysts.
- Binding affinity was comparable to standard antibodies and immune-enabled technologies.
- The method shows promise for waterborne pathogen detection devices.
Conclusions:
- Whole cell imprinting is a viable approach for creating surfaces to capture waterborne pathogens.
- This technology could lead to more affordable and effective water quality monitoring tools.
- Further development could enhance its application in public health surveillance.
