Development of low-cost, rapid and highly sensitive DNA-based biosensor for routine monitoring of emerging organic compounds in water

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We are aiming to develop an innovative highthroughput screening sensing platform for the detection and monitoring of Emerging Organic Contaminants (EOCs) in drinking water systems. EOCs correspond to a group of newly detected contaminating compounds with potential health hazards. Authorities are concerned about the potential public health impact of these new contaminants as they are finding their way into different drinking water systems. Among these contaminants are several families of compound that are particularly relevant to public health: antibiotics, hormones and other endocrine disrupting compounds. Highly sensitive detection methods for these compounds are in high demand as they are present only in trace amounts. Current detection methods for EOCs in water rely heavily on expensive analytical instruments and lengthy biological methods that are not suitable for routine field monitoring. We propose here a research program aiming to replace the current detection methodologies with an elegant, cost-effective detection system. This system is capable of