Mechanisms of biofunctionalization of photocorrosion-based semiconductor biosensors for quasi-continuous monitoring of pathogens in water environments

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Bacterial contamination of hot water plumbing and water processed in industrial cooling towers designed for air conditioning has led to frequent disease outbreaks in different countries, including Canada. To address the deficiencies of conventional methods of detecting pathogens in water, such as requirement to transport to a laboratory, long time-to-results (for culture), and expensive polymerase chain reaction, numerous biosensing platforms have been investigated, but without a satisfactory solution as of yet. We have been developing a novel class of quantum semiconductor photonic biosensing (QSPB) devices that employ standard GaAs-based semiconductor wafers, such as those used in the fabrication of ubiquitous light-emitting diode devices. This approach brings the potential of an automated, remote, and cost-attractive solution. The limit of detection (LOD) of Legionella pneumophila in water with our current QSPB biochips, combined with the chemotaxis effect and mechanical concentration of bacteria, has been estimated at 1 CFU/mL. This result would offer an adequate level of protection against pathogenic L. pneumophila, however, the requirement for highly efficient chemotaxis and mechanical concentration steps is challenging. Alternatively, the requirement to obtain such a low LOD could only be met by the availability of more sensitive QSPB devices. This proposal addresses the urgent need to undertake a systematic study of biofunctionalization science and technology that lags behind, especially when addressing the innovative QSPB technology, but which could lead to ultrasensitive detection of bacteria at an attractive cost. To achieve this goal, we collaborate with two Canadian companies, one specializing in implementing a nationwide program of monitoring L. pneumophila in water and the other in developing chicken antibodies as research and diagnostic tools.