Development of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to isolate and detect bacteria

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Detection of bacteria, such as E. coli, Legionella and Salmonella is a global problem important for the management of water bodies and agricultural farms. Municipalities and other government agencies, and private enterprises and individuals seek water quality information to make public health and policy, and business decision. For instance, such information might have prevented the worst-ever outbreak of E. coli contamination in Bruce County, Ont. in 2010 when 2,300 people fell ill and seven died (Source: CBC News, Canada). There is no current solution available that detects microbial contaminants in the water supply at the point of site. BioInk labs is partnering with the academic team to address this problem and develop a point of site test that detects bacteria in real time. Specifically, the project will develop a technology that uses magnetic nanoparticles coated with capture agents to target bacteria present in a water sample and subsequently isolate the pathogens to detect the ATP present in these bacteria. With this detection method, a color change of the sample will affirm that the target bacteria are present in it. Upon completion, the project will provide a real-world technology by incorporating the ATP sensor into a viable sensor and allow the company to create a solution for liquid borne bacteria for the global market. Municipalities, wastewater treatment facilities, government agencies, businesses, and individual users will be able to use the product to directly assess water quality in their communities or private wells in real time.