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DNA-Based Biosensor for E. coli Detection in Water

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Paper number  037063,  2003 ASAE Annual Meeting . (doi: 10.13031/2013.14183) @2003
Authors:   Evangelyn Alocilja, Maria I. Rodriguez
Keywords:   DNA biosensor, pyrrole, cyclic voltammetry, E. coli K-12

The principal goal of this research was to compare the efficiency and capability of two prototypes of biosensor for the detection of Escherichia coli DNA using synthetic oligonucleotides for further detection of natural water contamination. Molecular biology and chemical electrodeposition techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) were combined to develop and test two DNA based biosensor platforms: a platinum (Pt) electrode electropolymerized with polypyrrole (PPY) and aluminum (Al) electrode coated with PPY. The recognition element in both platforms were oligonucleotides specific for Escherichia coli derived from the uidA gene that codes for the enzyme -D glucuronidase. Both biosensor platforms have been initially tested for electrodeposition. Both biosensors were expected to generate distinctive CV signals for complementary and noncomplementary DNA sequences. If successful, this study should demonstrate the potential the developing of fast, sensitive and specific DNA based biosensors for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in natural and drinking water sources.

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