Towards lateral flow assays based on magnetic & gold nanoparticles functionalised with recombinant phage-derived proteins, as bio-detection tools for Bacillus cereus.

Details

Supervisors

Gillis, Annika ; Raskin, Jean-Pierre

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This dissertation delves into the realm of biosensor technology, particularly focusing on the development of low-impact biosensors for detecting pathogens in various aqueous matrices. Traditional laboratory methods for detecting microbes are often time-consuming and require specialised equipment and personnel, leading to delays unsuitable for time-sensitive scenarios, especially in healthcare. In response to this, there has been a surge in the development of early diagnostic tools for immediate use at Point of Care (PoC), where biosensors play a pivotal role. The work focuses on Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs), a prominent biosensor technology that meets the criteria set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for ideal PoC diagnostic tests. However, despite their affordability, rapidity, and user-friendliness, current LFAs face limitations, particularly in detecting pathogens with the same sensitivity as traditional methods like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This dissertation aims to address this limitation through innovative approaches. The research is structured into three main parts. The first part provides an overview of pathogenic bacteria, detection methods, and biosensors. The second part adapts Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based LFAs for pathogen detection, integrating recombinant phage-derived proteins for enhanced specificity. The third part focuses on functionalising Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for pathogen detection, particularly Bacillus cereus, aiming to unlock new magnetic detection prospects. Experimental results demonstrated the potential of recombinant affinity phage proteins as versatile bioreceptors and the successful conjugation of MNPs with phage-derived recombinant proteins. However, challenges such as non-specific attachment and mechanical trapping necessitate further optimisation. This work contributes significantly to enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of LFAs for pathogen detection, with broad implications for environmental monitoring and public health.