Rapid assays for Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia in water using piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors were investigated at 5 to 10,000 (oo)cysts/mL. The sensor was functionalized with the corresponding IgG antibodies. The resonant frequency of PEMC sensor decreased in proportion to (oo)cysts concentration. Successful detection of C. parvum in both PBS and in proteinous background was done at 5 oocysts. Following the detection step, a second IgM antibody binding specific to Cryptosporidium was used for confirming detection.  Detection of G. lamblia was carried out in a similar manner. Detection of as few as 10 cysts is feasible in 30 min. The specificity of the sensor was challenged with non-target cells. Detection was confirmed with eSEM. Detection of G. lamblia cysts spiked Schuylkill River (Philadelphia, PA) water showed feasibility without pretreatment. One liter samples at 1 cyst/mL or 10 cysts/mL were successfully analyzed.  The authors acknowledge EPA STAR Grant R833007.

Rapid detection of waterborne parasites in complex matrixes using piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors

244th National Meeting (2012)

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