Campylobacter jejuni causes over two million cases of gastrointestinal infections, with approximately 100 deaths each year.  Current detection methods for C. jejuni (i.e. ELISA, culture, and biochemical testing) are intensive, time-consuming, and low sensitivity.  Here, we utilize Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) optical microcavities as a novel, label-free biosensor platform for real-time detection of biologically relevant concentrations of C. jejuni.  The surface of the silica optical microcavities is selectively functionalized with the antibody species, Anti-Campylobacter, via silane coupling agents and a sandwich approach.  The target antigen, heat-killed Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 43477, can then be flowed through across the platform to confirm detection via a shift in the resonant frequency of the platform.  The resulting platform surface and sensitivity is monitored via optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and microcavity analysis.  Developing improved methods or platforms to monitor C. jejuni in agricultural runoff, wastewater, and food samples could improve safety and prevent food-borne illness.

Detection of Campylobacter <i>jejuni</i> in aqueous environments using whispering gallery mode optical biosensors

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in aqueous environments using whispering gallery mode optical biosensors