Acoustofluidic particle trapping, manipulation, and release using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors

Active and programmable mixing, trapping, separation, manipulation and release of suspended particles in liquids using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors.

A cantilever biosensor-based assay for toxin-producing cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa using 16S rRNA

Monitoring of cyanotoxins in source waters is currently done through toxin-targeting assays which suffer from low sensitivity due to poor antibody avidity. We present a biosensor-based method as an alternative for detecting toxin-producing cyanobacteria M. aeruginosa via species-selective region of 16S rRNA at concentrations as low as 50 cells/mL, and over a five-log dynamic range. The cantilever biosensor was immobilized with a 27-base DNA strand that is complementary to the target variable region of 16S rRNA of M. aeruginosa. The cantilever sensor detects mass-changes through shifts in its resonant frequency. Increase in the biosensor's effective mass, caused by hybridization of target strand with the biosensor-immobilized complementary strand, showed consistent and proportional frequency shift to M. aeruginosa concentrations. The sensor hybridization response was verified in situ by two techniques: (a) presence of duplex DNA structure postdetection via fluorescence measurements, and (b) secondary hybridization of nanogold-labeled DNA strands to the captured 16S rRNA strands. The biosensor-based assay, conducted in a flow format (∼ 0.5 mL/min), is relatively short, and requires a postextraction analysis time of less than two hours. The two-step detection protocol (primary and secondary hybridization) is less prone to false negatives, and the technique as a whole can potentially provide an early warning for toxin presence in source waters.

hlyA gene-based sensitive detection of Listeria monocytogenes using a novel cantilever sensor

Piezoelectric cantilever sensors are shown to exhibit sensitive and selective detection based on an identifying gene from genomic extract at ~10(2)-10(3) cells of foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes (LM). The study consists of two parts: tests with synthetic genes and experiments starting with whole LM cells. A probe designed for the virulence hemolysin gene, hlyA, was immobilized on the gold-coated sensor, and hybridization detection of a synthetic target (based on hlyA) is shown to span over 6 decades in concentration. Hybridization response was confirmed using two methods: (1) the use of a fluorescent indicator for the presence of double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) and (2) hybridization response of a secondary single-strand DNA (ss-DNA) to the unhybridized part of the target much like in the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sandwich format. Hybridization of the secondary ss-DNA tagged to gold nanoparticles amplified as well as confirmed the target hybridization to the hlyA probe on the sensor. Genomic DNA from LM was extracted, sheared, and melted and was exposed to the hlyA probe on the sensor in proteinous background with and without the presence of up to 10(4) times excess nontarget genomic DNA extracted from E.coli JM 101 (EC), for the gene-specific detection of LM. Discernible detection limit of 7 × 10(2) LM cells (equivalent genomic DNA; 2.32 pg) was achieved in proteinous background. The detection limit deteriorated to 7 × 10(3) LM (23 pg of gDNA) in the presence of genomic DNA from EC. Hybridization response times were within ~90 min, thus significantly improving over the conventional detection techniques in detection time at comparable detection limit.

Rapid and sensitive immunodetection of Listeria monocytogenes in milk using a novel piezoelectric cantilever sensor

Listeria monocytogenes (LM), an important food-borne pathogen that has a high mortality rate (≈ 30%), was successfully detected within an hour at the infection dose limit of 10(3)/mL, both in buffer and milk. LM detection was demonstrated using a novel asymmetrically anchored cantilever sensor and a commercially available antibody. Sensor responses were confirmed using a secondary antibody binding step, similar to the sandwich ELISA assays, as a means of signal amplification that also reduced the occurrence of false negatives. Detection of LM at a concentrations of 10(2)/mL was achieved, by incorporating a third antibody binding step, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the infection dose (<1000 cells) for LM. The commercially available antibody for LM used in this work is shown to have low avidity which partially explains the relatively low sensitivity reported for LM as compared to other pathogens.

Sample preparation-free, real-time detection of microRNA in human serum using piezoelectric cantilever biosensors at attomole level

A sensitive, selective, sample preparation-free method for near real-time detection of microRNA in buffer and human serum is given using gold (Au)-coated dynamic piezoelectric cantilever sensors. Sensor response to thiolated DNA probe chemisorption, hsa-let-7a hybridization, labeled-DNA hybridization, and Au nanoparticle-functionalized DNA hybridization was monitored continuously in flowing liquid samples using custom flow-cells. The assay showed successful detection of target let-7a with a dynamic range spanning 6 orders of magnitude (10 fM-1 nM) with a limit of detection of less than 10 attomoles (∼4 fM). The serum background had negligible effect on sensitivity relative to the results obtained in the buffer due to reduction in nonspecific binding caused by continuous sensor vibration. Both hybridization and nonspecific binding reduction were confirmed using fluorescence-based assays to support sensor-based results. The sensor-based method demonstrated excellent selectivity for the microRNA target in comparison with similar microRNA differing by only a single nucleotide (hsa-let-7c) and random microRNA sequences. Au nanoparticle-based amplification of sensor response was investigated and led to an order of magnitude improvement in the detection limit and a 128% amplification of sensor response over the entire dynamic range. Au nanoparticle amplification was verified by scanning electron microscopy. The cantilever sensor-based microRNA assay provides competitive sensitivity with current microRNA detection methods and has the advantage of requiring no sample preparation, even when working with biological samples that contain a complex background.

pH effect on protein G orientation on gold surfaces and characterization of adsorption thermodynamics

The pH effect on adsorbed antibody-binding protein (protein G) orientation on gold (Au) and its adsorption thermodynamic characteristics were investigated using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorbed protein G orientation was measured by binding response of two antibody-antigen systems: the model bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7. Surface coverage was not significantly affected by pH, but its orientation was. The most properly oriented protein G for antibody binding was achieved at near-neutral pH. Adsorption was verified by XPS measurements using nitrogen (N) 1s, oxygen (O) 1s, and Au 4p peak heights. Adsorption energetics were determined by van't Hoff and Langmuir kinetic analyses of adsorption data obtained at 296, 303, and 308 K. Large characteristic entropy change of protein adsorption was observed (ΔS° = 0.52 ± 0.01 kcal/mol·K). The adsorption process was not classical physisorption but exhibited chemisorption characteristics based on significant enthalpy change (ΔH° = -25 ± 6 kcal/mol).

Biosensing using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors: a review

Current progress on the use of dynamic-mode cantilever sensors for biosensing applications is critically reviewed. We summarize their use in biosensing applications to date with focus given to: cantilever size (milli-, micro-, and nano-cantilevers), their geometry, and material used in fabrication. The review also addresses techniques investigated for both exciting and measuring cantilever resonance in various environments (vacuum, air, and liquid). Biological targets that have been detected to date are summarized with attention to bio-recognition chemistry, surface functionalization method, limit of detection, resonant frequency mode type, and resonant frequency measurement scheme. Applications published to date are summarized in a comprehensive table with description of the aforementioned details including comparison of sensitivities. Further, the general theory of cantilever resonance is discussed including fluid-structure interaction and its dependence on the Reynolds number for Newtonian fluids. The review covers designs with frequencies ranging from ∼1 kHz to 10 MHz and cantilever size ranging from millimeters to nanometers. We conclude by identifying areas that require further investigation.

Highly sensitive and rapid detection of microcystin-LR in source and finished water samples using cantilever sensors

Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR) is one of the toxic microcystin congeners produced by the common cyanobacteria, blue-green algae. A piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensor was developed for the sensitive detection of MCLR in a flow format using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that bind specifically to MCLR. PEMC is a resonant cantilever sensor whose resonant frequency decreases as target analyte binds to its surface. Monoclonal antibody against MCLR was immobilized on the sensor surface via amine coupling. As the toxin in the sample water bound to the antibody, resonant frequency decreased proportional to toxin concentration. Three water matrices, namely buffer, tap water, and river water, were spiked with MCLR standards and were successfully detected in the dynamic range of 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL (effective concentration -250 fg/mL to 25 ng/mL). The sensor response was characterized by a log-linear relationship between resonant frequency change and MCLR concentration. Positive verification of MCLR detection was confirmed by a sandwich binding on the sensor with a second antibody binding to MCLR on the sensor (attached in first detection step) which caused a further resonant frequency decrease. We show for the first time that MCLR in various water samples can be detected at 1 pg/mL.

Expression of picogram sensitive bending modes in piezoelectric cantilever sensors with nonuniform electric fields generated by asymmetric electrodes

Single-layer uniform cross-sectioned piezoelectric macro-cantilevers fabricated with an asymmetric electrode configuration enabled electrical measurement of picogram-sensitive resonant bending modes in liquids. Bending modes were otherwise not electrically measurable without excitation by a nonuniform electric field created by the geometric asymmetry in electrode design used. Electrode modification was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mass-change sensitivity was tested using both bulk density changes and surface chemisorption experiments in a continuous flow apparatus. Significant response to density changes as small as 0.004 g/mL was measured. A sensitivity limit of ∼1 picogram in liquid was determined from 1-dodecanethiol chemisorption experiments. The sensitivity decreased with chemisorbed mass and was log-linear over five orders of magnitude. The observed resonance responses were in agreement with previously reported models of resonating cantilever sensors. This work demonstrates experimentally for the first time that introducing electrode asymmetry enables measurement of bending modes in cantilevers containing only a single piezoelectric layer.

Bovine colostrum or milk as a serum substitute for the cultivation of a mouse hybridoma

A mouse-mouse hybridoma was grown in serum-free medium supplemented with bovine milk or colostrum. Bovine colostrum supported growth of the hybridoma whereas bovine milk alone did not support cellular proliferation. For growth in medium supplemented with colostrum, the maximum cell concentration achieved was 1.4 x 10(6) cells/mL in 2.2% colostrum, which is 44% of that obtained in 9% serum. When cells were grown in media containing milk and low amounts of serum (<1%) the maximum cell concentration in 2.2% milk with 0.4% serum was 2 x 10(6) cells/ml, whereas it was only 0.2 x 10(6) cells/ml and 1.3 x 10(6) cells/ml in 2.2% milk alone and 0.4% serum alone, respectively. Similar behavior was observed for growth in media containing colostrum and low amounts of serum. The monoclonal antibody production in media containing combinations of serum and milk or colostrum was comparable to that obtained in media with higher serum concentrations. Experiments performed with conditioned media suggest that the rapid decrease in viability, after the maximum cell concentration has been reached, is partially due to the presence of some inhibitory components generated during the cell culture rather than due to depletion of some serum components.

Sensitive and selective detection of mycoplasma in cell culture samples using cantilever sensors

In this article we report a new biosensor-based method that is more sensitive and rapid than the current approach for detecting mycoplasma in cell culture samples. Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors respond to mass change via resonant frequency change. They are sensitive at femtogram level and can be used directly in liquid for label-free detection. Common cell culture contaminant, Acholeplasma laidlawii was detected in both buffer and cell culture medium. Two different sources (positive control from a commercial kit and ATCC 23206) were analyzed using antibody-immobilized PEMC sensor. Resonant frequency decrease caused by binding of A. laidlawii was monitored in real-time using an impedance analyzer. Positive detection was confirmed by a second antibody binding. The limit of detection (LOD) was lower than 10(3) CFU/mL in cell culture medium using PEMC sensor while parallel ELISA assays showed LOD as 10(7) CFU/mL. This study shows that PEMC sensor can be used for sensitive and rapid mycoplasma detection in cell culture samples.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Giardia lamblia using a piezoelectric cantilever biosensor in finished and source waters

The current method for detecting the waterborne parasite Giardia lamblia is tedious and requires a preconcentration step. We show for the first time a piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) biosensor immobilized with a monoclonal antibody against G. lamblia that exhibits selective and sensitive detection of G. lamblia cysts in several water matrixes (buffer, tap, and river water) at a detection limit of 1-10 cysts/mL without a preconcentration step. The PEMC sensor is a resonance-based device that functions at a high-order mode near 1 MHz. The antibody-immobilized sensor was exposed to 1-10,000 G. lamblia cysts/mL samples in a flow arrangement. When the cysts bind to the antibody on the sensor, the resonant frequency of the cantilever sensor decreases and is recorded continuously. Positive confirmation of sensor detection responses was obtained by environmental scanning electron microscope of sensor surface after detection experiments. Higher sample flow rates (0.5-5.0 mL/min) gave higher sensor detection response. Detecting as few as 10 cysts per mL was achieved in all three water matrixes tested, and significant sensor response was obtained in 15 min. We also show the feasibility of analyzing at a low concentration of 1 cyst/mL in a one liter sample at a high flow rate of 5 mL/min.

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever biosensors

In this chapter, method of fabricating a cantilever biosensors and their use in measuring the presence of a protein is described. There are many variations in construction of a cantilever sensor. A simple and an easy version is described in this chapter. The specificity of the sensor is obtained by immobilizing an antibody specific to the antigen of interest. The piezoelectric cantilever sensors are very sensitive and can easily detect a 60 kDa protein at 100 fg/mL concentration. Experimental procedure for carrying out detection of a target analyte is outlined and a sample set of results is included.

Preparation-free method for detecting Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the presence of spinach, spring lettuce mix, and ground beef particulates

We show the detection of 100 cells per ml of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the presence of spinach, spring lettuce mix, and ground beef washes and particulate matter with piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors. The PEMC sensors (sensing area, 2 mm2) were immobilized with polyclonal antibody specific to E. coli O157:H7 (EC) and were exposed to 10 aqueous washes of locally purchased spinach, spring lettuce mix, and ground beef for testing if EC was present. Absence of resonance frequency shift indicated that EC was not present in the 30 samples tested. Following the last sample in each food matrix, 1,000 cells per ml of EC were spiked into the sample container, and resonance frequency change was monitored. The total resonance frequency change was 880 +/- 5, 1,875 +/- 8, and 1,417 +/- 4 Hz for spinach, spring lettuce mix, and ground beef, respectively. A mixture of the three food matrices spiked with 100 cells per ml of EC gave a sensor response of 260 +/- 15 Hz. The resonance frequency changes are approximately 40% lower than our previously reported study on ground beef. It is suggested that the reduction in sensitivity is due to differences in pathogen adherence to food matrices, which affects target binding to the sensor surface. We conclude that detection selectivity is conserved in the three food matrices examined and that the magnitude of sensor response is a function of the food matrix.

Detection and Confirmation of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B in Apple Juice and Milk Using Piezoelectric-Excited Millimeter-Sized Cantilever Sensors at 2.5 fg/mL

A sensitive and reliable method for the detection of a model toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in buffer, apple juice, and milk is shown using piezoelectric-excited, millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors. Limit of detection in spiked milk and apple juice samples is 10 and 100 fg, respectively. PEMC sensors (2 mm(2)) are prepared by immobilizing a polyclonal antibody specific to SEB, which was exposed to 1 mL of 1% milk and apple juice containing 10 fg-10 ng. Sensor response to 100 fg, 1 pg, and 10 pg of SEB in apple juice resulted in resonance frequency decreases of 113 +/- 18 (n = 4), 308 +/- 24 (n = 4), and 521 +/- 20 (n = 2) Hz, respectively. In milk, 10 fg, 100 fg, 1 pg, and 10 pg of SEB resulted in resonance frequency decreases of 126 +/- 18 (n = 2), 143 +/- 35 (n = 4), 310 +/- 32 (n = 5), and 557 +/- 25 (n = 2) Hz, respectively. Positive detection of SEB in the sample solution was observed within the first 20 min. The responses of the sensor to positive (SEB present, but no antibody on sensor), negative (SEB absent, antibody on sensor), and buffer (SEB absent, antibody on sensor) controls were -17 +/- 10 (n = 3), -9 +/- 5 (n = 3), and -6 +/- 12 (n = 18) Hz, respectively. Positive verification of SEB detection was confirmed by two methods: (1) low-pH buffer release caused increase in resonance frequency, and (2) second antibody binding to SEB attached to sensor that caused further resonance frequency decrease. The significance of these results is that PEMC sensors can reliably detect SEB at 10-100 fg (effective concentration of 2.5 and 25 fg/mL) in complex fluids without sample preparation or the use of labeled reagents.

Method for Quantification of a Prostate Cancer Biomarker in Urine without Sample Preparation

We describe a macrocantilever-based method for detecting a prostate cancer biomarker (alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase; AMACR) directly in patient urine without a sample preparation step and without the use of labeled reagents. Clean catch voided urine specimens were prospectively collected from five confirmed prostate cancer patients 3 weeks postbiopsy. The presence of AMACR was measured in a blinded manner by exposing 3 mL of urine to the anti-AMACR-immobilized piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized (PEMC) sensor. The resonance frequency of PEMC decreases as AMACR from sample binds to the antibody on the sensor. The resonance frequency changes for the five patients tested were 4,314 +/- 35 (n = 2), 269 +/- 17 (n = 2), 977 +/- 64 (n = 3), 600 +/- 31 (n = 2), and 801 +/- 81 (n = 2) Hz, respectively. Positive detection was observed within approximately 15 min. The responses to positive, negative, and buffer controls were -9 +/- 13, -34 +/- 18, and -6 +/- 18 Hz, respectively. Positive verification of AMACR attachment was confirmed by low-pH buffer release. The sensor response was quantitatively related to AMACR concentration in control urine, and the relationship was used in developing an in situ calibration method for quantifying AMACR in patient urine. Estimated concentrations of 42, 2, and 3 fg/mL AMACR were calculated for the three patients' urine, while absence of AMACR was confirmed in control urine (n = 13). Because of simplicity of measurement combined with high sensitivity and specificity, the method may be a useful adjunct in a point-of-care setting to identify men at increased risk for prostate cancer.

PEMC-based Method of Measuring DNA Hybridization at Femtomolar Concentration Directly in Human Serum and in the Presence of Copious Noncomplementary Strands

Piezoelectric-excited, millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors having high-mode resonance near 1 MHz are shown to exhibit mass change sensitivity of 1-300 ag/Hz. Gold-coated PEMC sensors immobilized with 15-mer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) were exposed to 10-mer complementary strands at concentrations of 1 fM, 1 pM, and 1 microM, both separately and sequentially at 0.6 mL/min in a sample flow cell housing the sensor. Decrease in resonance frequency occurred as complementary strands hybridized to the immobilized probe DNA on the sensor surface. Hybridization in three background matrixes--buffer, buffer containing 10,000 times higher noncomplementary strands, and 50% human plasma--were successfully tested. Sensor hybridization responses to 1 fM, 1 pM, and 1 microM complementary strand were nearly the same in magnitude in all three matrixes, but the hybridization rates were different. In each case, the sensor detected the presence of 2 amol of complementary 10-mer strand. The extent of hybridization calculated from resonance frequency change did not decrease in serum. The findings suggest ssDNA can be detected at 2 amol without a sample preparation step and without the use of labeled reagents.

10-minute assay for detecting Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef samples using piezoelectric-excited millimeter-size cantilever sensors

We detected Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) at approximately 10 cells per ml in spiked ground beef samples in 10 min using piezoelectric-excited millimeter-size cantilever (PEMC) sensors. The composite PEMC sensors have a sensing area of 2 mm2 and are prepared by immobilizing a polyclonal antibody specific to EC on the sensing surface. Ground beef (2.5 g) was spiked with EC at 10 to 10,000 cells per ml in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). One milliliter of supernatant was removed from the blended samples and used to perform the detection experiments. The total resonant frequency change obtained for the inoculated samples was 138 +/- 9, 735 +/- 23, 2,603 +/- 51, and 7,184 +/- 606 Hz, corresponding to EC concentrations of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 cells per ml, respectively. EC was detected in the sample solution within the first 10 min. The responses of the sensor to positive, negative, and buffer controls were 36 +/- 6, 27 +/- 2, and 2 +/- 7 Hz, respectively. Verification of EC attachment was confirmed by low-pH buffer release (PBS-HCl, pH 2.2), microscopy, and second antibody EC binding postdetection. The results indicate that PEMC sensors can reliably detect EC at less than 10 cells per ml in 10 min without sample preparation and with label-free reagents.

Method for measuring the self-assembly of alkanethiols on gold at femtomolar concentrations

We describe a cantilever-based method for measuring the self-assembly of alkanethiols on a gold surface in a flow system that permits easy step changes in concentration and acquire a continuous in situ measure of the resulting chemisorption through the change in resonance frequency. A gold-coated (2.2 mm2), piezoelectric-excited, millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensor was exposed to 1-hexadecanethiol (HDT) in ethanol at concentrations ranging from 1 fM to 1 mM, sequentially and separately. A high-order flexural mode at approximately 850 kHz was monitored during the self-assembly. The resonance frequency decreases as a result of increased mass as chemisorption occurs on the surface. We show for the first time that the chemisorption of HDT at 1 fM is readily measurable and gave a response of 220 +/- 13 Hz (n = 4). At higher concentrations (10 and 100 fM; 1, 10, and 100 pM; 1, 10, and 100 nM; 1 microM; and 1 mM), the responses were proportionately, but nonlinearly, higher. At high concentrations (1 mM), the responses to C4, C8, C11, C16, and C18 alkanethiols were linearly proportional and were complete in approximately 25 min. We report for the first time that, once the Au surface is equilibrated at 1 pM, further chemisorption at a lower HDT concentration does not take place, even though over 99% of surface adsorption sites are available. At 1 fM, the overall chemisorption rate did not increase with a 2-fold increase in the HDT flow rate, suggesting that chemisorption at 1 fM is not transport-limited. The measured overall chemisorption rate constant at 1 fM was more rapid than 0.1 min-1.

Method for Label-Free Detection of Femtogram Quantities of Biologics in Flowing Liquid Samples

Rapid (approximately 10 min) measurement of very low concentration of pathogens (approximately 10 cells/mL) and protein (approximately fg/mL) has widespread use in medical diagnostics, monitoring biothreat agents, and in a broader context as a research method. For low-level pathogen, we currently use culture enrichment methods and, thus, rapid analysis is not possible. For low protein concentration, no direct method is currently available. We report here a novel macrocantilever design whose high-order resonant mode near 1 MHz exhibits mass detection sensitivity of 10 cells/mL for cells and 100 fg/mL for protein. The sensor is 1x3 mm and uses a piezoelectric layer for both actuation and sensing resonance. Sample is flowed (approximately 1 mL/min) past the antibody-immobilized sensor, and as antigen binds to the sensor, resonance frequency decreases in proportion to antigen concentration. The sensor showed selectivity to the pathogen even though copious nonpathogenic variant was simultaneously present.

A method of measuring Escherichia coli 0157:H7 at 1 cell/mL in 1 liter sample using antibody functionalized piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever sensor

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors immobilized with antibody specific to Escherichia coli (EC) 0157:H7 is used to detect EC at 1 cell/mL in 1 mL and 1 L samples in a batch and flow mode, respectively. Two sensor designs were used. The first design (PEMC-a) has both the piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric layer anchored, while in the second design (PEMC-b) had only the piezoelectric layer anchored. PEMC-a, used in batch mode with 1 mL sample, showed limit of detection at 10 cells/ mL using the second bending mode at 85.5 kHz in air. PEMC-b exhibited resonant frequencies at 186.5, 883.5, and 1778.5 kHz in air and 162.5, 800.0, and 1725.5 kHz in sample flow conditions. A one-liter sample containing 1000 EC cells was introduced at 1.5, 2.5, 3, and 17 ml/min, and the change in resonant frequency was monitored. The total frequency change observed for the mode at 800 kHz and sample flow rates of 1.5, 2.5, 3, and 17 mL/min were 2230+/-11, 3069 +/-47, 4686+/-97, and 7188+/-52 Hz, respectively. Each detection experiment was confirmed by exposing the sensor to a low pH solution followed by a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) rinse, which caused the release of the attached EC. The final frequency change observed was nearly identical to the value prior to EC attachment. Kinetic analysis showed that the observed binding rate constant at 1.5, 2.5, 3 mL/min were 0.009, 0.015, and 0.021 min(-1), respectively. The significance of these results is that very low concentration of pathogens in large sample volumes can be measured in a short time period without the need for filtration or enrichment.

Detect of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef samples using piezoelectric excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors consisting of a piezoelectric and a borosilicate glass layer with a sensing area of 4 mm2 were fabricated. An antibody specific to Escherichia coli (anti-E. coli) O157:H7 was immobilized on PEMC sensors, and exposed to samples containing E. coli O157:H7 (EC) prepared in various matrices: (1) broth, broth plus raw ground beef, and broth plus sterile ground beef without inoculation of E. coli O157:H7 served as controls, (2) 100 mL of broth inoculated with 25 EC cells, (3) 100 mL of broth containing 25 g of raw ground beef and (4) 100 mL of broth with 25 g of sterile ground beef inoculated with 25 EC cells. The total resonant frequency change obtained for the broth plus EC samples were 16+/-2 Hz (n=2), 30 Hz (n=1), and 54+/-2 Hz (n=2) corresponding to 2, 4, and 6h growth at 37 degrees C, respectively. The response to the broth plus 25 g of sterile ground beef plus EC cells were 21+/-2 Hz (n=2), 37 Hz (n=1), and 70+/-2 Hz (n=2) corresponding to 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively. In all cases, the three different control samples yielded a frequency change of 0+/-2 Hz (n=6). The E. coli O157:H7 concentration in each broth and beef samples was determined by both plating and by pathogen modeling program. The results indicate that the PEMC sensor detects E. coli O157:H7 reliably at 50-100 cells/mL with a 3 mL sample.

Method of MeasuringBacillusanthracisSpores in the Presence of Copious Amounts ofBacillusthuringiensisandBacilluscereus

A sensitive and reliable method for the detection of Bacillus anthracis (BA; Sterne strain 7702) spores in presence of large amounts of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) and Bacillus cereus (BC) is presented based on a novel PZT-anchored piezoelectric excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PAPEMC) sensor with a sensing area of 1.5 mm2. Antibody (anti-BA) specific to BA spores was immobilized on the sensing area and exposed to various samples of BA, BT, and BC containing the same concentration of BA at 333 spores/mL, and the concentration of BT + BC was varied in concentration ratios of (BA:BT + BC) 0:1, 1:0, 1:1, 1:10, 1:100, and 1:1000. In each case, the sensor responded with an exponential decrease in resonant frequency and the steady-state frequency changes reached were 14 +/- 31 (n = 11), 2742 +/- 38 (n = 3), 3053 +/- 19 (n = 2), 2777 +/- 26 (n = 2), 2953 +/- 24 (n = 2), and 3105 +/- 27 (n = 2) Hz, respectively, in 0, 27, 45, 63, 154, and 219 min. The bound BA spores were released in each experiment, and the sensor response was nearly identical to the frequency change during attachment. These results suggest that the transport of BA spores to the antibody immobilized surface was hindered by the presence of other Bacillus species. The observed binding rate constant, based on the Langmuir kinetic model, was determined to be 0.15 min-1. A hindrance factor (alpha) is defined to describe the reduced attachment rate in the presence of BT + BC and found to increase exponentially with BT and BC concentration. The hindrance factor increased from 3.52 at 333 BT + BC spores/mL to 11.04 at 3.33 x 105 BT + BC spores/mL, suggesting that alpha is a strong function of BT and BC concentration. The significance of these results is that anti-BA functionalized PEMC sensors are highly selective to Bacillus anthracis spores and the presence of other Bacillus species, in large amounts, does not prevent binding but impedes BA transport to the sensor.

Detection of Bacillus anthracis spores and a model protein using PEMC sensors in a flow cell at 1mL/min

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors of 4mm(2) sensing area were immobilized with antibody specific to Bacillus anthracis (anti-BA) spores or bovine serum albumin (anti-BSA). Detection of pathogen (Bacillus anthracis (BA) at 300 spores/mL) and BSA (1 mg/mL) were investigated under both stagnant and flow conditions. Two flow cell designs were evaluated by characterizing flow-induced resonant frequency shifts. One of the flow cells labeled SFC-2 (hold-up volume of 0.3 mL), showed small fluctuations (+/-20 Hz) around a common resonant frequency response of 217 Hz in the flow rate range of 1-17 mL/min. The total resonant frequency change obtained for the binding of 300 spores/mL in 1h was 90+/-5 Hz (n=2), and 162+/-10 Hz (n=2) under stagnant and flow conditions, respectively. Binding of antibodies, anti-BA and anti-BSA, were more rapid under flow than under stagnant conditions. The sensor was repeatedly exposed to BSA with an intermediate release step. The first and second responses to BSA were nearly identical. The total resonant frequency response to BSA was 388+/-10 (n=2) Hz under flow conditions. Kinetic analysis is carried out to quantify the effect of flow rate on antibody immobilization and the two types of detection experiments.

PEMC sensor's mass change sensitivity is 20pg/Hz under liquid immersion

To enhance the mass change sensitivity of the resonating piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors, we reduced its length and eliminated one layer of its composite structure. As a result the mass sensitivity of the second flexural mode increased by two orders of magnitude (from 10(-9) to 10(-11)g/Hz) and the resonant frequency increased by more than 5 kHz. We demonstrate the effects of modification by detecting a model pathogen Group A Streptococcus (GAS) at 700 cells/mL. The resonant frequency change of the second mode at concentrations of 700, 7 x 10(3), 7 x 10(5), 7 x 10(6), 7 x 10(7), and 7 x 10(9)cells/mL resulted in, respectively, 3.1+/-0.5, 11.6+/-1, 15.7+/-1, 25.7+/-0.15, 28.5+/-2, and 40.5+/-3 ng (n=3 for all) of pathogen attachment. A kinetic model for the binding is proposed and verified. The observed binding rate constant was found to be in the range of 0.051-0.166 min(-1). The significance of the results we report is that the modified PEMC sensors have high mass sensitivity that pathogens can be detected at very low concentration under liquid immersion conditions.

Effects of geometry on transmission and sensing potential of tapered fiber sensors

Geometry of tapered fiber sensors critically affects the response of an evanescent field sensor to cell suspensions. Single-mode fibers (nominally at 1300 nm) were tapered to symmetric or asymmetric tapers with diameters in the range of 3-20 microm, and overall lengths of 1-7 mm. Their transmission characteristics in air, water and in the presence of Escherichia coli (JM101 strain) at concentrations of 100, 1000, 7000 and 7 million cells/mL were measured in the 400-800 nm range and gave rich spectral data that lead to the following conclusions. (1) No change in transmission was observed due to E. coli with tapers that showed no relative change in transmission in water compared to air. (2) Tapers that exhibited a significant difference in transmission in water compared to air gave weak response to the presence of the E. coli. Of these, tapers with low waist diameters (6 microm) showed sensitivity to E. coli at 7000 cells/mL and higher concentration. (3) Tapers that showed modest difference in water transmission compared to air, and those that had small waist diameters gave excellent response to E. coli at 100-7000 cells/mL. In addition, mathematical modeling showed that: (1) at low wavelength (470 nm) and small waist diameter (6 microm), transmission with water in the waist region is higher than in air. (2) Small changes in waist diameter (approximately 0.05 microm) can cause larger changes in transmission at 470 nm than at 550 nm at waist diameter of 6 microm. (3) For the same overall geometry, a 5.5 microm diameter taper showed larger refractive index sensitivity compared to a 6.25 microm taper at 470 nm.

Use of Piezoelectric-Excited Millimeter-Sized Cantilever Sensors To Measure Albumin Interaction with Self-Assembled Monolayers of Alkanethiols Having Different Functional Headgroups

In this paper, we describe a new modality of measuring human serum albumin (HSA) adsorption continuously on CH3-, COOH-, and OH-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of C11-alkanethiols and the direct quantification of the adsorbed amount. A gold-coated piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensor of 6-mm2 sensing area was fabricated, where resonant frequency decreases upon mass increase. The resonant frequency in air of the detection peak was 45.5 +/- 0.01 kHz. SAMs of C11-thiols (in absolute ethanol) with different end groups was prepared on the PEMC sensor and then exposed to buffer solution containing HSA at 10 microg/mL. The resonant frequency decreased exponentially and reached a steady-state value within 30 min. The decrease in resonant frequency indicates that the mass of the sensor increased due to HSA adsorption onto the SAM layer. The frequency change obtained for the HSA adsorption on CH3-, COOH-, and OH-terminated SAM were 520.8 +/- 8.6 (n = 3), 290.4 +/- 6.1 (n = 2), and 210.6 +/- 8.1 Hz (n = 3), respectively. These results confirm prior conclusions that albumin adsorption decreased in the order, CH(3) > COOH > OH. Observed binding rate constants were 0.163 +/- 0.003, 0.248 +/- 0.006, and 0.381 +/- 0.001 min(-1), for methyl, carboxylic, and hydroxyl end groups, respectively. The significance of the results reported here is that both the formation of self-assembled monolayers and adsorption of serum protein onto the formed layer can be measured continuously, and quantification of the adsorbed amount can be determined directly.

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors detect Bacillus anthracis at 300spores/mL

Piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors consisting of a piezoelectric and a borosilicate glass layer with a sensing area of 2.48 mm2 were fabricated. Antibody specific to Bacillus anthracis (BA, Sterne strain 7702) spores was immobilized on PEMC sensors, and exposed to spores (300 to 3x10(6) spores/mL). The resonant frequency decreased at a rate proportional to the spore concentration and reached a steady state frequency change of 5+/-5 Hz (n=3), 92+/-7 Hz (n=3), 500+/-10 Hz (n=3), 1030+/-10 Hz (n=2), and 2696+/-6 Hz (n=2) corresponding to 0, 3x10(2), 3x10(3), 3x10(4), and 3x10(6) spores/mL, respectively. The reduction in resonant frequency is proportional to the change in cantilever mass, and thus the observed changes are due to the attachment of spores on the sensor surface. Selectivity of the antibody-functionalized sensor was determined with samples of BA (3x10(6)/mL) mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT; 1.5x10(9)/mL) in various volume ratios that yielded BA:BT ratios of 1:0, 1:125, 1:250, 1:500 and 0:1. The corresponding resonance frequency decreases were, respectively, 2345, 1980, 1310, 704 and 10 Hz. Sample containing 100% BT spores (1.5x10(9)/mL and no BA) gave a steady state frequency decrease of 10 Hz, which is within noise level of the sensor, indicating excellent selectivity. The observed binding rate constant for the pure BA and BT-containing samples ranged from 0.105 to 0.043 min-1 in the spore concentration range 300 to 3x10(6)/mL. These results show that detection of B. anthracis spore at a very low concentration (300 spores/mL) and with high selectivity in presence of another Bacillus spore (BT) can be accomplished using piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever sensors.

Measuring bacterial growth by tapered fiber and changes in evanescent field

Single mode continuous tapered fibers were fabricated with waist diameters of 6-8 microm and of 11 mm waist lengths. The tapered surface was coated with poly-l-lysine and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (JM 101) expressing green fluorescent protein was immobilized. Growth of this culture at 22 and 32 degrees C was monitored by 480 nm light transmission through the tapered fiber. Change in transmission is a measure of change in absorption of the evanescent field. The transmission decreased exponentially with cell growth on the tapered surface. Growth rate was determined and compared favorably with cells grown on the same medium in multiwell plates. Significance of the results is that a tapered fiber sensor can be used effectively for rapid assessment to determine the presence of bacteria by growth.

Monitoring of the self-assembled monolayer of 1-hexadecanethiol on a gold surface at nanomolar concentration using a piezo-excited millimeter-sized cantilever sensor

In this paper, we describe a new method of measuring alkanethiol monolayer formation on a gold surface. A gold-coated millimeter-sized rectangular-shaped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) cantilever of dimensions 3.5 x 2 x 0.05 mm, previously shown to detect a picogram level of mass change, was used to measure the adsorption kinetics of 1-hexadecanethiol in ethanol over six orders of concentration range (1 nM to 10 mM) in real time. The flexural mode of cantilever vibration, 45.5 +/- 0.01 kHz, was monitored during the self-assembly. The total resonant frequency change obtained for the 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 microM, 4 mM, 8 mM, and 10 mM thiol concentrations were 116 +/- 2 (n = 2), 225 (n = 1), 270 +/- 10 (n = 2), 440 +/- 10 (n = 2), 900 +/- 10 (n = 2), 900 +/- 10 (n = 2), and 900 +/- 10 (n = 2) Hz, respectively. These results compare favorably to literature results in that the rate of the monolayer formation is concentration-dependent and the exponential change during adsorption follows the reversible first-order Langmuir kinetic model. The rate constants of adsorption and desorption were 0.061 M(-1) s(-1) and 3.61 x 10(-4) s(-1), respectively. The significance of the results is that millimeter-sized PZT cantilevers can be used in real-time for characterizing self-assembly of monolayer formation at nanomolar concentration levels. In addition, at 1 nM, the adsorption was found not to be diffusion limited.

Detection of pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 AT 70cells/mL using antibody-immobilized biconical tapered fiber sensors

Optical fibers (core diameter 8 microm, cladding diameter 125 microm) was tapered to a waist diameter in the range of 8-12 microm, and then a monoclonal antibody to the pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7 was covalently bonded to the surface of the tapered region. Using 470 nm light, the taper was exposed to various concentrations (7 x 10(7), 7 x 10(5), 7 x 10(3), and 70 cells/mL) of the pathogen, and the sensor showed changes in transmitted light as the antigen attached to the antibody on the taper surface. The response was equal and opposite when the pathogen was released from the surface using a low pH buffer. The magnitude of the change was inversely proportional to the concentration of the pathogen. The sensor showed good sensitivity at as low a concentration as 70 cells/mL. The antibody-immobilized taper sensor was also exposed to a mixture of the pathogen and a non-pathogenic variant (JM101) at 0%, 50% and 70% by concentration. The sensor showed good selectivity to the pathogenic antigen. A first order attachment kinetic model is proposed to quantify the rate of attachment of pathogen to the sensor surface. The kinetic rate constant (k) of E. coli O157:H7 to the fiber was found to vary in the range of (2.5-6.1) x 10(-9) min(-1) (cells/mL)(-1).

Detection and quantification of proteins using self-excited PZT-glass millimeter-sized cantilever

A composite self-excited PZT-glass cantilever (4mm in length and 2mm wide) was fabricated and used to measure the binding and unbinding of model proteins. A key feature of the cantilever is that its resonant frequency is dependent on its mass. The fabricated cantilever has mass change sensitivity in liquid of 7.2 x 10(-11)g/Hz. Resonant frequency change was measured as protein reacted or bound with the sensing glass cantilever surface. Protein concentrations, 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL, which resulted in nanogram mass change were successfully detected. The mass change sensitivity gave a total mass change of 54+/-0.45 ng for the binding of anti-rabbit IgG (biotin conjugated) to rabbit IgG immobilized cantilever and the subsequent binding of captavidin. The unbinding of anti-rabbit IgG and captavidin gave a total mass change of 54+/-1.70 ng. Fluorescence based assays showed the combined mass of both proteins in the released samples was 54+/-2.24 ng. The binding kinetics of the model proteins is modeled as first order. The initial binding rate constant of anti-rabbit IgG to rabbit IgG was 1.36+/-0.02(min(mg/mL))(-1). The initial binding rate constant of captavidin to biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG was (2.57 x 10(-1))+/-0.003(min(mg/mL))(-1). The significance of the results we report here is that millimeter-sized PZT-actuated glass cantilevers have the sensitivity to measure in real-time protein-protein binding, and the binding rate constant.

Detection of pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 using self-excited PZT-glass microcantilevers

Composite self-excited PZT-glass cantilevers (5 and 3 mm in length, 1.8 and 2.0 mm wide) were fabricated and their resonance characteristics were determined in air and at 1 mm liquid immersion. In air, resonance occurred at 65.8 and 63.4 kHz for the two cantilevers used in this paper. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific to the pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 was immobilized at the cantilever glass tip, and then exposed to pathogen in the concentration range of 7x10(2) to 7x10(7)bacteria/mL. Resonance of the second mode decreased due to pathogen attachment in accordance with a proposed kinetic model. The specific attachment rate constant was found to be 3x10(-9) to 5x10(-9) min-1 (cell/mL)-1. Exposure to a mixed population containing both a pathogenic and non-pathogenic strain showed that the antibody-immobilized cantilever is highly selective, thus demonstrating its usefulness for detecting water-borne pathogens.

Protein response of insect cells to bioreactor environmental stresses

Protein expression of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells was characterized upon exposure to environmental stresses typically present in bioreactors including heat shock, oxygen deprivation, shear stress, change of pH, and salinity or ethanol shock. This study fills the void in knowledge as to how bioreactor hydrodynamics, anoxia, small changes in pH as well as salinity alterations due to pH control or exposure to ethanol used in asepsis treatments affect protein expression in Sf9 cells. Heat shock at 43 degrees C induced proteins at 83 kDa, 68-78 kDa and six small heat shock proteins (hsps) at 23-15.5 kDa. Anaerobic conditions in CO2 atmosphere reduced significantly the normal protein synthesis and induced a small subset of heat shock proteins at 70 kDa. Oxygen deprivation in nitrogen atmosphere transiently induces the 70 kDa proteins and had minor effects on the normal protein synthesis. Exposure to increased salinity or ethanol concentration failed to trigger the stress response, but may extensively inhibit the induction of normal proteins even though there was a negligible change in cell viability. Shear stress that had a major reducing effect on cell viability did not change the protein synthesis profile of Sf9 cells. Both long and short term exposures to small pH changes had negligible effects on protein synthesis.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 Detection Limit of Millimeter-Sized PZT Cantilever Sensors is 700 Cells/mL

A composite self-excited millimeter-sized lead zirconate titanate (PZT) glass cantilever (2 mm x 1.8 mm; sensing area of 6 mm2) was fabricated for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. The fundamental and second mode resonance in air was 10.95 +/- 0.05 kHz and 43.45 +/- 0.05 kHz, respectively. Affinity purified monoclonal antibody (anti-E. coli O157:H7) specific to the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 was immobilized at the cantilever glass tip, and then immersed in liquid containing the pathogen (70 to 7 x 10(7) cells/mL). The resonant frequency showed a reduction and reached a steady state shift of 0 +/- 5, 46 +/- 5, 260 +/- 5, and 1010 +/- 5 Hz corresponding to 0, 700, 7000, and 7 x 10(7) cells/mL. From the experiments conducted, the detection limit of the sensor was 700 cells/mL.

Decolorization of the dye, Reactive Blue 19, using ozonation, ultrasound, and ultrasound-enhanced ozonation

Reactive dyes constitute a significant portion of colorants used in industries ranging from the textile industry to the paper industry. In most cases, the effluent streams from textile plants are highly colored, and treatment methods for dye decolorization such as chemical oxidation need to be explored. The oxidation processes investigated in this study are those of ozonation, ultrasound, and ultrasound-enhanced ozonation. The oxidation of an anthraquinone dye was studied under conditions of varying ultrasonic power, dye concentration, ozone concentration, pH, and temperature. Laboratory experiments were performed using a semibatch reactor by ozonating dye samples with and without ultrasound. Under conditions of constant ultrasonic radiation and continuous gas application, decolorization rates have been enhanced by ultrasound. The apparent first-order rate constants increased between 35 and 204% for the ultrasonic power inputs between 40 W/L and 120 W/L compared with ozonation alone. The effects of ultrasonic power input on the gas-liquid mass-transfer coefficient were also investigated and the results indicate that an increase in ultrasonic power input increases the mass-transfer coefficient. The mass-transfer coefficient increased between 89 and 93% for ozone inlet concentrations between 5.4 and 9.4 mg/L at an ultrasonic power of 120 W/L compared with ozonation alone. The reactions of the dye with ultrasound-enhanced ozone occurred through the hydroxyl radical pathway.

A rapid method for measuring intracellular pH using BCECF-AM

A rapid intracellular pH (pH(i)) measurement method based on initial rate of increase of fluorescence ratio of 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein upon dye addition to a cell suspension in growth medium is reported. A dye transport model that describes dye concentration and fluorescence values in intracellular and extracellular spaces provides the mathematical basis for the approach. Experimental results of ammonium chloride challenge response of the two suspension cells, Spodoptera frugiperda and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, successfully compared with results obtained using traditional perfusion method. Since the cell suspension does not require any preparation, measurement of pH(i) can be completed in about 1 min minimizing any potential errors due to dye leakage.

Multi-rate nonlinear state and parameter estimation in a bioreactor

This paper concerns real-time, multi-rate, nonlinear state and parameter estimation in a pilot-scale biochemical reactor in which cultivation of mouse-mouse hybridoma cells takes place. A multi-rate estimator is designed and implemented to estimate specific growth rate and concentrations of viable cells, total cells, glucose, glutamine, and monoclonal antibodies (MAb) in the reactor. These are estimated from frequent measurement (inferred values) of oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and infrequent and delayed measurements of the concentrations of viable cells, total cells, glucose, glutamine, and MAb. The infrequent measurements are available every 2 to 17 h with a time delay of 0.08 to 2.00 h, and OUR is inferred from dissolved oxygen concentration measurements that are available very 0.17 h. For each of the process variables, its infrequent measurement data and the profile of its estimate are presented to show the performance of the multi-rate estimator.