Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K) have developed a unique sensor that can identify E.coli and similar bacterial infections in water and food in less than 15-20 minutes. Usually, traditional lab experiments depend on the increase of the bacteria within the specimen, and it could last as long as several days.
A physicist at IIT-K, Saurabh Mani Tripathi, believes that the fast reply time for suitable detection and following remedy of bacterial infection, which is one of the biggest causes of death, is much needed.
The device was produced with the help of researchers at Photonics Research Centre at the University of Quebec. It works over extended temperature ranges to swiftly and cost-effectively recognize the possibly deadly E. coli.
The new sensor uses viruses that can quickly kill bacteria called bacteriophages. The viruses are chained to the exterior of an optical fiber. By grabbing the E.coli bacteria from a specimen, it keeps them attached. If a ray of light hits the surface, it signals bacterial contamination if E. coli is present.
Because the temperature variations can modify the characteristics of the materials, if the sensors are created to work at a proper temperature, if specimens get much colder or hotter, they will present inaccurate results.
However, the scientist discovered that by attaching an extra optical component it would cancel out temperature-induced variations.
Their device is temperature insensitive going up to 40-degrees Celsius from room temperature. The temperature range makes the device perfect for observing water reservoirs, for example.
E.coli is a bacteria usually encountered in foods, the environment, and intestines of animals. It is a wide and distinct group of bacteria. Though most strains of E. coli are inoffensive, some create a toxin that makes people sick.
A scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Saurabh Mani Tripathi, said that pathology labs and food industry laboratories could be two of the users of the new sensor. By adjusting the bacteriophage, the sensor can identify other strains of bacteria.
Collaborating with the Security and Protection International, Inc., the study group follows the commercialization of their invention. Despite the fact that it is tough to determine a value at this moment, researchers hope they will be ready to bring forth their portable device to users for a few thousand dollars.
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