Inspired by state-of-the-art methods used in biomedical research, our approach provides not only a basic analysis of microbial contamination in water but a powerful diagnosis and forecasting tool of the water quality in a context of environmental risk assessment.
How it works…
A so-called biosensor consists of genetic materials fixed on a solid substrate that bind specifically free genetic elements extracted from the water sample.
Our biosensors are designed to “capture” ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of pre-defined microalgae or cyanobacteria species known to produce toxins.
Following an ELISA* sandwich hybridization assay (SHA), a second genetic probe, free and coupled with an enzymatic activity recognizes and binds as well to the sampled rRNA previously captured, forming a triplet (see Figure).
By adding substrate, we detect the desired enzymatic reaction that induces a colorimetric signal proportional to the quantity of sampled rRNA. Interpolation of data using a calibration step is used to finally estimate the activity of the considered micro-organism(s).
*enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay