Using Aptasensors for Point Source Detection of Priority Pollutants

Session: 15. - Environmental 'omics: New Tools for Aquatic Ecosystem Science and Management

Aaron Witham, Environmental Bio-detection Products Inc. (EBPI), [email protected]
Richard Manderville, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Will Lush, EBPI, [email protected]

Abstract

Aptamers are short single-stranded oligonucleotides (pieces of DNA/RNA) that possess high binding affinities for specific molecular targets. Often compared to antibodies due to their similar applications and capabilities, aptamers possess a number of advantages as molecular recognition elements that promotes their use in biosensing applications by utilizing target-induced conformational changes and covalent signalling modifications to detect and capture a variety of molecules. EBPI has been working to construct portable sensors that employ aptamer technology for environmental targets of concern by implementing chemically integrated fluorescent switches and portable fluorimeters to produce a field deployable test platform for contaminants in water samples. Development of a prototype platform based on our current proof-of-concept has demonstrated sensitive detection of proteins, small organic molecules and heavy metals in clean water samples. Recently, the platform has been investigated to detect the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MCLR), an important indicator of toxic potential from bloom events, that has been highlighted by the EPA as a priority toxin of interest from blue green algae in drinking water monitoring. By taking advantage of known DNA aptamers and novel fluoresencent detection capabilities, EBPI has created an inexpensive bio-sensing platform that can be used to detect pollutants of interest quantitatively, in real time and can be adapted rapidly to detect any molecule of emerging concern in the water industry. 

1. Keyword
algae

2. Keyword
bioindicators

3. Keyword
Microcystis

4. Additional Keyword
aptasensors

5. Additional Keyword
DNA

6. Additional Keyword
Water testing