Research on microwave measurement methods and biofunctionalized microwave circuits’ design for microbiological sensory purposes.

The goal of the project is to research the novel selective bacteria detection methods with the use of biofunctionalized microelectronic structures in microwave frequency range. The project aims at developing novel biosensors based on microwave measurements of circuits’ properties with specifically bind bacteria species. The microwave sensors have been chosen due to their possible high sensitivity, selectivity and real-time operation. To achieve high sensitivity broadband measurements of circuits’ parameters, i.e. transmission-line impedances, and propagating constants are to be considered. The enhancement of detection results from the analysis of frequency dispersion of the measured parameters, which has been already preliminary verified by the authors of the project, and published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics journal, by measurements of capacitive sensors’ properties with bind adhesin-LPS of E. coli B bacteria. Within this project to ensure the high selectivity to the bacteria, their identification will be assessed by using specific LPS-recognition-molecules: LPS-binding proteins and antibodies which recognize the LPS molecules of bacteria surface. As a result the bacteria to be detected will be bind to sensor’s surface allowing for reliable measurements. The research within the project will be focused on the detection of the Gram-negative bacteria especially E. coli, however, the developed methods can be further utilized for the detection of other bacteria types upon change of the specific LPS-binding proteins. The developed methods can be applied to improve bacteria detection in clinical diagnosis, food analysis, bioprocess and environmental monitoring. Traditional methods are time consuming, laborious and require specialized measurement equipment. Therefore, it is justified to investigate the novel biosensors based on sensitive biological elements and microwave circuits. The approach proposed by the authors of the project will allow for developing of a novel and potentially very useful methods for realization of unique and cheap diagnostic techniques.