Capture antibody targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (CAT-FISH): dual labeling allows for increased specificity in complex samples.

Pathogen detection using biosensors is commonly limited due to the need for sensitivity and specificity in detecting targets within mixed populations. These issues were addressed through development of a dual labeling method that allows for both liquid-phase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and capture antibody targeted detection (CAT-FISH). CAT-FISH was developed using Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus as representative bacteria, and processing techniques were evaluated with regard to FISH intensities and antibody recognition.

Same-day detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from spinach by using electrochemiluminescent and cytometric bead array biosensors.

Contamination of fresh produce with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other pathogens commonly causes food-borne illness and disease outbreaks. Thus, screening for pathogens is warranted, but improved testing procedures are needed to allow reproducible same-day detection of low initial contamination levels on perishable foods, and methods for detecting numerous pathogens in a single test are desired. Experimental procedures were developed to enable rapid screening of spinach for E.

Removal of sediment and bacteria from water using green chemistry.

Although nearly all newly derived water purification methods have improved the water quality in developing countries, few have been accepted and maintained for long-term use. Field studies indicate that the most beneficial methods use indigenous resources, as they are both accessible and accepted by communities they help. In an effort to implement a material that will meet community needs, two fractions of mucilage gum were extracted from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus and tested as flocculation agents against sediment and bacterial contamination.