ShareScientists develop a chip to detect Legionelia very quickly
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich claim to have developed a test for quick detection of Legionella bacteria.
The sources of Legionella contamination are hot water distribution systems, evaporative cooling systems such as wet cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and all devices generating small, breathable hot water droplets. For further information, please consult the 18th Informatory Note on Refrigeration Technologies.
According to a recent study published by a team of researchers of the Technical University of Munich in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Legionella represents a serious concern for public health. Developing rapid detection methods could prevent further infection. Until now, a quick test existed but it only serves as a first indication and is not suitable for screening the water of technical systems, according to PD Dr. Michael Seidel, head of the research group at the chair of analytical chemistry and water chemistry of the Technical University of Munich.
A team of researchers led by Catharina Kober has developed a measuring chip called LegioTyper. It contains a microarray of 20 different antibodies. Each one of those binds with a different subtype of Legionella pneumophila, which is the species of Legionella that is responsible for 80 percent of all infections. If any of those subtypes are present in the water sample, it is claimed that the chip will detect their presence within 34 minutes. Chemicals such as luminol and hydrogen peroxide are used to make them show up by causing a chemiluminescence reaction.
According to a recent study published by a team of researchers of the Technical University of Munich in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Legionella represents a serious concern for public health. Developing rapid detection methods could prevent further infection. Until now, a quick test existed but it only serves as a first indication and is not suitable for screening the water of technical systems, according to PD Dr. Michael Seidel, head of the research group at the chair of analytical chemistry and water chemistry of the Technical University of Munich.
A team of researchers led by Catharina Kober has developed a measuring chip called LegioTyper. It contains a microarray of 20 different antibodies. Each one of those binds with a different subtype of Legionella pneumophila, which is the species of Legionella that is responsible for 80 percent of all infections. If any of those subtypes are present in the water sample, it is claimed that the chip will detect their presence within 34 minutes. Chemicals such as luminol and hydrogen peroxide are used to make them show up by causing a chemiluminescence reaction.
Catharina Kober and the LegioType chip © Jonas Bemetz/TUM
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