Multi-Modal Intagrated Analysis for Biodefence – AMMIB

This project aims to develop an original concept of highly specific biosensor, including a microfluidic system and combining two detection modes : optical and magnetic, using also magnetic nanoparticles bio-functionnalized with antibodies.
We intend in this project to open several scientific lock-ups with the final purpose of obtaining an microfluidic integrated system, further usable on field, using nanoparticles. The proposed system aims to improve analysis and detection capabilities in the field or biological risks (axis No. 7 of the present call for proposals)
We propose for this project to use immuno-functionnalized magnetic nanoparticles. The advantages of immuno-functionnalized magnetic nanoparticles (NP) are that they enable the possibility (i) to be used easily in a microfluidic system, (ii) to specifically capture or extract easily the target (molecule or pathogen) in a large volume, (iii) to further preconcentrate magnetically the captured target-NP complex in the vicinity of the sensors, (iv) to be detected with a high sensitivity by sensors that are able to measure variations in light reflectivity and in the magnetic field induced by the presence of the surface bound NP. Furthermore, these NP can be easily eliminated when the magnetic field is switched off, allowing for further reuse of the analytical platform.
The salient novelty of this project lays on the double use of the nanoparticles magnetic properties (for preconcentration and detection) and of the trapped NPs optical properties in the biosensor in a unique microfluidic integrated system, thus allowing a fast redundant analysis for the false positive elimination, and further reductible in a handheld device.
This interdisciplinary project, based upon biologic matching has capability to be applied to the detection of a wide range of proteins, of microorganisms such a virus and bacteria. We have chosen to target this project on the detection of microorganisms (bacillus atrophaeus) and of proteins (ovalbumin) used as models in the bio defence context.