A novel sensing method for the detection of pharmaceuticals in water – DETECMED

Our solution, based on our single-DNA tethered particle mobility sensor in combination with recognition elements, involves cutting-edge techniques and know how in bionanotechnology, chemistry and immunodetection. DETECMED is particularly interested in the detection and quantification of drug residues. It targets the detection of three substances of interest diclofenac, an analgesic, ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant.

Two of the candidate molecules, carbamazepine and diclofenac, were modified and inserted into the DNA molecules of the biochip and used in the selection process for nanobody-type recognition elements. The measurements demonstrated the feasibility of detecting carbamazepine in pure water and river water using the competition tests considered over a range of concentrations between 10 nM and 1 µM, compatible with water quality standards. The first nanobodies, recognizing carbamazepine or diclofenac, functioning in ELISA as a detection element, were selected

Focused on three particularly relevant substances, our project aimed to develop a generic solution for detecting a wide range of molecules and will pave the way towards a high-performance, affordable broad-spectrum platform for the monitoring of surface waters.

International Conference
Digital sensing of substances in water using a single-DNA biochip L. Salomé, D. Soukarié, C. Tardin, V. Ecochard, S. Serres, J-M Escudier, 3rd International Conference on Analytical and Bioanalytical Methods, Virtual meeting, Octobre 2021

Conferences in France
Détection sensible et rapide de substances dans l’eau basée sur une biopuce à molécules d’ADN uniques. L. Salomé, D. Soukarié, C. Tardin, V. Ecochard, S. Serres, J-M Escudier, 14e congrès international du GRUTTEE, Toulouse, Mars 2022
Détection sensible et rapide de contaminants dans l’eau à l’aide d’une biopuce à molécules d’ADN uniques. L. Salomé. Journée Club AFSEP-Sud Ouest, Toulouse, Mars 2022

Micropollutants, among them pharmaceuticals, represent an alarming concern for water quality due to their toxicity, persistence, and low removal rate by conventional water treatments. The EU parliament pointed to the need for innovative solutions for treatment but also control of those emerging pollutants for which high quality monitoring data are particularly lacking. Here, we propose to develop a sensing method for the specific, rapid and sensitive detection of molecules in water. Our solution, based on our single-DNA tethered particle mobility sensor in combination with engineered recognition elements, involves cutting-edge techniques and know how in bionanotechnology, chemistry and immunodetection. Focused on three particularly relevant substances diclofenac, ciprofloxacin and carbamazepine our project aims at developing a generic solution for the detection of a large panel of molecules and will pave the way towards a versatile platform for the cost-effective monitoring of surface waters.