Biomedical subjects

I Tothill

Publications and source records attributed to I Tothill.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

DNA arrays, electronic noses and tongues, biosensors and receptors for rapid detection of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins: a review.

This paper presents an overview of how microsystem technology tools can be applied to the development of rapid, out-of-laboratory measurement capabilities for the determinations of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in foodstuffs. Most of the topics discussed are all under investigation within the European Commission-sponsored project Good-Food (FP6-IST). These are DNA arrays, electronic noses and electronic tongues for the detection of fungal contaminants in feed, and biosensors and chemical sensors based on microfabricated electrode systems, antibodies and novel synthetic receptors for the detection of specific mycotoxins. The approach to resolution of these difficult measurement problems in real matrices requires a multidisciplinary approach. The technology tools discussed can provide a route to the rapid, on-site generation of data that can aid the safe production of high-quality foodstuffs.

Biosensing Techniques↗

PubMed2004

Surface plasmon resonance sensor for domoic acid based on grafted imprinted polymer.

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film for domoic acid (DA) was synthesised by direct photo-grafting onto a gold chip suitable for a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based bioanalytical instrument system, the BIAcore 3000. The gold surface was first functionalised with a self-assembled monolayer of 2-mercaptoethylamine and subsequent carbodiimide chemistry was performed for covalent attachment of the photoinitiator, 4,4'-azobis(cyanovaleric acid). This ensured that the formation of the MIP thin film, comprising 2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker, occurred only at the surface level. Optimisation and control over the grafting procedure were achieved using contact angle measurements and atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging. The surface grafting resulted in the formation of thin and homogeneous MIP film with thickness of 40 nm. A competitive binding assay was performed with free DA and its conjugate with horseradish peroxidase, which was used as a refractive label. The sensor was evaluated for its sensitivity, cross-reactivity, and robustness by using a BIAcore 3000. Likewise, monoclonal antibodies acting as natural receptors for the toxin were studied with the same BIAcore system. Results of a comparison between the artificial and natural receptors are reported. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies, the regeneration of MIP chip did not affect its recognition properties and continuous measurement was possible over a period of at least 2 months.

Biosensing Techniques↗

PubMed1996

Microbial detection.

There is a widespread need for commercial instrumentation for the rapid and inexpensive detection of microbial contamination of food, industrial waste water and clinical samples. A large number of detection methods have been developed utilizing the optical, electrochemical, biochemical and physical properties of microorganisms. The need for a device which can produce a rapid, accurate, sensitive, real-time analysis for clinical, industrial and environmental applications has led to considerable progress being achieved in recent years in the development of biosensors for microbial detection. This intense research has resulted in the commercialization of several instruments. Techniques used for the quantification of microorganisms are reviewed under the general categories of non-bioelectrochemical and bioelectrochemical methods.

Bacteriological Techniques↗