BACTERIEAU

Monitoring of fecal pollution and protection of water resources, of drinking and bathing waters (fresh and salt water ecosystems) is one of the cornerstones of environmental protection in Europe. Escherichia coli is considered as one of the best indicator of microbiological quality of water, and has been used to predict the risks of gastro-enteritis for bathers among either marine and freshwaters. Current technologies for water-quality monitoring are based on frequent sampling, time consuming, labor-intensive and require extensive training. Therefore, the development of reliable, portable, rapid and cost effective analytical methods for monitoring microbial numbers in water is a critical public health issue. BACTERI’EAU aims to develop a new microfluidic and multiparametric device using an innovative electrochemical immunosensor based on carbohydrates for highly specific detection of E. coli in water to monitor in situ and in real time (30 minutes) bacteriological quality of water. Two sensors will be developed and integrated on the chip: one targeting total E. coli and the other clinically-relevant pathogenic E. coli (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). This solution will be easy of use, mobile or in-line for recurrent analysis (monitoring), allow low cost analysis and have a sensitivity below 100 CFU/100 mL (as required by the regulation for bathing water) allowing quantification between 100 and 2000 CFU/100mL. BACTERI’EAU will thus allow answering agrifood, environmental (e.g. recreative water, shellfish) and industrial processes (picking up environmental water) monitoring key issues. BACTERI’EAU is public-private collaborative project associating two academic teams and two SME with needed skills and know-how on organic synthesis, electrochemical sensing, surface modifications, microfluidic, microbiology, and an end-users committee. This project directly addresses the challenge #1 of the ANR call 2016, axis 3 “Health - Environment”.