Janus Emulsions for the Detection of Bacteria

Qifan Zhang, Suchol Savagatrup, Paulina Kaplonek, Peter H. Seeberger, Timothy M. Swager

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

81 Scopus citations

Abstract

Janus emulsion assays that rely on carbohydrate-lectin binding for the detection of Escherichia coli bacteria are described. Surfactants containing mannose are self-assembled at the surface of Janus droplets to produce particles with lectin binding sites. Janus droplets orient in a vertical direction as a result of the difference in densities between the hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon solvents. Binding of lectin to mannose(s) causes agglutination and a tilted geometry. The distinct optical difference between naturally aligned and agglutinated Janus droplets produces signals that can be detected quantitatively. The Janus emulsion assay sensitively and selectively binds to E. coli at 104 cfu/mL and can be easily prepared with long-time stability. It provides the basis for the development of inexpensive portable devices for fast, on-site pathogen detection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-313
Number of pages5
JournalACS Central Science
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 26 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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