Data from: Surface Acoustic Wave-based Lab-On-a-Chip for the fast detection of Legionella pneumophila in water

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) -based immuno-biosensors are used for several
applications, thanks to their versatility and faster response than
conventional analytical methods. SAW immuno-biosensors can be usefully
applied to promptly detect bacteria and prevent bacterial infections that
can lead to severe diseases. Here, we present a SAW immuno-biosensor to
detect Legionella pneumophila in water. Our device, working at ultra-high
frequency (740 MHz), is functionalized with an anti-L. pneumophila
antibody to maximize the specificity. We report the characteristic curve
of the sensor, calculated measuring bacterial samples at known densities,
and its related parameters. We also measure L. pneumophila samples
contaminated with different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial
species (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium) and samples diluted in
mains waters. The proposed device is able to detect L. pneumophila in the
range from 1×106 to 1×108 CFU/mL, with a limit of blank of 1.22×106 CFU/mL
and a limit of detection of 2.01×106 CFU/mL. The nonspecific signal due to
contaminant bacteria is very limited and measurements of L. pneumophila
are not affected by contamination. We obtain a good detection also in
mains water, representing a realistic matrix for L. pneumophila. Our
results are encouraging and pave the way to the use of fast, easy-to-use,
reliable and precise sensors to prevent bacterial infections in human
activities.