Electrochemical magneto-immunosensing of Salmonella based on nano and micro-sized magnetic particles

A very simple and rapid method for the detection of S. enterica is reported. In this approach, the bacteria were captured and preconcentrated with magnetic particles through an immunological reaction. A second polyclonal antibody labeled with peroxidase was used for the electrochemical immunosensing based on a magneto-electrode. Different nano and micro-sized magnetic particles were evaluated in this approach. The 'IMS/m-GEC electrochemical immunosensing' system shows a limit of detection of 5×104 and 1×104 CFU mL−1 in BHI culturing media when micro and nanoparticles are used respectively. These LOD were achieved in a total assay time of 1 h without any previous culturing preenrichment step. Moreover, this system was able to clearly distinguish between food pathogenic bacteria such as S. enterica and E. coli. The features of this approach were discussed and compared with conventional culture methods.