Fast-Acting, Portable, Wireless Aquatic Pathogen Sensor

Allows Hobbyists to Detect Pathogens Without Regulatory Oversight

Invention

This sensor detects harmful pathogens threatening the world’s oyster fisheries and the overall aquaculture industry. Perkinsus species protozoans kill oysters, resulting in damage to the environment and economic losses to the shellfish industry. Perkinsus marinus has wreaked havoc in East Coast oyster farming. Olseni has been found in ornamental aquaculture imported to Florida. While industrial aquaculture is regulated at the global, national, state and local levels, ornamental aquaculture is not. Aquarium hobbyists have no requirement or method to test for pathogens before dumping their ornamental seascapes into the environment. University of Florida researchers have developed a new sensor that several hundred thousand hobbyists who lack expertise could use. The tests, now used in professional or institutional settings, take several days and require samples to be transported to a laboratory. In large-scale commercial applications, the new UF sensor could verify on site, in only a few seconds, that a shellfish shipment, whether it is food or decoration, contains Perkinsus pathogens. The test has worldwide potential as a first-level method for detecting Perkinsus pathogens, and modifications could easily expand the method to other pathogens such as Vibrio that pose a danger to human health.

Applications

Portable, wireless aquatic pathogen sensor for use in private homes, industry and research

Advantages

• Allows on-site sensor readings, reducing costs to only a fraction of those associated with labor-intensive, time-consuming laboratory testing
• Transported easily due to small size, adding boats and other locations to possible uses
• Transmits results wirelessly, allowing remote use in areas without electrical outlets
• Tests without a laboratory, eliminating regulatory oversight

Technology

The sensor, coated with Perkinsus antibodies, uses functionalized high-mobility electron transistors to detect the presence of aquatic pathogens. Coating the sensor with antibodies or antigens associated with other pathogens such as Vibrio would allow the sensor to test for those pathogens as well. The sensor runs on a portable or embedded power supply and transmits results wirelessly. A positive result would trigger more elaborate testing for confirmation of the presence of pathogens.