Sensitive immunoassay-based detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus using capture and labeling particles in a stationary liquid phase lab-on-a-chip

In the present study, a method was developed for detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus based on a stationary liquid phase lab-on-a-chip (SLP LOC). The present SLP LOC comprises a sample chamber, washing chamber, and detection chamber connected by two channels. The method utilizes two types of particles: capture particles (CPs), which are magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with antibody; and labeling particles (LPs), which are silica nanoparticles functionalized with horseradish peroxidase and antibody. Samples were added to the sample chamber with CPs and LPs, forming a CP-bacteria-LP complex, and the complex was transported to the detection chamber containing chromogenic substrate solution. The method allowed the detection of V. parahaemolyticus in the range of 101-105 cfu within 45 min. Additionally, contamination of oyster samples with V. parahaemolyticus was detected within 2.5 h, including 2 h of culturing. The present method has the advantage of being highly rapid and facile, and enabling the detection of bacteria with high sensitivity. Moreover, the LOC and LOC processing device used in this method possess simple structures, making the detection process economical and allowing miniaturization. Therefore, the present SLP LOC detection method is potentially useful for in situ determination of food safety.