Lectin biosensors:an alternative tool for pathogen identification

Abstract

As there is a growing need for rapid, accurate and sensitive detection methods for pathogens use of biosensor is the best alternative tool for the same. Conventional methods for the microbial identification are sensitive but they usually require a long time for detection. Many of the new highly sensitive methods such as mass spectrometry and PCR based analysis require careful sample preparation and are also (rather) time consuming. Lectin are heterogenous class of proteins and glycoproteins that generally possess multiple subunits and have at least one oligosaccharide binding site per subunit. Several lectins are commercially available and their stability in standard buffers is better compared to monoclonal antibodies. Major advantage of using lectin is that the antibody can only be used to detect that antigen particularly while lectin as low affinity molecule may bind several different pathogens. The ability of lectin to react with microbial glycoconjugates means that it is possible to employ them as probes and sorbents for whole cells, and it makes them useful tools for identification or typing bacteria. Lectins are attractive reagents for the clinical diagnostic laboratory because of their diverse specificities, commercial availability, a wide range of molecular weight and their stability in standard buffers. The construction of lectin biosensors could be an advantageous method for detection of pathogenic bacteria.