Handheld Biosensing Device Could Help Prevent Spread Of Pathogenic Bacteria

Scientists whose passion is early detection of pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella before it spreads have come up with a novel design for a real-time, hand-held biosensing device. The device is unique because it uses a magneto-elastic biosensor that is low-cost and based on wireless acoustic wave technology combined with a surface-scanning coil detector. The biosensors are coated with a bacteria-specific recognition layer containing particles of a virus that naturally recognizes bacteria. The new system – the U.S. creators are seeking a patent – is a handheld device that can be passed over food to determine if its surface is contaminated.