Biofunctionalization of a biosensor for an improved detection of Staphylococcus aureus

Nosocomial infections due to the Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a real nuisance in hospitals all around the world nowadays, and their early detection is a real challenge. For these reasons, portable devices performing a quick analysis are needed to detect the MRSA. Biosensors are then perceived as a tool of choice [1]. Biosensors use different types of transducer (electrical, optical, mass-based, magnetic,...) whose surface is grafted with biorecognition elements (antibodies, DNA, enzymes,...) to ensure the detection [2]. Yet, there remains the problem of the binding of these elements. Indeed, they are simply physisorbed on the surface in a small quantity with an uncertain orientation and a probable loss of functionality. To solve this problem, the efficiency of three biofunctionalization protocols was compared. The protocols were used to covalently bind anti-MRSA antibodies to different surfaces of alumina, thus improving the capture of MRSA on a biosensor’s surface