Gastrointestinal Microbial-Detector Biosensor (GMDB) For Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in a Single Test; A Hypothesis
Amir Hashem Shahidi Bonjar

Abstract
Gastrointestinal microbial-detector biosensor (GMDB) is a proposed design of a new biosensor for detecting multiple microbial targets in microbial flora of gastrointestinal tract. A novel immunoassay for the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens and saprophytes is described in this study. GMDB would reveal the qualitative spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) microorganisms. The approach has the potential for miniaturization of immunoassays. The proposed procedure is that GMDB would be swallowed by the patient; in its pathway throughout gastrointestinal tract, the target microorganisms would adhere specifically to their polyclonal antibodies. Patients would collect GMDB after bowel movement. GMDB would float on surface of toilet water since it has a built in air vesicle which makes it light floating and easy to visualize. The patient will rinse and hand it to laboratory for further processing. A set of specific conjugated fluorescent monoclonal antibodies is applied to GMDB, incubated for 30 min at 37 C, rinsed and then simply evaluated for fluorescent antibody-antigen reactions by use of a fluorescent light microscope. Qualification of GMDB immunoassays is achieved by measuring the presence of specific fluorescence labels. Positive readings are indicative of the spectrum of microorganism antigens present in GI tract of the tested patient. The assay is able to accurately detect specific antigens at levels similar to those detected by a conventional ELISA. These advances should prove useful in the future development of a miniaturized immunoassay system for use in GI microbial diagnostics. Extended applicability of GMDB would include multiple detection of microorganisms in other types of environments as food, soil, agricultural produce, air and water. GMDB may also offer a solution for some microbial detection challenges in probable biological warfare and bioterrorism activities in the future.

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