A UW-Madison researcher previously developed an inexpensive real-time wireless microsensor for detecting biological agents in water supply networks and other aqueous environments such as the milk supply. In that sensor multiple membranes were needed to estimate the concentration of a target agent because each membrane could only function as an on/off switch. UW-Madison researchers have now developed an improved sensor that requires only one membrane to determine target concentration. The membrane is fabricated from a polymeric material that dissolves when exposed to a particular biological agent. To detect the agent the membrane is contacted with a sample of fluid. If the target bioagent is present in the fluid the membrane dissolves at a speed dependent on the concentration of the agent. A beam of light with a specific wavelength is passed through the membrane to determine the degree of dissolution and a detector generates an output voltage in response to the intensity of light transmitted. The change in voltage can be monitored to determine the concentration of the target agent.Technology Applications:•Detecting the presence and concentration of biological agents in liquids such as water or milk
-Sensor is small portable and capable of delivering an accurate result in less than five minutes.-Highly sensitive and selective-Inexpensive to manufacture-Provides continuous monitoring of an environment