Abstract

Aims To develop a gel formulation to trigger a visual signal for rapid disclosure of the location and extent of surface contamination with viable Bacillus anthracis spores. Methods and Results Methylumbelliferyl-a-D-glucopyranoside was combined with hyaluronic acid to produce a gel that could be applied to a surface as a coating. It remained hydrated for a sufficient time for a-glucosidase activity present in intact B. anthracis spores to cleave the substrate and release the fluorescent product, methylumbelliferone. The presence of B. anthracis spores could be disclosed at 5 × 104 CFU per reaction test well (0·32 cm2) both visually and using fluorescence detection equipment. Conclusions The disclosure gel provides a rapid, visual response to the presence of B. anthracis spores on a surface. Significance and Impact of the Study The disclosure gel demonstrates the first steps towards the development of a formulation that can provide nonspecialist users with a visual alert to the presence of B. anthracis spores on a surface. It is envisioned that such a formulation would be beneficial in scenarios where exposure to spore release is a risk, and could be used in the initial assessment of equipment to aid prioritization and localized execution of a decontamination strategy.

DOI

10.1111/jam.14226

Publication Date

2019-06-01

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Volume

126

Issue

6

Publisher

Wiley

ISSN

1365-2672

Embargo Period

2024-11-22

First Page

1700

Last Page

1707

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