Bioactive paper
Encyclopedia
Bioactive paper has been developed at the biosensor
stage level, which means it can detect pesticides but is not yet able to repel and deactivate toxins. However, its ability to detect potential hazards is still very beneficial to human health
and safety.
Currently, bioactive paper is a paper-based sensor that can identify various contaminants in food and water. Bioactive paper was developed by Canada’s Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network, a consortium of researchers, industrial and university, partners, and students. The Network is hosted by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario
and is led by Dr. Robert Pelton, scientific director and Dr. George Rosenberg, managing director.
One current application of bioactive paper can be applied to bioterrorism
and food safety
, as it can detect acetylcholinesterase
, or a nerve agent
. With this advancement, bioactive paper has become a product of interest for the military and the packaging industry.
John Brennan and his research team at McMaster University
developed the method to create bioactive paper by printing contaminant-detecting biosensors that are based on combinations of antibodies
, enzyme
s, aptamer
s or bacteriophage
s, onto the structure of the paper. These combinations then attach themselves to pathogens and other contaminants resulting in a detectable response. The biologically active chemicals are in the form of an ‘ink’ that can be printed, coated or impregnated onto or into paper using existing paper-making and high-speed printing processes. This ink is coated in different layers. The ink is similar to that found in a regular computer print cartridge
, but it has special additives that make it biocompatible.
It is made up of biocompatible silica nanoparticles
that are deposited onto the paper first, then another ink containing the enzyme is applied. The bio-ink result forms a thin film of enzyme that is trapped in the silica on the paper.
When the paper is exposed to a toxin, molecules in the ink change colour based on the amount of toxins in the sample.
While bioactive paper is not available to the public yet, it is getting closer to commercialization. The paper will be affordable and portable, with no extra equipment to use it. Bioactive paper also has a good shelf life
. Researchers said the strip could still be used effectively for at least two months when stored properly.
, Salmonella
, Escherichia coli O157:H7
and Listeria monocytogenes. As a result, annual medical expenditures related to these pathogens currently exceed $7 billion US. Consumer education
coupled with reliable and simple pathogen detection in food products offers the best method for dramatically reducing the frequency of occurrence of these illnesses.
A potential product for bioactive paper could be a paper towel
that is used to wipe down potentially contaminated food preparation
surfaces. With one swipe, this paper towel can detect the presence of bacteria.
The most recent development involved being able to detect pesticides on food even after they’ve been washed. This innovation is a benefit to developing countries
that may use banned pesticides on their food because they’re cheaper.
s. Think of the benefits of a bioactive paper strip which, when dipped in small containers of water, can remove pathogens and give the user a colour indication that the water is safe to use.
workers by actively binding viruses and anchoring them to the filter surface which would prevent them from passing through the filter’s pores.
Biosensor
A biosensor is an analytical device for the detection of an analyte that combines a biological component with a physicochemical detector component.It consists of 3 parts:* the sensitive biological element A biosensor is an analytical device for the detection of an analyte that combines a biological...
stage level, which means it can detect pesticides but is not yet able to repel and deactivate toxins. However, its ability to detect potential hazards is still very beneficial to human health
Health
Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
and safety.
Currently, bioactive paper is a paper-based sensor that can identify various contaminants in food and water. Bioactive paper was developed by Canada’s Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network, a consortium of researchers, industrial and university, partners, and students. The Network is hosted by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe...
and is led by Dr. Robert Pelton, scientific director and Dr. George Rosenberg, managing director.
One current application of bioactive paper can be applied to bioterrorism
Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is terrorism involving the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents. These agents are bacteria, viruses, or toxins, and may be in a naturally occurring or a human-modified form. For the use of this method in warfare, see biological warfare.-Definition:According to the...
and food safety
Foodborne illness
Foodborne illness is any illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as chemical or natural toxins such as poisonous mushrooms.-Causes:Foodborne illness usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or...
, as it can detect acetylcholinesterase
Acetylcholinesterase
"Acetylcholinesterase, also known as AChE or acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, is an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, producing choline and an acetate group. It is mainly found at neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic nervous system, where its activity serves to terminate...
, or a nerve agent
Nerve agent
Nerve agents are a class of phosphorus-containing organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs...
. With this advancement, bioactive paper has become a product of interest for the military and the packaging industry.
John Brennan and his research team at McMaster University
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
developed the method to create bioactive paper by printing contaminant-detecting biosensors that are based on combinations of antibodies
Antibody
An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin, is a large Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a unique part of the foreign target, termed an antigen...
, enzyme
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates...
s, aptamer
Aptamer
Aptamers are oligonucleic acid or peptide molecules that bind to a specific target molecule. Aptamers are usually created by selecting them from a large random sequence pool, but natural aptamers also exist in riboswitches. Aptamers can be used for both basic research and clinical purposes as...
s or bacteriophage
Bacteriophage
A bacteriophage is any one of a number of viruses that infect bacteria. They do this by injecting genetic material, which they carry enclosed in an outer protein capsid...
s, onto the structure of the paper. These combinations then attach themselves to pathogens and other contaminants resulting in a detectable response. The biologically active chemicals are in the form of an ‘ink’ that can be printed, coated or impregnated onto or into paper using existing paper-making and high-speed printing processes. This ink is coated in different layers. The ink is similar to that found in a regular computer print cartridge
Ink cartridge
An ink cartridge or inkjet cartridge is a replaceable component of an inkjet printer that contains the ink that is deposited onto paper during printing....
, but it has special additives that make it biocompatible.
It is made up of biocompatible silica nanoparticles
Mesoporous silica
Mesoporous silica is a form of silica and a recent development in nanotechnology. The most common types of mesoporous nanoparticles are MCM-41 and SBA-15. Research continues on the particles, which have applications in catalysis, drug delivery and imaging....
that are deposited onto the paper first, then another ink containing the enzyme is applied. The bio-ink result forms a thin film of enzyme that is trapped in the silica on the paper.
When the paper is exposed to a toxin, molecules in the ink change colour based on the amount of toxins in the sample.
While bioactive paper is not available to the public yet, it is getting closer to commercialization. The paper will be affordable and portable, with no extra equipment to use it. Bioactive paper also has a good shelf life
Shelf life
Shelf life is the length of time that food, drink, medicine, chemicals, and many other perishable items are given before they are considered unsuitable for sale, use, or consumption...
. Researchers said the strip could still be used effectively for at least two months when stored properly.
Future applications
When bioactive paper is further developed, it will include the following applications:Food-borne illness
Approximately 76-million food-borne illnesses occur each in the United States, accounting for more than 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths [Mead et al., 1999]. Most of these illnesses are caused by CampylobacterCampylobacter
Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that are Gram-negative, spiral, and microaerophilic. Motile, with either unipolar or bipolar flagella, the organisms have a characteristic spiral/corkscrew appearance and are oxidase-positive. Campylobacter jejuni is now recognized as one of the main causes...
, Salmonella
Salmonella
Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, predominantly motile enterobacteria with diameters around 0.7 to 1.5 µm, lengths from 2 to 5 µm, and flagella which grade in all directions . They are chemoorganotrophs, obtaining their energy from oxidation and reduction...
, Escherichia coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an enterohemorrhagic strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli and a cause of foodborne illness. Infection often leads to hemorrhagic diarrhea, and occasionally to kidney failure, especially in young children and elderly persons...
and Listeria monocytogenes. As a result, annual medical expenditures related to these pathogens currently exceed $7 billion US. Consumer education
Consumer education
Consumer education is the preparation of an individual through skills, concepts and understanding that are required for everyday living to achieve maximum satisfaction and utilization of his resources....
coupled with reliable and simple pathogen detection in food products offers the best method for dramatically reducing the frequency of occurrence of these illnesses.
A potential product for bioactive paper could be a paper towel
Paper towel
A paper towel is an absorbent textile made from paper instead of cloth. Unlike cloth towels, paper towels are disposable and intended to be used only once. Paper towels soak up water because they are loosely woven which enables water to travel between them, even against gravity...
that is used to wipe down potentially contaminated food preparation
Cooking
Cooking is the process of preparing food by use of heat. Cooking techniques and ingredients vary widely across the world, reflecting unique environmental, economic, and cultural traditions. Cooks themselves also vary widely in skill and training...
surfaces. With one swipe, this paper towel can detect the presence of bacteria.
The most recent development involved being able to detect pesticides on food even after they’ve been washed. This innovation is a benefit to developing countries
Developing country
A developing country, also known as a less-developed country, is a nation with a low level of material well-being. Since no single definition of the term developing country is recognized internationally, the levels of development may vary widely within so-called developing countries...
that may use banned pesticides on their food because they’re cheaper.
Water contamination
In the developing world, the water is often of questionable quality, forcing the local population to try rudimentary filtration systems, such as the use of unsanitary cloth in a vain attempt to create potable water. This method is obviously not reliable and the results are rarely safe for consumption, particularly after floods and other natural disasterNatural disaster
A natural disaster is the effect of a natural hazard . It leads to financial, environmental or human losses...
s. Think of the benefits of a bioactive paper strip which, when dipped in small containers of water, can remove pathogens and give the user a colour indication that the water is safe to use.
Health care
Another potential use of bioactive paper includes the creation of face masks that protect health careHealth care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
workers by actively binding viruses and anchoring them to the filter surface which would prevent them from passing through the filter’s pores.