Efficient capture of pathogens with a zeolite matrix.

We show that a peptide linker sequence expressed as part of a fusion with protein G from Streptococcus binds to natural zeolite giving a complex to which a suitable antibody shows affinity binding. As a consequence, addition of the CRY104 antibody specific for an external surface epitope of Cryptosporidium allows the capture of this protozoan pathogen at high efficiency with the advantage of rapid concentration from water samples. The natural zeolite with the specific antibody attached was incorporated into a single and double zeolite column system. The results reported here show that it is possible to capture Cryptosporidium oocysts with outstanding efficiency (>90 %) from water and water incorporating QC-MUD using a size-sorted natural zeolite. The natural zeolite matrix not only allows for high flow rates but also for flexibility of column design and volume of water for sample collection. The system is versatile and it is possible to prepare columns with more than one specific surface antibody to allow the capture of one or two pathogens simultaneously.