Skip to main
Genetic science research

Hakami Studying Efficient & Sensitive Methods for Detection Of Bacteria & Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) In Various Samples

Ramin Hakami, Associate Professor, School of Systems Biology and Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), is conducting research to test the efficiency and sensitivity of an immunodetection method for analyzing the presence of bacteria and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in various samples, including food samples.  

For this study, Hakami will separately conjugate two well-established polyclonal anti-E. coli antibodies to magnetic beads and test them for both efficiency and sensitivity of E. coli or OMV detection after verification of antibody conjugation. For this purpose, first serial dilutions of liquid cultures of E. coli will be tested with the antibodycoupled beads.  

As part of this analysis, Hakami will test both live cultures of bacteria and heattreated bacterial cultures in order to test the ability of this method for determination of viability when coupled with wellestablished bacterial viability assays. He will also test bacteria recovered from processed contaminated food samples with the antibodycoupled beads, and will again test the efficiency and sensitivity of E. coli or OMV detection by the beads. 

"This project will enable development of novel rapid detection methods that are urgently needed for identification of bacterial pathogens in various samples, including food samples. It will also provide a foundation for further studies into the biogenesis of outer membrane vesicle (OMV) under various naturally occurring conditions," Hakami said. 

 Hakami received $25,000 from Intellifoods Labs, LLC for this research. Funding began in April 2022 and will end in late March 2023. 

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.