The main purpose of this project, Gene-quantum dots detection system for environmental pathogen, is to modify previous EPA project for more sensitivity and also application purposes. This new technology aims to measure the quantity and quality by simple labeled methods thus the detection procedure will be short and faster than current methods. We propose the quantum dot probes combined with microbead linked specific oligonucleotides as detection system that will be able to provide higher sensitivity and specificity. We selected Legionella spp as our research targets. Legionella spp has been pointed out as the major environmental pollution issue by CDC of government. Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is caused mainly by inhalation of aerosols generated from water sources contaminated with Legionella spp. Environmental culturing of water systems for Legionella spp. has been recommended for hospitals. Thus, we developed our quantum dots based microbead system for common Legionella spp. Following the previous project, the bead material will be changed and the size of bead will be enlarged than before. For quantum dots linked oligonucleotide, the Click reaction will be tested. And the quantum dots mixes will be applied for detection of 8 Legionella spp. in a single tube. Finally, the environmental samples were collected to examine this system for this project. Therefore, we try to develop a useful tool to detect pathogen with shorter operation time and to quantify and qualify the pathogen DNA in high specificity and sensitivity.

Legionella spp.;Quantum dots;Single oligonucleotide specific probes