Constraints, Criteria & Standards

Criteria 

Quality of Raman Signal: Raman spectra produced are of high signal to noise ratio  

Speed of Detection: Spectrometer can detect changes soon after inoculation start time of toxin in the culture

Detection Concentration: Biosensor can detect low concentrations of the target toxin

Ease of Use: Methodology of biosensor use is easily understandable and requires minimal steps

Material: Design materials in contact with the laser should be outside the spectral range of organic materials, which is about 400 - 1600nm.

Cost: The biosensor must be economically feasible for use by companies, regulatory agencies, and research institutions.

Constraints

Minimal Noise: Raman spectroscopy device requires total darkness and a clear view of the sample to operate.

Portability: Biosensor and potential accessories are of reasonable size and weight, for transportation into the field

Stability in Packaging: Biosensor packaging must provide conditions to maintain algal cell population.

Compatibility with Raman Device: The rest of the biosensor must physically fit with Wasatch-manufactured handheld Raman spectrophotometer.

Biosafety: Reporter cells must be Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS).

Standards

References

Advanced Science Research Center. (2020). WITec Confocal Raman Microscope alpha300R. Retrieved from https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/global-assets/WITec-Raman-Microscope-alpha300R.pdf 

European Committee for Standardization. (2022). Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment. (EN 17605:2022). Retrieved from https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/e1b2a7ec-d3ca-4449-8548-655e04ecceff/en-17605-2021?srsltid=AfmBOopiTdQiRML60_yAM6s1DiWDvAGyKJJhfk685miTv0DHrPsJm5UT 

Code of Federal Regulations. (2026).PART 58—GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-58 

ATSDR (2022). Figure 5-1. Number of NPL Sites with Cobalt Contamination. (n.d.).   https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp33- c5.pdf‌

International Organization for Standardization. (2006). Water quality — Guidelines for algal growth inhibition tests with poorly soluble materials, volatile compounds, metals and waste water. (ISO 14442:2006). Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/34814.html 

International Organization for Standardization. (2015). Optics and photonics — Environmental test methods (ISO 9022-12:2015). Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/67536.html