Data from: Surface Acoustic Wave-based Lab-On-a-Chip for the fast detection of Legionella pneumophila in water

<p><span>Surface acoustic wave (SAW) -based immuno-biosensors are used for several applications, thanks to their versatility and faster response than conventional analytical methods. SAW immuno-biosensors can be usefully applied to promptly detect bacteria and prevent bacterial infections that can lead to severe diseases. Here, we present a SAW immuno-biosensor to detect <em>Legionella</em> <em>pneumophila</em> in water. Our device, working at ultra-high frequency (740 MHz), is functionalized with an anti-<em>L</em>. <em>pneumophila</em> antibody to maximize the specificity. We report the characteristic curve of the sensor, calculated measuring bacterial samples at known densities, and its related parameters. We also measure <em>L</em>. <em>pneumophila</em> samples contaminated with different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species (<em>Escherichia</em> <em>coli</em> and <em>Enterococcus</em> <em>faecium</em>) and samples diluted in mains waters. The proposed device is able to detect <em>L</em>. <em>pneumophila</em> in the range from 1</span><span>×</span><span>10⁶ to 1</span><span>×</span><span>10⁸ CFU/mL, with a limit of blank of 1.22</span><span>×</span><span>10⁶ CFU/mL and a limit of detection of 2.01</span><span>×</span><span>10⁶ CFU/mL. The nonspecific signal due to contaminant bacteria is very limited and measurements of <em>L</em>. <em>pneumophila</em> are not affected by contamination. We obtain a good detection also in mains water, representing a realistic matrix for <em>L</em>. <em>pneumophila</em>. Our results are encouraging and pave the way to the use of fast, easy-to-use, reliable and precise sensors to prevent bacterial infections in human activities.</span></p>