This project led to the development of novel biosensing protocols for detecting Cryptosporidium in water samples. The effort focused on new miniaturized biosensors, that convert the DNA recognition (hybridization) process into electrical or frequency signals. Special attention has been given to the introduction of new nucleic-acid recognition elements that enhance the specificity and sensitivity of the assay and to new strategies for transducing the hybridization event into useful analytical signals. Current efforts in this laboratory, aimed at integrating flow-through hybridization biosensors with on-chip sample handling and amplification, should facilitate the on-site testing of Cryptosporidium (and other waterborne pathogens) in water samples.