Engineered microbe-targeting molecules and uses thereof

An assay comprising:

• a. contacting a test sample with microbe-binding molecules, wherein the microbe-binding molecules are conjugated to a surface of a solid substrate, and wherein the engineered microbe-binding molecules each comprises:
• i. at least one microbe surface-binding domain;
• ii. a substrate-binding domain adapted for orienting the microbe surface-binding domain away from the solid substrate surface;
• and
• iii. at least one linker between the microbe surface-binding domain and the substrate-binding domain;
• and
• b. detecting binding of a microbe or microbial matter to at least a portion of the microbe-binding molecules.

A kit comprising:

• a. one or more containers containing a population of microbe-binding microparticles;
• wherein the engineered microbe-binding microparticles each comprises on its surface at least one microbe-binding molecule, wherein the at least one microbe-binding molecule comprises
• i. at least one microbe surface-binding domain;
• ii. a substrate-binding domain adapted for orienting the microbe surface-binding domain away from the solid substrate surface;
• and
• iii. at least one linker between the microbe surface-binding domain and the substrate-binding domain;
• and
• b. one or more containers containing a population of labeling molecules, wherein the labeling molecules are conjugated to an enzyme;
• and
• c. one or more containers containing an enzyme substrate that produces a color change in the presence of the enzyme.