Development of rapid oral bacteria detection apparatus based on dielectrophoretic impedance measurement method

In this study, a bacteria detection apparatus based on dielectrophoretic impedance measurement (DEPIM) method was demonstrated for rapid evaluation of oral hygiene. The authors integrated a micro electrode chip on which bacteria were captured by dielectrophoresis (DEP), an AC voltage source to induce DEP force, and an impedance measurement circuit to a portable instrument that enables rapid and automated oral bacterial inspection in hospitals and clinics. Special considerations have been made on effects of high electrical conductivity of oral samples on DEP force and DEPIM results. It was shown experimentally and theoretically that using a higher electric field frequency for the DEP bacteria trap and the impedance measurement could realise DEPIM application to bacteria inspection from oral samples with higher conductivity. Based on these investigations, the authors optimised the frequency condition of the DEPIM suitable for inspecting an oral sample along with the design and development of a portable DEPIM apparatus for on-site inspection of oral bacteria. Under the optimised frequency condition, DEPIM results were in good agreement with the conventional culture method showing significant applicability of the DEPIM apparatus for practical rapid oral bacteria inspection.