3D-printed microfluidic magnetic preconcentrator for the detection of bacterial pathogen using an ATP luminometer and
Chanyong Park1, Jinyeop Lee1, Yonghee Kim2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Various types of microfluidic systems have been developed to detect bacterial pathogens. However, most of these require enrichment steps that take at least several hours when detecting bacteria that are present with a low number of cells and, in addition, fabrication requires complicated assembly steps. In this study, we report the development of 3D microfluidic magnetic preconcentrator (3DμFMP) made of plastic via 3D printing without the need for any assembly. 3DμFMP could selectively preconcentrate enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in 100mL by a factor of 700 within 1h using antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab-MNPs). With the combined use of an ATP luminometer, as low as 10 E. coli O157:H7 CFU (colony forming unit)/mL could be detected in blood. These results demonstrate the feasibility of 3DμFMP as a preconcentrator to improve the detection limit of existing bacterial detection systems.
Insights
A novel 3D microfluidic magnetic preconcentrator (3DμFMP) rapidly concentrates low-level bacterial pathogens. This innovation significantly improves detection sensitivity for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Pathogen Detection
Background:
- Existing microfluidic systems for bacterial pathogen detection often require lengthy enrichment steps (hours) and complex fabrication.
- Low cell numbers of bacteria present significant challenges for rapid and sensitive detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D microfluidic magnetic preconcentrator (3DμFMP) for rapid and efficient bacterial preconcentration.
- To demonstrate the 3DμFMP's capability in enhancing the detection limit of bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D microfluidic magnetic preconcentrator (3DμFMP) using 3D printing, eliminating assembly steps.
- Selective preconcentration of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 using antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab-MNPs).
- Integration with an ATP luminometer for sensitive detection.
Main Results:
- The 3DμFMP achieved a 700-fold preconcentration of E. coli O157:H7 from 100mL within 1 hour.
- Detection of as low as 10 E. coli O157:H7 CFU/mL in blood was achieved.
- The 3DμFMP demonstrated selective preconcentration capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3DμFMP offers a rapid, assembly-free solution for bacterial preconcentration.
- This technology significantly enhances the detection limits of existing bacterial detection systems.
- 3DμFMP shows promise for improving the diagnosis of bacterial infections.
