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In situ detection and viability assessment of target microorganisms
Sorin David1, Raluca-Elena Cârtoc2, Ionela-Cristina Petcu3
1International Centre of Biodynamics, Intrarea Portocalelor Nr. 1B, 060101, Bucharest, Romania.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|November 20, 2023
Summary
This study presents a rapid, pre-enrichment-free method for detecting and assessing the viability of pathogenic microorganisms. The innovative platform uses magnetic particles and electrical impedance for fast, sensitive analysis of bacteria and fungi in various samples.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biosensing
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms is crucial for public health and safety.
- Current methods often require lengthy pre-enrichment steps, delaying results.
- There is a need for versatile, portable systems for in situ microbial analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate an analytical platform for rapid, in situ detection, separation, quantification, and viability assessment of microorganisms.
- To integrate magneto-affine selection with electrical impedance assay for microbial analysis.
- To create a compact, portable system for analyzing minimally processed samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized magnetic particles (MPs) for magneto-affine selection to capture target microorganisms.
- Employed electrical impedance assay for sensitive quantification and viability assessment.
- Integrated magnetic field control for manipulating MP-microbe clusters within single-use chambers.
- Tested with model bacteria (Escherichia coli) and fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in buffer and synthetic urine.
Main Results:
- Achieved high capture efficiency for targeted bacteria and fungi.
- Provided analytical results within 30 minutes directly from unprocessed samples.
- Demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing between live and dead microbial cells.
- Showcased system versatility with commercial and custom magnetic particles.
Conclusions:
- The developed platform enables rapid, pre-enrichment-free microbial detection and viability assessment.
- The system's portability, speed, and sensitivity offer significant advantages over existing assays.
- This technology is suitable as a screening tool for pathogen presence and antimicrobial susceptibility in clinical and environmental settings.
