A Dual-Function 3D-Printed Cyclonic Collector/Reactor-Integrated Colorimetric Biosensor for Automated Detection of
Lexuan Xu1, Ziyang Xu2, Lei Wang1,2
1National Innovation Center for Digital Agricultural Products Circulation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 5, 2026
Summary
A novel 3D-printed biosensor rapidly detects airborne bacteria using a cyclonic collector and colorimetric assay. This integrated system automates sample collection and analysis, offering a faster, more efficient public health tool.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biosensor technology
- Public health diagnostics
Background:
- Rapid airborne bacteria detection is vital for public health but current methods are slow and complex.
- Existing bioaerosol detection systems lack integration and automation, hindering real-time applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated, automated platform for rapid airborne bacteria collection, separation, and colorimetric detection.
- To overcome limitations of conventional bioaerosol detection methods using a novel 3D-printed device.
Main Methods:
- A 3D-printed cyclonic collector/reactor integrated a wet cyclone for simultaneous bioaerosol collection and immunoassay.
- Immunomagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and Pd/Pt nanozymes were used for sandwich complex formation and colorimetric detection via TMB substrate.
- Automated control via microcontroller managed the entire process from collection to detection using a portable microreader.
Main Results:
- The system achieved automated airborne bacteria detection within 2.0 hours.
- A low detection limit of 459 CFU/m³ was demonstrated.
- The portable microreader showed high consistency with traditional microplate readers.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D-printed cyclonic collector/reactor-integrated colorimetric biosensor enables rapid, automated airborne bacteria detection.
- This highly integrated platform offers a promising solution for real-time bioaerosol monitoring and public health safeguarding.
- The system minimizes manual operations and cross-contamination risks, enhancing diagnostic reliability.
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