Automated carousel-based electrochemical sensing toward microbiological and oncological settings

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Automated electrochemical sensing accelerates bioanalysis but often requires expensive infrastructure.
• Existing platforms are inaccessible for resource-limited labs and lack safety for pathogenic samples.
• Need for portable, low-cost systems for microbiological and oncological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a portable, low-cost, semi-autonomous electrochemical system.
• Integrate 3D printing, automation, and wireless sensing.
• Enable safer and reproducible bioanalysis in controlled environments.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Carousel ElectroLab System (CELS) with 3D-printed electrodes and Arduino control.
• Utilized blue-laser treatment to enhance electrode performance (RSD <5%).
• Applied CELS for selective detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and monitoring doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 tumoroids.

Main Results:

• Achieved selective detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a limit of detection of 0.89 CFU mL⁻¹.
• Monitored doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in 3D tumor models via LDH activity.
• Demonstrated improved electrochemical performance and reproducibility using laser-treated electrodes.

Conclusions:

• CELS offers a scalable, open-source alternative to conventional automated systems.
• Enables safer, reproducible analysis of pathogens and 3D tumor models.
• Provides a foundation for future integration with robotic fluidics and AI.