POINT-OF-TEST BIOSENSOR FOR THE DETECTION OF WATERBORNE BACTERIA

Herein, a visual biosensor is developed for the rapid and on-site detection of waterborne bacteria. The biosensor was capable of detecting multiple species of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, existing as low as 1.5 Log CFU/mL. To enhance the analytical sensitivity of the assay to the level used for real-life analytical applications, the spiral inertial microfluidic mechanism was chosen for the sample pre-treatment. Using a CFD model developed, an optimal microchannel design was found and engraved on paper by a laser engraving machine. The developed paper-based microfluidic could process a large volume of fluid at a high flow rate of 1.5 mL/min.