Microfluidics-Based Analysis in Pathogen Detection

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As a leading custom service provider, Creative Biolabs has devoted to the development of microfluidic technology for many years. By advanced microfluidic technology platform, we can offer a full package of microfluidics integrated solutions for multiple applications.

Background

The rapid detection and identification of microorganisms, especially pathogens, is a pressing issue in the field of clinical diagnostics due to the rapid growth of infectious diseases around the world. For decades, methods applied for pathogen detection include cell culture, nucleic amplification, and enzyme-linked immunoassays, which rely on tedious protocols and are generally time-consuming. For example, the gold standard, culturing usually takes 72-96 h, with a relatively high false-negative rate, especially for pathogens that are difficult to culture, and requires a certain amount of sample to start the culturing process. Moreover, well-equipped laboratories and trained technicians are needed for the application of these diagnostic methods. Under this condition, a detection device that is portable, robust, rapid, and simple should be developed for pathogen detection.

A schematic diagram of pathogenic bacterial detection using microfluidic sensor. Fig.1 A schematic diagram of pathogenic bacterial detection using microfluidic sensor. (Heo, 2009)

Microfluidic Technique for Pathogen Detection

Microfluidic chips are a promising platform for pathogen detection. As the reaction chambers are usually on the micro- or nano-scale, the devices can be miniaturized and portable, and are therefore suitable for point-of-care testing. In addition, the labs-on-a-chip (LOC) technology allows for the integration of sample preparation, amplification, and signal detection, which reduces the time need to generate results. To date, various analytical methods have been coupled with microfluidic chips to detect and identify microorganisms. Genetic and mass spectrometric techniques are the methods of choice to identify microorganisms without the need for labeling procedures. Techniques, such as spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectrometry, and electrochemistry, are also used for microbial detection but usually need specific labeling by antibodies that can interact with target pathogenic microorganisms. In general, these techniques achieve their objective by detecting/measuring any of the following: (a) whole pathogen(s) (b) metabolites released or consumed (c) genetic material or proteins specific to the target pathogen.

Microfluidics-Based Pathogen Detection Service at Creative Biolabs

With years of experience, Creative Biolabs has established an advanced microfluidic technology platform to offer comprehensive one-stop microfluidic solutions for global customers. Our professional scientists are happy to deliver their abundant experience to tailor customized proposals to meet every client’s requirements in terms of science, timelines, and cost. In addition to pathogen detection, we also provide microfluidic chip development services for cancer detection.

Highlights

Creative Biolabs has long-term devoted to the development of microfluidic chip for multiple applications. With years of experience, our scientists have developed a microfluidic technology platform and tailored hundreds of particular chips to boost our global customers’ research and project goals. We are pleased to use our extensive experience and advanced platform to offer the best service and the most qualified products to satisfy each demand from our customers. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us or directly send us a quote.

Reference

  1. Heo, J. and Hua, S.Z. An overview of recent strategies in pathogen sensing. Sensors. 2009, 9(6), pp.4483-4502.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.

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