The pervasive issue of bacterial infections underscores the critical need for advancedpathogen diagnosis techniques. Traditional methods often fall short in sensitivity and specificity, necessitating innovations that can enhance pathogen concentration and detection in clinical samples. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing microfluidic droplet technology to partition bulk samples, significantly improving the concentration of bacteria in minuscule volumes. This method inherently amplifies detection sensitivity, offering a substantial leap forward in diagnostic capabilities. To capture the dynamic process of bacterial partitioning and concentration, we have developed a real-time fluorescence imaging system. This system not only facilitates the monitoring of droplet encapsulation but also enables the quantification of bacterial presence, crucial for applications such as quantitative PCR (qPCR). The efficacy of this integrated dropletbased microfluidic device and fluorescence imaging system was rigorously tested using Escherichia coli (E. coli), a prevalent bacterium responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs), demonstrating its potential in clinical diagnostics. Looking beyond the immediate scope of this study, the presented system holds promise for extensive future development aimed at addressing a wider array of pathogens. Additionally, its versatility positions it as a foundational tool for a range of generalized applications in the ii fields of microbiology, bioengineering, and diagnostic medicine, highlighting its capacity to significantly impact methods of pathogen detection and analysis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:siu.edu/oai:opensiuc.lib.siu.edu:theses-4271 |
| Date | 01 May 2024 |
| Creators | Briles, Langdon Boyd |
| Publisher | OpenSIUC |
| Source Sets | Southern Illinois University Carbondale |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses |
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