So far, in some of our previous works, we have managed to rapidly (within minutes) identify and discriminate pathogens by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy with a single cell sensitivity. Having a more user friendly and robust system, which could be used not only by experts, would be the next step. In order to meet our goal, we developed an experimental setup, including an in-house built microfluidic device and we optimized the SERS detection of common bacterial pathogens by using the developed device. The main components of the system are a microfluidic flow-cell coupled to a syringe pump mediated flow system and a portable Raman spectrometer for detecting the bacteria immobilized in the flow cell. Inside the microfluidic channel of the flow cell, a silver spot was generated under laser irradiation for further use as SERS active substrate for detection. The silver spot can be washed and reused for a different pathogen from one experiment to another. No specific capturing receptors are used. The total analysis time was reduced to less than 15 min. Considering the fit-for-purposes experimental parameters for detection and its easy-to-use dedicated software, this portable microfluidic device has been tested in our lab and is ready to be transferred in the research/clinical premises for further use.
Microfluidic Portable Device for Pathogens’ Rapid SERS Detection
