posted on 2024-01-01, 16:33authored byXiaolin Wu, Bingliang Xie, Yuxin Qiao, Shuai Yuan, Wenbin Du
This work describes μMET, a novel microfluidic
device for
precise microbial enumeration tests (MET), essential in pharmaceutical,
cosmetic, and food industries for ensuring microbiological safety
standards. The μMET chip, comprising two hydrophobic glass plates,
features a 15-μm deep μMET chamber enhanced by nanopillars
and air supply units, facilitating both immediate and growth-dependent
MET. Experimental results, with E. coli as a model
bacterium, demonstrate that μMET provides counting linearity
that outperforms traditional hemocytometers. The chip’s design
mitigates challenges like evaporation and ensures high-resolution
imaging, making it a cost-effective and reusable alternative to conventional
methods. Notably, bright-field μMET eliminates the need for
fluorescent staining, streamlining operations with deep-learning algorithms
for bacterial counts. Furthermore, we have developed a high-parallel
μMET chip featuring 16 counting chambers, enhancing throughput
and accommodating immediate and growth-dependent MET approaches. Its
innovative design and adaptability render the μMET chip as a
valuable tool for microbiology, medicine, and industry applications.