A Nanosurface Microfluidic Device for Capture and Detection of Bacteria

Here we report on design, fabrication and implementation of a nanosurfac microfluidic device for efficient bacteria capture and optical detection. The device features simple design and ease of implementation. The principal of operation depends on the self-assembly of microparticles (polystyrene particles) at a pillar array region to form a Nano-filter for subsequent bacteria capture on gold nano/micro islands. The design was optimized using 2D COMSOL simulation. The device was fabricated using a single UV lithography step followed by electrodeposition of the gold structures and a subsequent step of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bonding for device sealing. Lastly, the device was experimentally implemented using Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria showing efficient bacteria capturing performance.