A Fully-Papertronic Biosensing Array for High-Throughput Characterization of Microbial Electrogenicity.

Abstract

For the first time, we report a low-cost, disposable fully-papertronic screening platform for rapid screening and identification of electroactive microorganisms. This novel papertronic device is capable of simultaneous characterizing the electrogenicity of 10' s of the newly discovered, genetically engineered, bacteria. This work explored an exciting range of possibilities with the goal of fusing microbial fuel cell technology with 'papertronics,' the emerging field of paper-based electronics. Spatially distinct 64 sensing units of the array were constructed by patterning hydrophilic anodic reservoirs in paper with hydrophobic wax boundaries and utilizing 3-D multi-laminate paper structures. Full integration of a high-performance microbial sensor on paper can be achieved by improving the microbial electron exchange with the electrodes in an engineered conductive paper reservoir and reducing cathodic overpotential by using a solid electron acceptor on paper. Furthermore, the intrinsic capillary force of the paper and the increased capacity from the engineered reservoir allowed for rapid adsorption of the bacterial sample and promote immediate microbial cell attachment to the electrode, leading to instant power generation with even a small amount of the liquid.