A Membrane-Based Sample Preparation Kit for Waterborne Pathogens: Design and Manufacture

Abstract

Membrane-based microfluidic devices have been demonstrated in recent literature to show a significant potential in developing low-cost but high-efficient analytical devices. Usually, the step of sampling and sample preparation is the most importance processes in the whole analytical experiments. This study designed and manufactured a low-cost kit for water sampling and sample preparation of waterborne pathogens, especially protozoan parasites. Subsequently, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was employed as the model microbe to verify the function of kit. The concepts of green design and agile manufacturing were reflected throughout this work. In the devices, membrane filters were fixed and locked in a pair of disposable filter holders, and then the filter set would be assembled with a volumetric sample container to filter the microorganism in water samples. After the sampling process, the used filter holder with microbes on the membrane would be taken out and conserved in a preservation buffer, which could protect the DNA/RNA molecules inside the cells. When these filter holders were transported to a remote laboratory, the sample preparation cassette will be used in the on-site extraction of the DNA/RNA from the cells on the membrane. At last, the eluate was made for further identification, i.e. NASBA tests. Eight kinds of candidate membrane filters were evaluated in the kit, and the function of the kit was verified.