(Invited) Electrochemical Biosensors for Label-Free Bacterial Analysis

Abstract

Traditional methods for bacterial detection and analysis are time consuming, labor-demanding, and have limited portability. This presents a significant opportunity for biosensor engineers to develop low-cost devices for bacterial studies. In this talk, I will discuss our recent advances in developing electrochemical biosensing devices for bacterial analysis. The devices enable characterizing cell envelope, metabolic activity, and quorum sensing molecules, and can provide real-time insight into bacterial response to environmental stress, such as drugs. The sensors feature functional materials to achieve specificity and sensitivity for analysis of real samples. Depending on the need, the biosensors are manufactured using a combination of different device fabrication methods, including standard microfabrication, electrodeposition, printing, and laser engraving of plastic and paper. Specifically, owing to compatibility with additive manufacturing and having rich active sites for functionalization, direct laser engraving enables rapid prototyping of low-cost sensors for a wide range of stand-alone diagnostic platforms.