Microfluidic System for Microbial Pathogen Detection

Abstract

Conventional microbiological methods for pathogen detection are time consuming methods and require tedious protocol, expensive instruments, and expert personnel, which delays diagnosis time and treatment. To overcome these limitations, a miniature microfluidic system has been introduced for rapid, sensitive, specific, and easy to handle system for microbial pathogen detection. This miniaturized system uses the dynamics of fluid in microchannels for the collection and detection of pathogen. Microfluidics coupled with a different analytical detection system allow the identification and quantification of whole cells, metabolites, and genetic materials, for accurate diagnosis with all details about microbial pathogen. The high throughput efficiency of a microfluidic system is suitable for point-of-care testing of a broad range of pathogens in even resource-limited facilities/areas. Herein, fundamentals of designing and advances in microfluidic chip integrated with analytical system for pathogen detection are discussed. This review will establish microfluidic as a rapid and accurate point-of-care detection system for microbial pathogens.