Development of Innovative Bacterial Detection Systems and Fabric-based Microfluidic Wearable Sensors for Diagnostic Applications

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on point-of-care sensors designed for bacteria detection alongside an in-depth exploration of fabric-based wearable sensor technology. A state-of-the-art bacteria sensor was designed for high-sensitivity detection of bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections. The sensor system comprises a customizable 3D printed Ag+ selective electrode, an innovative potentiometer with an Arduino interface for data transmission, and a compact filter system for sample preparation. This system achieved a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) of 80 CFU/mL within 15 Minutes. Then, a pioneering application of fabric-based microfluidics for wearable sensing was developed, offering a significant advancement over traditional microfluidic materials. It utilizes ABS films with pre-cut microfluidic patterns embedded within fabrics, providing robustness and enhanced sweat delivery efficiency. Incorporating a distinctive wearable potentiometer for signal readouts, we applied the fabric-based microfluidic system for real-time Ca2+ detection from sweat, demonstrating exceptional analytical performance for in vivo testing. Additionally, we introduced an alternative method for fabricating microfluidic structures using PVC polymer-based printing ink and integrated it with a novel generation of C18-modified fabric for the detection of uric acid. The C18 modification significantly enhances the fabric's proficiency for effective protein capture and enables long-term uric acid detection, opening new avenues for real-time monitoring of small molecule metabolites. Together, this research contributes to the advancement of bacteria detection and wearable sensor technologies, with potential applications in healthcare and beyond.