Culture-based microfluidic device for environmental monitoring

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a culture-based microfluidic device for detecting nocardioforms in environmental samples in an improved, timesaving, and cost-efficient manner. Our device uses paraffinophilic nature of nocardioforms and mycobacteria to selectively culture and detect these microorganisms. Our goal is to improve screening for mycobacteria to protect public health as well as screening for nocardioforms to reduce the costs associated with treating nocardiafoam at sewage treatment plants.