Nanoscale Sensors for Detecting Bacterial Infections

Dr. Goluch’s research on detecting pathogenic bacteria using nanoscale electrochemical sensors was recently featured in the journal Lab-on-a-Chip.

The group has developed a miniature sensor that can selectively detect toxins produced by certain pathogenic bacteria for over a week. The sensors can be mass produced at low costs using the same technology that is used to make computer chips. This is an important step toward creating smart bandages and medical devices that can actively monitor the onset of infection and alert patients and doctors when they need to take preventative action. They can also be potentially integrated with cell phones and other electronic devices to provide immediate diagnosis of infections.

The schematic shows an array of electrochemical sensors measuring compounds produced by bacteria in a drop of water.

Click here to read the article titled: “Electrochemical detection of pyocyanin in nanochannels with integrated palladium hydride reference electrodes”.