Isolation of pathogenic bacteria from sputum samples using a 3Dprinted cartridge system

in: Analytical Methods (2021)
Pahlow, Susanne; Hentschel, Stefanie; Horbert, Peter; Lehniger, Lydia; Wagner, Sascha; Popp, Jürgen; Weber, Karina; Romero, Cynthia
Within this contribution we introduce a 3D-printed cartridge system enabling the convenient and costefficient sample preparation from sputum for subsequent PCR based detection schemes. The developed fluidic system operates is on pneumatic actuations. The closed system ensures a very low probability for contamination during sample processing, which is crucial when using a highly sensitive detection method such as PCR. The enrichment of the bacterial cells is achieved using different types of amine-functionalized particles. Our particle-based sample preparation approach yields intact and viable bacterial cells. Accordingly, not only PCR-based detection schemes can be employed, but also spectroscopic methods and biochemical tests, which require cultivation steps, are possible. The cartridge design in principle is compatible with magnetic and non-magnetic particle types. We investigated both variants and found that that the performance of expanded glass beads is superior over the magnetic particles within the cartridge. Owing to the rather large size of the expanded glass beads, the dimensions of the channels can be enlarged, leading to lower hydrodynamic resistances, which is beneficial when processing viscous samples such as sputum. We verified the performance of our system using both artificial and real sputum samples containing Escherichia coli and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Third party cookies & scripts

This site uses cookies. For optimal performance, smooth social media and promotional use, it is recommended that you agree to third party cookies and scripts. This may involve sharing information about your use of the third-party social media, advertising and analytics website.
For more information, see privacy policy and imprint.
Which cookies & scripts and the associated processing of your personal data do you agree with?

You can change your preferences anytime by visiting privacy policy.