| AVS 65th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Biomaterial Interfaces Division | Thursday Sessions |
| Session BI-ThA |
| Session: | Biolubrication and Wear / Women in Bio-surface Science |
| Presenter: | Caitlin Howell, University of Maine |
| Authors: | D. Regan, University of Maine C. Lilly, University of Maine A. Weigang, University of Maine H. Patanwala, University of Maine C. Howell, University of Maine |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Issues such as the rise of antibiotic resistance highlight the need for constant innovation in the field of point of care (POC) microbial diagnostics. Current approaches that do not require the use of energy for storage or detection are hindered by low sample concentration and adhesion challenges which arise when handling these often “sticky” organisms. To overcome these limitations, we combine two approaches in complex analyte handling: infused polymers, which provide a universal anti-adhesion surface against microorganisms, and paper-based microfluidics, which present a lightweight, rugged, and low-cost platform for POC diagnostics, to create paper-supported liquid-infused polymer surfaces. The results showed that the liquid-infused system could be created on multiple different types of paper, including commercially-available silicone release paper which is already manufactured at an industrial scale. Folding the paper liquid-infused surfaces produced chambers which could be used to concentrate the organisms into single point via evaporation with >60% efficiency, compared to <20% efficiency for controls without an infused polymer layer. Sample containing bacteria could be moved from point to point without the loss of cells due to surface adhesion. Finally, integrated proof-of-principle tests showed that the use of liquid-infused surfaces to handle bacteria in this way resulted in positive colorimetric indication of Staphylococcus aureus significantly faster than control surfaces. These results demonstrate the use of paper-supported liquid-infused surfaces for improved microorganism handling in POC diagnostics.