(736d) Microfluidic Impedance Coulter Counter for Safety Applications

Microfluidic Impedance Coulter
Counter for Safety Applications

 Joseph Parisi,
Ying Wang, Christine Tartaglia, Yu Lei

Department of Chemical, Materials,
& Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut,
191 Auditorium Road, Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269

The need for
highly sensitive, quick and reliable detection of pathogens in food and water
sources is an important topic for the safety of our food and water
supplies.  Research in the area of microfluidics
has targeted real time cell detection and has already solved some of these
problems by creating various separation and detection devices.  In this
study we will develop an impedance based counting method for near real time
detection of targets.  Our device is focused on using a simple electrode
design to measure resistance changes within our fluid with minimal
post-processing of the collected data.  The proof-of-concept will be
demonstrated using a model particle and the analytical characteristics will be
investigated. Its application for real pathogen detection will be explored.