Researchers at UCLA have developed a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective fluorescent imaging and sensing platform for detecting E. coli using a cell phone. This platform combines antibody functionalized glass capillaries with quantum dots as signal reporters to specifically detect E. coli particles in liquid samples using a lightweight (28 g) and compact (3.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 2.4 cm) attachment. This attachment acts as a fluorescent microscope that quantifies the emitted light from each capillary after the capture of E. coli particles within the sample of interest.
Abstract
UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a platform that can detect E. coli using a cell phone.
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Advantages
- Compact, lightweight compared to full fluorescent microscopy set-up
- Portable
- Sensitive (detection limit of 5-10 CFU/mL)
Potential Applications
E. coli detection in water and food
Contact Information
Name: UCLA Technology Development Group
Email: ncd@tdg.ucla.edu
Phone: 310.794.0558