Real Time Biodetection of Individual Pathogenic Microorganisms With a Rugged, Sub-Briefcase-Sized System

摘要

The objective of this research is to test the feasibility of an innovative approach to rare cell detection: using a CCD to image an entrained flow through a rectangular glass tube. This approach is especially useful for the detection of rare cells where a high volumetric flow rate is desired. We present the results of our work with Nile red labeled 1-micron polystyrene beads as labeled cell simulants. This technique has key advantages over current alternatives, including: (1) high volumetric flow rate, (2) capability of detecting single microorganisms (3) automatic operation, and (4) easy implementation in a rugged, portable system.