Thesis

Design and development of a 3D printed electrochemical sensor for the detection of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2022
Thesis identifier
  • T16349
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201773162
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a frequent cause of nosocomial infection, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Its early detection is vital for effective treatment before the bacterium can develop antibiotic resistance. Current detection methods are often time consuming, costly, or require experienced personnel. There is a clear need for the development of a rapid and sensitive sensing platform for the detection of P. aeruginosa. Additive manufacturing may be the key to overcoming the issues faced by current detection methods. Methods such as digital light processing (DLP) are cost effective, produce little to no waste, and facilitate expeditious prototyping. This work details the initial stages of developing a 3D printed electrochemical sensor for the detection of P. aeruginosa. The initial sensor design incorporated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and was successful in detecting pyocyanin (PyoC), a P. aeruginosa virulence factor, at clinically relevant concentrations. This study achieved a linear response across the clinically relevant range of 0 – 100 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.5 μM. PyoC detection was also achieved in human serum. Further sensor designs were then explored, considering facile manufacture and operation. The goal was to produce a point-of-care sensor that can detect analytes rapidly and sensitively, with no need for sample pretreatment. As well as printing MWCNT composites using DLP, carbon black (CB) resins were successfully photopolymerised onto glassy carbon (GC) electrodes for their initial assessment. These electrodes were used to study the electrochemical detection of gentamicin (GN). A linear response was achieved from 25 – 200 μg/mL. The insights gleaned in the exploration of conductive, photopolymerisable resins are valuable in terms of expanding rapid, cost-effective electrode manufacture. Overall, these studies provide proof of concept regarding 3D printed electrochemical sensors and explore the feasibility of utilising conductive additives to successfully manufacture electrodes.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Dennany, Lynn
  • Windmill, James
Resource Type
DOI

关系

项目