Rapid Bacterial Detection and Gram-Identification Using Bacterially Activated, Macrophage-Membrane-Coated Nanowired-Si Surfaces in a Microfluidic Device

Bacterially induced sepsis requires rapid bacterial detection and identification. Hours count for critically ill septic patients, while current culture-based detection requires at least 10 h up to several days. Here, we apply a microfluidic device equipped with a bacterially activated, macrophage-membrane-coating on nanowired-Si adsorbent surfaces for rapid, bacterial detection and Gram-identification in bacterially contaminated blood. Perfusion of suspensions of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria through a microfluidic device equipped with membrane-coated adsorbent surfaces detected low (<10 CFU/mL) bacterial levels. Subsequent, in situ fluorescence-staining yielded Gram-identification for guiding antibiotic selection. In mixed Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were detected in the same ratios as those fixed in suspension. Results were validated with a 100% correct score by blinded evaluation (two observers) of 15 human blood samples, spiked with widely different bacterial strains or combinations of strains, demonstrating the potential of the platform for rapid (1.5 h in total) diagnosis of bacterial sepsis.

Automated summary

In this study, the authors used a microfluidic device equipped with a bacterially activated, macrophage-membrane-coating on nanowired-Si adsorbent surfaces to achieve rapid bacterial detection and Gram-identification in bacterially contaminated blood. The results showed the potential of this platform for rapid diagnosis of bacterial sepsis, with accurate identification of bacterial strains and guidance for antibiotic selection.