Fabrication and characterization of micro/nano filter for isolation of waterborne pathogens

Abstract

Water plays a central role in our lives, and access to safe and clean water is essential for each person. Water destined for human and industrial use is required to be quality tested for a wide variety of contaminants, including potentially harmful microorganisms. Lifethreatening diseases caused by some waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts are largely associated with contaminated drinking water supply. The IV appropriate experiments for proving these hypotheses performed. In addition, we demonstrated the benefit of micro-fabricated membranes with identical pore sizes as a promising tool for studying fouling phenomenon for different pore geometries. We have also shown the use of transparent polymeric micro-fabricated filters as a useful tool for direct observation through the membrane (DOTM) applications. Lastly, design and fabrication of an automated filtration system for isolation and recovery of waterborne pathogens is presented. Results of some preliminary genetic tests using our fully integrated bio-chip is also depicted.