SGER: Rapid Identification, Enumeration, and Characterization of Mycobacteria and Nocardioforms in Environmental Samples Using BioMEMS

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

0116912 Oerther The objective of this research is to develop culture-based Biomedical Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (BioMEMS) chips to identify, enumerate, and characterize microorganisms in environmental samples. The specific objectives of this research are: (1) developing fundamental science to establish the novel concept of scaled-down, culture-based identification and quantification of Gram positive, mycolic acid containing Actinomycetes (e. g. mycobacteria and nocardioforms), and (2) demonstrating scaled-down, microbial culturing using a proof-of-concept BioMEMS chip device. This research could eventually lead to a rapid, cost-efficient technology for microbial monitoring of environmental samples. ***