Towards the Development of Rapid and Low-Cost Pathogen Detection Systems Using Microfluidic Technology and Optical Image Processing

Waterborne pathogens affect all waters globally and proceed to be an ongoing concern. Previous methods for detection of pathogens consist of a high test time and a high sample consumption, but they are very expensive and require specialist operators. This study aims to develop a monitoring system capable of identifying waterborne pathogens with particular characteristics using a microfluidic device, optical imaging and a classification algorithm to provide low-cost and portable solutions. This paper investigates the detection of small size microbeads (1-5 mu m) from a measured water sample by using a cost-effective microscopic camera and computational algorithms. Results provide areas of opportunities to decrease sample consumption, reduce testing time and minimize the use of expensive equipment.