Detecting E.Coli using a mobile phone

Researchers from the UCLA School of Engineering and Applied Science Henry Samueli have developed a new cell phone that uses fluorescence-based image sensors to detect the presence of Escherichia coli bacteria. in food and water.

>>> wireless sensor detects awiss e.coli bacteria in water

Handheld devices can detect E.Coli

Engineers have combined capillary antibody function with quantum dots (semiconductor commonly used in medical imaging) as the signal emitted when detecting E. coli. The attachment is quite compact and attached to the phone as a camera. It acts as a fluorescence microscope, quantifying the light emanating from each capillary after capturing specific E.Coli particles and their concentration in the sample.

E.Coli is the cause of food poisoning and drinking water. It poses a significant threat to public health even in developed countries. Only 10 - 100 E. coli particles are capable of destroying intestinal mucosal cells, destroying the kidney, which causes blood clots in the brain, which can cause epilepsy, paralysis and respiratory failure. .

This study shows that not only phones but mobile devices can detect E.Coli.