Rapid Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing using Nanoliter Droplet Arrays

Antibiotic resistance is fueled by antibiotic misuse and has become a major global health concern. The phenomenon warrants improved diagnostics that can more rapidly and efficiently elucidate information about the infectious agent to aid in establishing a more targeted and knowledge-based treatment regimen. This project highlights a rapid antibiotic susceptibility test and automated data analysis algorithm that can, unlike traditional methods, deliver results on the same working day in an efficient and translatable manner for clinical use. A method for direct urine testing was also developed in the laboratory that can help save days of diagnosis time. The platform is expected to promote more judicious use of antibiotics, thereby reducing the emergence of antibiotic resistance, lowering healthcare costs and ultimately saving lives.