Thread integrated smart-phone imaging facilitates early turning point colorimetric assay for microbes
Anusha Prabhu, M. S. Giri Nandagopal, Prakash Peralam Yegneswaran, V.K. Prabhu, Ujjwal Verma, Naresh Kumar Mani
Abstract
(≈1.5 hours). The reported thread and smartphone integrated image analysis works towards identifying the turning point of the colorimetric change rather than the end-point analysis. Using this approach, the interpretation time can be significantly reduced compared to the existing conventional microbial methods (≈24 hours). The thread-based colorimetric microbial assay represents a ready-to-use, low-cost and straightforward technology with applicability in resource-constrained environments, surpassing the need for frequent fresh media preparation, expensive instrumentation, complex fabrication techniques and expert intervention. The proposed method possesses high scalability and reproducibility, which can be further extended to bio(chemical) assays.