Interdigitated microelectrode biosensor for bacterial biofilm growth monitoring by impedance spectroscopy technique in 96-well microtiter plates

Bacterial biofilms are a common cause of persistent and chronic infections, mostly related to implantable devices. In this context, Staphylococcus species are the most relevant microorganisms involved in causing high costs for the healthcare system. New diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools should be developed by providing in vivo analysis of the specific physiological parameters directly related to the status of the indwelling device. Monitoring the biofilmʹs biological evolution will allow an earlier diagnostic. Impedance microbiology is suggested as a proper technique for directly measuring the development of bacterial biofilms generated inside intravascular catheters. In this study we propose interdigitated microelectrode biosensors be integrated within those implantable devices. In vitro assays have been carried out in order to characterize this methodology as a detection and monitoring tool for bacterial biofilm development. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) was implemented in 96-well microtiter plates, leading to positive results in detecting and monitoring bacterial biofilm development. Two Staphylococcus aureus and two Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were successfully monitored during a 20-h culture, and results show that the low range of the frequency is the most suitable setting for measuring the maximum relative changes.