High-Throughput Mass Measurement Of Single Bacterial Cells By Silicon Nitride Membrane Resonators

Abstract

We present a technological approach to precisely measure the dry mass of many individual cells of a bacteria colony. In this technique, bacteria are transported from aqueous solution into gas phase and subsequently guided to the surface of a silicon nitride membrane resonator. Abrupt downshifts in the membrane eigenfrequencies are measured upon every bacterium adhesion and are related to the dry mass of the cell by theoretical methods. We measure the dry mass of Escherichia coli K-12 and Staphylococcus epidermidis with an unprecedented throughput of 20 cells/min and with a mass resolution of ⁓1%. Finally, we apply the Koch & Schaechter model to assess the intrinsic sources of growth stochasticity.

Micromachined Mechanical Resonant Sensors: From Materials, Structural Designs to Applications

“…[143] Silicon nitride membranes have been employed for high-throughput measurement of signal bacterial cells. [144] The application of MMR sensors has allowed for a deeper understanding of the magneto-mechanical coupling in 2D materials, with potential applications in spintronic and nanomagnetic devices. [141] In recent years, MMR sensors have proven to be effective tools for investigating a diverse range of dynamical phenomena, including mechanical coupling and coherent motion.…”

“…[ 143 ] Silicon nitride membranes have been employed for high‐throughput measurement of signal bacterial cells. [ 144 ] The application of MMR sensors has allowed for a deeper understanding of the magneto‐mechanical coupling in 2D materials, with potential applications in spintronic and nanomagnetic devices. [ 141 ]…”