Antibiotic resistance first occurred soon after the introduction of the first antibiotic, and the problem continues to grow today (Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 2010, 74 (3), 417-433). Further insights into the physical changes in a cell due to antibiotic resistance can help combat this problem. These physical changes are often minute, such as the presence of a new type of enzyme in a cell. A dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based study can give a deeper understanding of these physical expressions and lead toward the development of a diagnostic device. Differences in fundamental properties of cells allows for separation and differentiation in dielectrophoretic microdevices. DEP has previously been used to study and separate numerous targets, including bacteria and proteins. Here, we show the differentiation and separation of Staphylococcus bacterial strains based on resistance or susceptibility to gentamicin. We also look at capture differences between resistant and susceptible strains to determine differences in electrokinetic and dielectrophoretic mobilities of the strains. Gaining further insights into physical changes associated with resistance can aid in the development of new diagnostics and further basic research in antibiotic molecular mechanisms.

Antibiotic resistance-based differentiation and separation by dielectrophoresis

251st National Meeting (2016)

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