Case Study: Yale University achieves rapid, low-cost MEMS-based bacteria detection with Comsol

Multiphysics Simulations Enable Development of Fast, Cheap MEMS-Based Bacteria Detector

Yale University researchers led by Monika Weber developed αScreen to tackle slow, costly bacterial diagnostics—current plate-count methods take 24–48 hours and PCR costs about $50 per test. To design the MEMS-based detector and model dielectrophoretic separation and microfluidic transport, the team used Comsol’s COMSOL Multiphysics software.

Comsol simulations modeled the entire bacteria-separation path (particle tracking and dielectrophoretic forces), accelerating optimization from what would have taken years to a matter of weeks and guiding prototype development. The resulting coin-sized αScreen pairs dielectrophoretic separation with antibody-functionalized nanowire FET sensors, is now in prototype testing, and is projected to deliver rapid results at about $1 per test (vs ~$50 for PCR); Comsol’s tools and planned LiveLink for CAD support are helping move the device toward commercialization.

Yale University