Rather than using molecular biology-based assays to identify mycobacteria, we have
miniaturized the culture-based assay to rapidly identify individual
microbial populations adhered to a semi-selective surface
material inside a microfluidic microchannel. In this paper we
present the development of such a microfluidic biosensor and the
application of this approach to rapid detection of mycobacteria
in samples removed from a municipal activated sludge sewage
treatment system.