A Drop Dispenser for Simplifying On-Farm Detection of Foodborne Pathogens

Nucleic-acid biosensors have emerged as useful tools for on-farm detection of foodborne pathogens on fresh produce. Such tools are specifically designed to be user-friendly so that a producer can operate them with minimal training and in a few simple steps. However, one challenge in the deployment of these biosensors is delivering precise sample volumes to the biosensor’s reaction sites. To address this challenge, we developed an innovative drop dispenser using advanced 3D printing technology, combined with a hydrophilic surface chemistry treatment. This dispenser enables the generation of precise sample drops, containing DNA or bacterial samples, in volumes as small as a few micro-liters (∼20 to ∼33 μL). The drop generator was tested over an extended period to assess its durability and usability over time. The results indicated that the drop dispensers have a shelf life of approximately one month. In addition, the device was rigorously validated for nucleic acid testing, specifically by using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of Escherichia coli O157, a prevalent foodborne pathogen. To simulate real-world conditions, we tested the drop dispensers by integrating them into an on-farm sample collection system, ensuring they deliver samples accurately and consistently for nucleic acid testing in the field. Our results demonstrated similar performance to commercial pipettors in LAMP assays, with a limit of detection of 7.8×106 cells/mL for whole-cell detection. This combination of precision, ease of use, and durability make our drop dispenser a promising tool for enhancing the effectiveness of nucleic acid biosensors in the field.