Abstract
This study presents an integrated microfluidic system for detecting live Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) using heparan sulfate saccharide-coated magnetic beads. Propidium monoazide (PMA) was used to differentiate live bacteria from dead and then using this automated single chip, we established a novel technique for sensitive detection of Mtb in combination with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Experimental results have revealed that the heparan sulfate-coated magnetic beads successfully catch Mtb, which can be further analyzed by the PMA-RT-PCR protocol with a low limit of detection. Furthermore, employment of PMA successfully distinguishes live and dead Mtb, such that no PCR products could be generated for dead Mtb. This is the first time that an integrated microfluidic system is demonstrated as a powerful and molecular diagnostic tool for fast detection of Mtb. It may find widespread applications in the development of new intervention strategies for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).