A transatlantic research project of the Fraunhofer Institutes aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with an innovative rapid test system. The microfluidic system uses carbon nanotubes to detect bacterial resistance in a matter of minutes, much faster than conventional methods. The project, led by the Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI) in Boston, is supported by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS) in Duisburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart. It runs from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026 and is funded as part of the Fraunhofer PACT program (grant number: 40-11763).

Antibiotic resistance, which arises from the broad and non-specific use of antibiotics, causes about 700,000 deaths worldwide every year, often because resistance is detected too late. The new diagnostics platform “μFLOWDx” aims to change this by recording metabolic stress reactions of bacteria to antibiotics in real time. The system combines special surfaces that bind bacteria from patient samples with highly sensitive optical sensors based on fluorescent carbon nanotubes. These sensors detect molecules such as ATP or hydrogen peroxide, which are released during resistance tests. If the fluorescence signal remains unchanged, there is resistance.

Fraunhofer IGB develops surface modifications for high bacterial adhesion, while Fraunhofer IMS contributes sensitive biosensors. The integration is carried out by Fraunhofer USA CMI. The goal is a functional prototype that will be validated under real conditions, with potential for later commercialization. Market analysis is showing a lot of interest, as existing systems, which take 8 to 16 hours, cannot compete with the speed and sensitivity of the new platform. The results could revolutionize clinical microbiology and enable faster, evidence-based treatment decisions.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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