Microfluidic Platforms for Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST): Accelerating Diagnosis and Optimizing Antimicrobial Therapy

Microfluidic Platforms for Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST): Accelerating Diagnosis and Optimizing Antimicrobial Therapy provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of microfluidic technologies as transformative tools in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By integrating foundational knowledge of AMR and microfluidics with cutting-edge research, it offers readers an in-depth understanding of how microfluidic systems enable rapid, precise, and cost-effective antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). The book addresses both the scientific principles and practical applications of these technologies, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize diagnostics, personalize treatment, and improve global health outcomes amidst the growing threat of drug-resistant infections. Organized into five key parts, the book begins with an overview of the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the fundamental principles of microfluidics in biomedical contexts. It then delves into various microfluidic platforms for AST, including continuous flow and droplet-based systems, as well as single-cell trapping techniques. Subsequent chapters focus on diverse detection methods-optical, electrochemical, and acoustic-for monitoring bacterial growth and antibiotic response. The book further explores specialized approaches such as paper-based point-of-care devices, biosensing strategies, and personalized medicine applications. The final section addresses clinical translation, covering validation, regulatory considerations, device design, automation, emerging technologies, ethical guidelines, and future perspectives on microfluidic AST's role in combating antimicrobial resistance worldwide.