Microfluidic CD-Based Systems Toward Rapid Anthrax Detection in Whole Blood

Anthrax is an acute and deadly disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Upon exposure, usually through inhalation, ingestion, or cutaneous contact, B. anthracis spores begin multiplying, creating a life-threatening situation. If not quickly detected and treated, humans can die within several days. With renewed bio-terrorism concerns, there is a need for a rapid and automated system capable of sample (respiratory or blood) to answer (positive infection) so that quarantine procedures and treatment can be administered immediately. Microfluidic platforms hold great promise of fulfilling these requirements.