Detection of Pathogens Using Micromachined Pressure Sensors Using Wheatstone Bridge

Timely detection of Pathogen infection is the key to early diagnosis and treatment. The present methods use culture tests, Nucleic acid based methods, Bacteriophage methods to name a few. The present detection methods involve the use of highly skilled personnel, expensive equipment and time delays. Hence it is proposed to use a MEMS based pressure sensor method for pathogen detection to overcome the above setbacks of present detection methods. This paper presents simulations of micro machined pressure sensors in conjunction with a Wheatstone Bridge design to efficiently detect various disease causing pathogens. The requirement is to redesign pressure sensors to suit the ultra-low pressures exerted by pathogens on the diaphragm of the pressure sensor. The pressure exerted by pathogens is calculated and this value is applied on the simulated model. Since the molecular composition and mass of each pathogen is unique, the displacement of the diaphragm and hence the voltage generated at the output of the Wheatstone bridge will also be unique. From the above studies performed for various materials, highest deflection was plotted against the applied pressure and polysilicon material was found to be one of the most sensitive materials can provide accurate results in detection of various pathogens. The deflections obtained for various pathogens was distinct and hence the output voltage generated by the wheatstone Bridge also is unique leading to real time detection of pathogens.