Description
Microbial biofilms present significant challenges in biomedical and industrial contexts, yet their study remains limited by conventional static assays lacking controlled flow conditions and integrated sensing capabilities. In this work, we present a microfabricated biofilm-on-chip platform with integrated electrochemical sensing, designed to enable controlled biofilm cultivation under dynamic flow while allowing real-time, in situ monitoring.
The device consists of a microfluidic architecture incorporating a dedicated biofilm growth chamber and planar electrochemical electrodes embedded directly within the microchannel. The system was designed with a focus on fabrication accessibility, material compatibility, and robust sensor integration, balancing biological requirements with electrochemical signal stability. A scalable microfabrication workflow was developed, including electrode patterning, microchannel fabrication, alignment, and bonding, resulting in a compact and reusable platform.
The chip supports continuous perfusion, reproducible biofilm formation, and electrochemical measurements under flow conditions. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate stable device operation, controlled biofilm growth, and detectable electrochemical signal changes associated with biofilm development. Key engineering considerations, including shear stress management, electrode placement, and fouling mitigation, are discussed.
This work highlights how microfabrication-driven design choices can enable the integration of sensing functionalities into biofilm-on-chip systems. The presented platform provides a foundation for future microfluidic devices combining biofilm cultivation with real-time electrochemical monitoring for antimicrobial testing, biofilm dynamics studies, and advanced lab-on-a-chip applications.