Automated Open-Source Optical Nanomotion Platform for Rapid Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Abstract
We report a fully integrated, low-cost, autonomous optical nanomotion analysis platform for rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The system combines a 3D-printed OpenFlexure microscope with Raspberry Pi-based autofocus, time-lapse acquisition, and onboard image processing. Nanomotion is quantified from frame-to-frame intensity fluctuations in detected single cells, without labels or external computation. Antibiotic-sensitive strains show a marked reduction in nanomotion within 2–3 h, whereas resistant strains maintain stable signals. Dose–response and nutrient-modulation experiments confirm that the signal reflects metabolic activity. This platform enables scalable, growth-independent phenotypic testing for decentralized and resource-limited settings.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Micro and Nano Robotics
Image Processing Techniques and Applications
Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Applied Engineering Materials
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1573–1577
- Publication date
- 14 April 2026
- Language
- EN