Algae Detection Device

Harmful Algae Detection in 15 Minutes with Novel Algae Detection Device

Asst Prof Bae Sung Woo (centre) and Miss Chiang Li Ching Elaine (right) are holding the smartphone platform while Mr Thio Si Kuan (left) is holding the microfluidic chip for the algae detection device. T he NUS Engineering research team led by Assistant Professor Bae Sung Woo from NUS Civil and Environmental Engineering had created a highly sensitive system that uses a smartphone to rapidly detect the presence of toxin-producing algae in water within 15 minutes. Besides being able to generate test results on-site, findings can also be reported in real-time using the smartphone’s wireless communication capabilities.

Comparatively, conventional methods of algae detection and analysis are time consuming. Often, they also require specialised and costly equipment, as well as skilled operators to conduct water sampling and testing. To make things worse, while waiting for analysis results, the algae toxins are already negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems and water supply. Case in point – in an algae bloom in 2015, over 500 tonnes of fish were wiped out and some fish farmers lost millions of dollars in Singapore.

Comprising a microfluidic chip, a smartphone and a customisable 3D-printed platform that houses optical and electrical components such as a portable power source and an LED light, the new algae detection device is portable, easy-to-use, weighs less than 600 grams and costs less than S$300 (excluding the smartphone). Its sensitivity also means that only a small amount of water sample is needed to generate results with up to 90 percent accuracy.

This algae detection device that could potentially play a role in preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms in aquatic environments threatening global public health and cause environmental problems, was supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore through its Marine Science Research and Development Programme, and the Ministry of Education. The findings of this research were published in online scientific journal “Harmful Algae”.

The research team is currently in discussion with industry partners to commercialise their technology. Beyond which, the team is also working on a new microfluidic chip that can be integrated with a modified version of the current 3D-printed smartphone platform to detect the presence of foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and other infectious pathogens.

With this tool, water quality tests can be conducted anytime and anywhere. This new method is also very cost efficient as the microfluidic chip can be washed and reused. This device will be particularly useful for fish farmers who need to monitor the water quality of their fish ponds on a daily basis.”

– Prof Bae Sung Woo, NUS Civil and Environmental Engineering