Development and characterization of a multiparametric microsensor for yeast cell growth monitoring

AbstractIn this work, the development and testing of a microfabricated multiparametric sensor for rapid cell growth monitoring is described, especially focused on yeast quality assessment for wine applications. The device consists of two integrated microsensors (pH, impedance), able to monitor extracellular metabolism. Microbial growth has been performed both in standard culture conditions and in presence of ethanol (12% v/v) in order to carry out a common screening of wine yeast strains. Cell growth tests can be performed in just three hours, providing a fast, reliable, sensitive and low cost analysis with respect to the conventional procedures