Capturing and recovering of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts with polymeric micro-fabricated filter

A novel High-Aspect-Ratio (HAR) polymeric micro-filter was micro-fabricated and validated for concentration and recovery of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocysts from tap water. Perfectly ordered pores of the micro-filter were achieved by a high yield and cost effective dissolving mold technique. Obtained filter has micro structural features such as high pore density, uniform pore size, smooth surface, and straight pore path. Sample loading and back-flushing using the filter resulted in nearly 100% recovery of the C. parvum oocysts spiked. The micro-fabricated filter showed improved performance than current commercial filters in sample throughput, recovery ratio, and reusability. This research demonstrated the potential application of the micro-fabricated filter in monitoring C. parvum oocysts contamination in tap water supply system.