Dielectrophoretic Profiling of <i>Candidozyma auris</i> : the Effect of Glucose on Cellular Polarizability

<i>Candidozyma auris</i> is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Its ability to persist on surfaces and resist common disinfectants contributes to rapid nosocomial transmission, making early and acute detection crucial for infection control. Conventional culture-based identification methods are time-consuming and lack sensitivity, while molecular techniques are expensive and require specialized equipment and trained personnel. This study explores the use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) for the rapid detection of <i>C. auris</i> by quantifying its dielectric properties using the dielectric single-shell model. Furthermore, since glucose plays a fundamental role in yeast metabolism, including in <i>C. auris</i>, we investigate how glucose metabolism affects its dielectric behavior. Changes in ionic concentrations and enzyme activity induced by glucose metabolism can alter the electrical properties of <i>C. auris</i> cells, making them more responsive to external electric fields. By characterizing these dielectric shifts under glucose-rich and glucose-limited conditions, we aim to develop a DEP-based diagnostic platform for the rapid and label-free detection of <i>C. auris</i>. This approach could provide an effective alternative to current diagnostic methods, enhancing screening efforts and improving infection control in healthcare settings.