An apparatus for identifying microorganisms

Abstract

The application discloses a device for identifying microorganisms, which comprises a sample containing unit, a SERS implementation unit, a laser enrichment unit, a Raman detection unit and a data processing module. The sample containing unit is used for containing a test solution containing target microorganisms. The SERS implementation unit comprises an enhanced substrate arranged in the sample containing unit and covered by the test solution, and a probe feeding assembly used for adding stored labeled probes into the test solution so that the labeled probes specifically combine with the target microorganisms to obtain a combination. The laser enrichment unit is used for irradiating the enhanced substrate with laser, and enriches the combination on the enhanced substrate by using the photo-thermal effect of the laser. The Raman detection unit is used for performing Raman spectrum detection on the enriched combination. The data processing module is electrically connected with the detection unit, and determines whether the combination includes the target microorganisms and the order of magnitude of the target microorganisms based on the detection result of the Raman detection unit, so that the detection efficiency of the target microorganisms is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model relate to the technical field of devices for identifying microorganisms, and more specifically, this utility model relates to a device for identifying microorganisms. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of microbial detection, the application of Raman detection units in devices for identifying microorganisms has garnered widespread attention and application in recent years due to its unique advantages. As a non-destructive analytical method, Raman spectroscopy can provide detailed chemical fingerprint information of microbial samples without requiring sample pretreatment. This chemical fingerprint information includes the unique vibrational modes of microbial molecular structures, enabling researchers to accurately identify the species, structure, and composition of microorganisms. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy has enormous application potential in the field of microbial detection.

[0003] However, despite the numerous advantages that Raman detection units have demonstrated in microbial detection, existing devices for identifying microorganisms still face a significant problem when using Raman detection units: low detection efficiency. This issue limits the widespread application and further development of Raman spectroscopy in the field of microbial detection. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this utility model provides a device for identifying microorganisms, which can not only effectively detect the presence or absence of target microorganisms in test solutions, but also significantly improve the detection efficiency of target microorganisms.

[0005] This utility model provides a device for identifying microorganisms, comprising:

[0006] A sample holding unit for holding a test solution containing the target microorganism;

[0007] SERS implementation unit includes an enhanced substrate disposed within the sample receiving unit and covered by the test solution, and a probe feeding assembly for adding stored labeled probes into the test solution to enable the labeled probes to specifically bind with the target microorganism and obtain a conjugate.

[0008] A laser enrichment unit is used to irradiate the reinforcing substrate with a laser and enrich the composite on the reinforcing substrate using the photothermal effect of the laser.

[0009] A Raman detection unit is used to perform Raman spectroscopy detection on the enriched conjugate.

[0010] A data processing module is electrically connected to the detection unit and determines, based on the detection results of the Raman detection unit, whether the conjugate contains the target microorganism and the order of magnitude of the target microorganism.

[0011] Furthermore, the reinforcing substrate is a rough-surfaced metal nanostructure.

[0012] Furthermore, the laser enrichment unit includes a laser disposed above the sample receiving unit and capable of generating laser light with a wavelength of 532nm-694nm.

[0013] Furthermore, the probe feeding assembly includes a storage container for storing the marked probe and a feeding line connected to the storage container for feeding the marked probe into the sample receiving unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the feeding pipeline includes at least a delivery pump connecting the storage container and the sample holding unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the sample containing unit includes a sample tank for containing the test liquid and a shut-off valve connected to the bottom of the sample tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the shut-off valve is a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to and controlled by the data processing module.

[0017] Furthermore, the data processing module includes a memory and a processor electrically connected to the memory and the Raman detection unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the processor is also electrically connected to the laser enrichment unit and controls the operating status of the laser enrichment unit and / or the probe feeding assembly.

[0019] Furthermore, the data processing module also includes a display screen electrically connected to the processor and used to display the species of the target microorganism.

[0020] This embodiment provides a device for identifying microorganisms. The probe feeding assembly within the SERS implementation unit adds a labeled probe to a test solution containing the target microorganism, causing the probe to bind to the target microorganism and form a conjugate. This conjugate releases a detectable Raman signal. The enhancement substrate within the SERS implementation unit plays a crucial role, possessing excellent signal amplification capabilities that significantly enhance the Raman signal intensity of the conjugate, ensuring clear and discernible signal. The laser enrichment unit in the device cleverly utilizes the laser-induced photothermal effect by precisely projecting a laser onto the enhancement substrate. Laser irradiation raises the local temperature of the conjugate, promoting thermal motion and thus facilitating the aggregation of the conjugate on the enhancement substrate. This process not only promotes stable adhesion of the conjugate but also achieves efficient enrichment of the conjugate on the enhancement substrate, laying a solid foundation for subsequent Raman detection. This device is not limited to determining the presence or absence of target microorganisms in the test solution. With the assistance of the SERS implementation unit and the laser enrichment unit, the Raman detection unit and the data processing module can more quickly identify the presence or absence of target microorganisms and the quantity of target microorganisms, significantly improving the accessibility of Raman detection of target microorganisms in the conjugate and thus significantly improving the detection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device for identifying microorganisms provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] 1. Sample receiving unit; 11. Sample cell; 12. Shut-off valve;

[0024] 2. SERS implementation unit; 21. Probe feeding assembly; 211. Storage container; 212. Feeding pipeline; 2121. Transfer pump;

[0025] 3. Laser enrichment unit;

[0026] 4. Raman detection unit. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device for identifying microorganisms provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a device for identifying microorganisms, including a sample containing unit 1, a SERS implementation unit 2, a laser enrichment unit 3, a Raman detection unit 4, and a data processing module. The sample containing unit 1 contains a test solution containing the target microorganism. The SERS implementation unit 2 includes an enhancement substrate disposed within the sample containing unit 1 and covered by the test solution, and a probe feeding assembly 21 for adding stored labeled probes to the test solution to specifically bind the labeled probes to the target microorganism and obtain a conjugate. The laser enrichment unit 3 irradiates the enhancement substrate with laser light and utilizes the photothermal effect of the laser to enrich the conjugate on the enhancement substrate. The Raman detection unit 4 performs Raman spectroscopy detection on the enriched conjugate. The data processing module is electrically connected to the detection unit and determines whether the conjugate contains the target microorganism and the order of magnitude of the target microorganism based on the detection results of the Raman detection unit 4.

[0029] This embodiment provides a device for identifying microorganisms. The probe feeding assembly 21 within the SERS implementation unit 2 adds a labeled probe to a test solution containing the target microorganism, causing the probe to bind to the target microorganism and form a conjugate. This conjugate releases a detectable Raman signal. The enhancement substrate in the SERS implementation unit 2 plays a crucial role, possessing excellent signal amplification capabilities that greatly enhance the Raman signal intensity of the conjugate, ensuring clear and discernible signals. The laser enrichment unit 3 in the device cleverly utilizes the laser-induced photothermal effect by precisely projecting a laser onto the enhancement substrate. Laser irradiation raises the local temperature of the conjugate, promoting thermal motion and thus facilitating the aggregation of the conjugate on the enhancement substrate. This process not only promotes stable adhesion of the conjugate but also achieves efficient enrichment of the conjugate on the enhancement substrate, laying a solid foundation for subsequent Raman detection. This device is not limited to determining the presence or absence of target microorganisms in the test solution. With the assistance of the SERS implementation unit 2 and the laser enrichment unit 3, the Raman detection unit 4 and the data processing module can more quickly identify the presence or absence of target microorganisms and the quantity of target microorganisms, which significantly improves the accessibility of Raman detection of target microorganisms in the conjugate and thus significantly improves the detection efficiency.

[0030] It should be noted that SERS stands for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering. SERS is an advanced spectroscopic analysis technique that utilizes the surface plasmon resonance effect of metal nanostructures to significantly enhance the Raman scattering signal of target microorganisms, thereby achieving precise detection of trace substances. Its principles mainly include electromagnetic enhancement mechanisms and chemical enhancement mechanisms. The electromagnetic enhancement mechanism is due to the enhanced local electric field generated on the surface of the metal nanoparticles, thus enhancing Raman scattering; the chemical enhancement mechanism is due to charge transfer or chemical bonding between the metal nanoparticles and molecules, thereby altering the polarizability and vibrational frequency of the molecules.

[0031] For example, when the target WeChat organism is the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the test solution can be physiological saline, and the labeled probe can be methyl azobenzene, succinimide dimercaptonitrobenzene, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, the reinforcing substrate is a rough-surfaced metal nanostructure to generate a resonance effect with the target microorganism, thereby significantly enhancing the Raman scattering signal of the target microorganism. For example, the metal nanostructure can be gold nanoparticles or silver nanoparticles to achieve the purpose of enhancing the Raman scattering signal of the target microorganism.

[0033] Furthermore, the laser enrichment unit 3 includes a laser located above the sample containing unit 1 and capable of generating laser light with a wavelength of 532nm-694nm. The laser light is generated by the laser light and irradiates a local part of the composite to raise the temperature of the composite, thereby generating a photothermal effect.

[0034] Furthermore, the probe feeding assembly 21 includes a storage container 211 for storing labeled probes and a feeding line 212 connected to the storage container 211 for feeding the labeled probes into the sample containing unit 1. The feeding line 212 can feed the labeled probes in the storage container 211 into the sample containing unit 1 to specifically bind with the target microorganisms in the test solution and cause the target microorganisms to generate a detectable Raman signal.

[0035] Preferably, the feeding pipeline 212 includes at least a delivery pump 2121 connecting the storage container 211 and the sample receiving unit 1, so as to deliver the marker probe from the storage container 211 to the sample receiving unit 1. The delivery pump 2121 can more directly extract the marker probe from the storage container 211 and send it back into the sample receiving unit 1, making the structure of the feeding pipeline 212 simpler and thus achieving the purpose of saving costs.

[0036] Furthermore, the sample containing unit 1 includes a sample tank 11 for containing the test solution and a shut-off valve 12 connected to the bottom of the sample tank 11. During the enrichment of the target microorganism by the laser enrichment unit 3 and the detection of the target microorganism by the Raman detection unit 4, the test solution remains in the sample tank 11. This serves two purposes: firstly, it provides a means of containing the test solution, and secondly, it concentrates the test solution at the laser irradiation position of the laser and the detection position of the Raman detection unit 4. This ensures that the laser enrichment unit 3 can effectively enrich the target microorganism, and that the Raman detection unit 4 can effectively detect the target microorganism. The shut-off valve 12 can be closed during the enrichment of the target microorganism by the laser enrichment unit 3 and the detection of the target microorganism by the Raman detection unit 4 to temporarily store the test solution in the sample tank 11, and can be opened after the detection is completed to discharge the test solution, thus preparing for the next detection by the device.

[0037] Furthermore, the shut-off valve 12 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to and controlled by the data processing module, so as to replace manual opening or closing of the shut-off valve 12, thereby improving the automation level of the sample receiving unit 1 and further improving the detection efficiency of the device.

[0038] Furthermore, the data processing module includes a memory and a processor electrically connected to the memory and the Raman detection unit 4. The memory can store the data and instructions required in the process of identifying microorganisms (such as the characteristic spectrum of microorganisms, identification algorithms, etc.), and the processor processes the data and instructions in the memory and controls the Raman detection unit 4 to move.

[0039] Furthermore, the processor is electrically connected to the laser enrichment unit 3 and controls the operating status of the laser enrichment unit 3 and the probe feeding assembly 21. The processor controls the probe feeding assembly 21 to add the labeled probe to the test solution, so that the labeled probe specifically binds to the target microorganism in the test solution in the sample containing unit 1 to form a conjugate. Then, the processor controls the laser enrichment unit 3 to irradiate the enhancement substrate with laser light, so as to enrich the conjugate on the enhancement substrate by utilizing the photothermal effect of the laser. Then, the processor controls the Raman detection unit 4 to perform Raman spectroscopy detection on the enriched conjugate to obtain the data of the target microorganism in the test solution, thereby improving the automation level of the device and further improving the detection efficiency of the device.

[0040] Preferably, the data processing module further includes a display screen electrically connected to the processor and used to display the types of target microorganisms, so as to present the results obtained by the processor analysis in a more intuitive and clear way.

[0041] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Based on the above description of this application, those skilled in the art will also understand that the following terms, such as "above" and other terms indicating orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings of this application. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" or "second," etc., used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A device for identifying microorganisms, characterized in that, It includes: A sample holding unit for holding a test solution containing the target microorganism; SERS implementation unit includes an enhanced substrate disposed within the sample receiving unit and covered by the test solution, and a probe feeding assembly for adding stored labeled probes into the test solution to enable the labeled probes to specifically bind with the target microorganism and obtain a conjugate. A laser enrichment unit is used to irradiate the reinforcing substrate with a laser and enrich the composite on the reinforcing substrate using the photothermal effect of the laser. A Raman detection unit is used to perform Raman spectroscopy detection on the enriched conjugate. A data processing module is electrically connected to the detection unit and determines, based on the detection results of the Raman detection unit, whether the conjugate contains the target microorganism and the order of magnitude of the target microorganism.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing substrate is a rough-surfaced metallic nanostructure.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The laser enrichment unit includes a laser located above the sample receiving unit and capable of generating laser light with a wavelength of 532nm-694nm.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The probe feeding assembly includes a storage container for storing the marked probe and a feeding line connected to the storage container for feeding the marked probe into the sample receiving unit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feeding pipeline includes at least a delivery pump that connects the storage container and the sample holding unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sample holding unit includes a sample tank for holding the test solution and a shut-off valve connected to the bottom of the sample tank.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shut-off valve is a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to and controlled by the data processing module.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data processing module includes a memory and a processor electrically connected to the memory and the Raman detection unit.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is also electrically connected to the laser enrichment unit and controls the operating status of the laser enrichment unit and / or the probe feeding assembly.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The data processing module also includes a display screen electrically connected to the processor and used to display the species of the target microorganism.

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