Sensing device and method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using same

Abstract

Disclosed are a sensing device and a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using same. The sensing device, according to one aspect of the present invention, may comprise an accommodation module, a first plate member, and a second plate member. The method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility, according to another aspect of the present invention, may comprise the steps of: (a) coating a sensor with an antibiotic; (b) injecting a fluid containing a microorganism into the accommodation module; and (c) detecting an electrical signal of the fluid to diagnose susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Description

Sensing device and antibiotic susceptibility diagnosis method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensing device and a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using the same, and more specifically, to a sensing device using a sensor and an electrode and a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using the same.

[0002] Among the various diseases that occur in the human body, there are those caused by microbial infections, including urinary tract infections and sepsis. To treat diseases caused by such microbial infections, antibiotics are required to inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms, and antibiotics either suppress the growth of microorganisms or kill them.

[0003] However, more than 100 types of antibiotics have been developed to date, and their effectiveness varies depending on the type of microorganism or whether it is resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the most effective antibiotic must be selected for each patient, and the diagnostic test method for this purpose is called antibiotic susceptibility testing.

[0004] For such antibiotic susceptibility testing, the structure is designed to test antibiotic susceptibility through a sensor within a space containing a fluid that includes antibiotics and microorganisms.

[0005] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2570520 discloses a biosensor using a PET substrate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for testing the antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms using the same.

[0006] However, in such antibiotic susceptibility diagnostic methods, there are cases where electrical signals are not transmitted properly due to the formation of bubbles in the space containing the fluid containing antibiotics and microorganisms.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop technology that prevents bubble formation in the space containing the fluid containing antibiotics and microorganisms for antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby enabling the effective transmission of electrical signals.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a sensing device that prevents the generation of bubbles in a space containing a fluid containing antibiotics and microorganisms, and a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using the same.

[0009] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a sensing device capable of effectively transmitting an electrical signal of a sensor for sensing a fluid containing antibiotics and microorganisms, and a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using the same.

[0010] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensing device is provided comprising: a receiving module in which fluid introduced through an open upper surface can be received on a lower surface; a first plate member formed such that at least one receiving module is coupled and the receiving module is formed to allow fluid communication in the vertical direction; and a second plate member coupled to the first plate member on an upper surface, wherein at least one sensor for sensing the fluid is formed on the upper surface and an electrode capable of detecting a signal sensed by the sensor is formed on the lower surface.

[0012] In this case, the shape of the upper cross-section of the receiving module may be wider than the shape of the lower cross-section, and the cross-section may decrease from the top to the bottom.

[0013] At this time, at least one receiving hole may be formed in the first plate member so that at least one receiving module may be received.

[0014] At this time, the sensor may include a body in which a change in the electrical characteristics of the fluid can be measured, a first hole connected to the body in a second direction and electrically connected to the body, and a second hole connected to the body in a direction opposite to the second direction and electrically connected to the body.

[0015] At this time, a cross electrode may be formed in the body.

[0016] At this time, the sensor can measure the electrical capacitance of the fluid.

[0017] At this time, the electrodes are provided in a plurality, and the plurality of electrodes may be formed to correspond to the first hole and the second hole.

[0018] At this time, the sensors can be accommodated inside the lower surface of the receiving module.

[0019] At this time, the second plate member may be a PCB substrate.

[0020] At this time, the sensing device can diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms in the fluid.

[0021] At this time, the above sensor may be coated with an antibiotic.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using a sensing device is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) coating an antibiotic on the sensor; (b) injecting the fluid containing the microorganism into the receiving module; and (c) detecting an electrical signal of the fluid to diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism.

[0023] At this time, the step of diagnosing the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism using the sensor (c) above may be a step of diagnosing the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism by measuring the electrical capacitance of the fluid through the sensor.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the sensing device and antibiotic susceptibility diagnosis method using the same according to the present invention can prevent the generation of bubbles that interfere with the measurement of electrical capacitance within a receiving module containing an antibiotic and microorganisms through a receiving module in which the shape of the upper cross-section is wider than the shape of the lower cross-section and the cross-section decreases from the top to the bottom.

[0025] In addition, the sensing device according to the present invention and the antibiotic susceptibility diagnosis method using the same allow the electrical signal of the sensor for sensing a fluid containing antibiotics and microorganisms to be transmitted effectively.

[0026] In addition, the sensing device according to the present invention and the antibiotic susceptibility diagnosis method using the same may allow for easy replacement of the receiving module.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a sensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receiving module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first plate member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second plate member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second plate member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a second plate member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating that a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is received on the lower surface of a receiving module.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The present invention provides a sensing device comprising, in its best form, a receiving module in which a fluid introduced through an open upper surface can be received on a lower surface; a first plate member to which at least one receiving module is coupled and which is formed to allow fluid communication in the vertical direction; and a second plate member coupled to the first plate member on an upper surface, wherein at least one sensor for sensing the fluid is formed on the upper surface and an electrode for detecting a signal sensed by the sensor is formed on the lower surface.

[0038] In addition, the present invention provides, in its best form, a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using a sensing device, comprising: (a) coating an antibiotic on the sensor; (b) injecting the fluid containing the microorganism into the receiving module; and (c) detecting an electrical signal of the fluid to diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description in the drawings have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0040] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0041] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0042] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to describe the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] The statement that a component is "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" of another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being positioned "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" in direct contact with the other component, but also cases where another component is positioned in between. Furthermore, the statement that a component is "connected" to another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being directly connected to each other, but also being indirectly connected to each other.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receiving module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a second plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating that a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is received on the lower surface of a receiving module.

[0045] Hereinafter, a sensing device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. At this time, in describing the sensing device (1), as can be seen in FIG. 1, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as the forward direction as the first direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is defined as the right direction as the second direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is defined as the upward direction as the third direction.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of a sensing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment is shown in the form of a perspective view or an exploded view so that the configuration of the sensing device (1) is more clearly revealed.

[0047] The sensing device (1) of the present invention can diagnose whether a specific microorganism is susceptible to a specific antibiotic.

[0048] The fluid introduced into the sensing device (1) to determine whether a specific microorganism is susceptible to a specific antibiotic may contain a specific microorganism and a specific antibiotic.

[0049] Antibiotic susceptibility results can be divided, for example, into resistance (Resistant, R), intermediate resistance (Intermediate, I), and susceptibility (Susceptible, S).

[0050] For example, to treat an infection caused by a microorganism, an antibiotic susceptible to that microorganism must be used; this means that if a microorganism is identified as susceptible, the infection can be treated by prescribing the recommended dosage of antibiotics for that microorganism and the site of infection.

[0051] Furthermore, for microorganisms identified as exhibiting intermediate resistance, it implies that the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotic against the target microorganism is similar to the maximum concentration of the drug that can be prescribed, which may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy. On the other hand, for microorganisms identified as exhibiting resistance, it indicates that treatment is not effective at the maximum concentration of the drug that can be prescribed.

[0052] The target microorganism may be a bacterium, and the bacterium is preferably a Gram-positive bacterium, a Gram-negative bacterium, and an antibiotic-resistant strain thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] Specifically, the Gram-positive bacteria may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0054] In addition, the Gram-negative bacteria may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, Psedomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Salmonella typhimurium.

[0055] Antibiotics are not specifically limited to their type and include all that can measure their susceptibility with the sensing device (1) according to the present invention. Specifically, the above antibiotics are Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Gentamicin, Erythromycin, Vancomycin, Linezolid, Methicillin, Oxacillin, Cefotaxime, Rifampicin, Amikacin, Kanamycin, Tobramycin, Neomycin, Ertapenem, Doripenem, Imipenem / Cilastatin, Meropenem, Ceftazidime, Cefapime, Ceftaroline, It may be selected from the group consisting of ceftobiprole, aztreonam, piperacillin, polymyxin B, colistin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, tigecycline, combinations thereof and derivatives thereof, and is preferably ampicillin or tetracycline, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] A fluid containing microorganisms can be injected into a receiving module (100) after processing a sample containing microorganisms.

[0057] The sample may be in the form of a composition and may be taken from any one of liquid, soil, air, food, waste, the intestines of animals and plants and tissues derived from animals and plants, blood, urine, tears, saliva, or sweat, and animals and plants include the human body.

[0058] The sample may also be a microorganism extracted from a specimen of human blood and cultured and amplified in a blood culture medium or an isolation culture medium. The sample may be one in which the bacterial species has not been identified by a mass spectrometer or other identification kit.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, a sensing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a receiving module (100), a first plate member (200), and a second plate member (300).

[0060] First, let's explain the receiving module (100).

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the receiving module (100) may include a housing (110), an inlet (120) formed on an open upper surface, and a receiving portion (130) formed on an open lower surface.

[0062] The housing (110) can be formed so that fluid flowing into the interior of the receiving module (100) through the open upper surface of the receiving module (100) can flow down along the inner surface of the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) and be received in the receiving portion (130) formed on the lower surface of the receiving module (100).

[0063] The inlet (120) of the receiving module (100) can be formed so that fluid flowing in through the receiving module (100) can flow in uniformly.

[0064] At this time, the upper surface of the receiving module (100) where the inlet portion (120) of the receiving module (100) is formed may be a circular shape existing on the same plane.

[0065] The upper surface of the receiving module (100) is circular on the same plane, so that the fluid flowing in through the receiving module (100) can flow in uniformly.

[0066] The receiving portion (130) of the receiving module (100) can be formed so that fluid introduced through the receiving module (100) can be uniformly received.

[0067] At this time, the lower surface of the receiving module (100) where the receiving portion (130) of the receiving module (100) is formed may be a circular shape existing on the same plane.

[0068] The lower surface of the receiving module (100) has a circular shape existing on the same plane, so that the fluid introduced through the receiving module (100) can be uniformly received.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the receiving module (100) may be open to form an inlet (120) through which fluid can be introduced.

[0070] A fluid produced to determine whether a specific microorganism is susceptible to a specific antibiotic can be introduced through the inlet (120).

[0071] The fluid introduced through the inlet (120) can be received in the receiving portion (130) on the lower surface of the receiving module (100).

[0072] Although the receiving module (100) itself has an open bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 8, the receiving module (100), the first plate member (200), and the second plate member (300) are combined so that the receiving portion (130) can receive the incoming fluid without the incoming fluid leaking out through the upper surface of the second plate member (300).

[0073] Thus, the fluid introduced through the inlet (120) can be received in the receiving portion (130) formed at the bottom of the receiving module (100).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving module (100) has a cross-sectional shape on the upper surface that is wider than the cross-sectional shape on the lower surface, and the cross-sectional shape may decrease from the top to the bottom.

[0075] Specifically, the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) has a cross-sectional shape on the upper surface that is wider than the cross-sectional shape on the lower surface, and the cross-sectional shape may decrease from the top to the bottom.

[0076] That is, the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) may have a tapered shape in which the cross-section decreases from the top to the bottom.

[0077] Accordingly, fluid flowing into the interior of the receiving module (100) through the open upper surface of the receiving module (100) can flow down stably along the inner surface of the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) and be received in the receiving portion (130) formed on the lower surface of the receiving module (100).

[0078] By having the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) have a tapered shape, when fluid flows into the receiving module (100) through the open upper surface, it does not directly collide with the lower surface of the receiving module (100), thereby preventing bubbles from forming in the flowing fluid.

[0079] The degree to which the cross-section of the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) decreases from the top to the bottom can be varied depending on the viscosity, temperature, etc. of the incoming fluid.

[0080] However, under ambient temperature conditions, the area of ​​the upper surface may preferably be formed to be 1.25 times larger than the area of ​​the lower surface. At this time, the upper surface and the lower surface may each be circular existing on the same plane, and the degree to which the cross-sectional area of ​​the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) decreases from the top to the bottom may be reduced at a constant rate while the area of ​​the upper surface is formed to be 1.25 times larger than the area of ​​the lower surface.

[0081] Below, the first plate member (200) will be described.

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, at least one receiving module (100) may be coupled to the first plate member (200). That is, a plurality of receiving modules (100) may be coupled to the first plate member (200).

[0083] Various fluids can be accommodated by combining a plurality of receiving modules (100) with the first plate member (200).

[0084] In other words, it becomes possible to determine the susceptibility of various antibiotics to various microorganisms.

[0085] In order for a plurality of receiving modules (100) to be coupled to the first plate member (200), at least one receiving hole (210) is formed in the first plate member (200) so that the receiving modules (100) can be coupled to the receiving hole (210).

[0086] Specifically, the receiving hole (210) can be formed to accommodate the receiving module (100) in correspondence with the shape of the receiving module (100).

[0087] For example, if the receiving module (100) is cylindrical in shape, the receiving hole (210) may be cylindrical in shape so as to receive the receiving module (100).

[0088] As another example, if the receiving module (100) has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional shape of the upper surface is wider than the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface and the cross-sectional shape decreases from the upper surface to the lower surface, the receiving hole (210) may have a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional shape of the upper surface is wider than the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface and the cross-sectional shape decreases from the upper surface to the lower surface so as to receive the receiving module (100).

[0089] At this time, the receiving module (100) can be joined while moving from the upper direction to the lower direction of the receiving hole (210).

[0090] As another example, if the shape of the upper cross-section of the receiving module (100) is narrower than the shape of the lower cross-section and the cross-section widens from top to bottom, the receiving hole (210) may have a shape in which the shape of the upper cross-section is narrower than the shape of the lower cross-section and the cross-section widens from top to bottom so that the receiving module (100) can be received.

[0091] At this time, the receiving module (100) can be combined with the first plate member (200) while moving from the lower direction to the upper direction of the receiving hole (210).

[0092] The receiving module (100) is coupled to the first plate member (200) through the receiving hole (210), and since the upper and lower surfaces of the receiving module (100) are open, the first plate member (200) can communicate fluidly in the vertical direction.

[0093] At this time, it means a case where the first plate member (200) is not coupled to the second plate member (300), and the receiving module (100) is coupled to the receiving hole (210) so that the first plate member (200) can fluidly communicate through the receiving module (100).

[0094] When the first plate member (200) is coupled to the second plate member (300), fluid is contained in the second plate member (300), so in this case, fluid communication is possible only on the upper side of the first plate member (200).

[0095] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, it was described above that fluid can be injected into the first plate member (200) through a receiving module (100) coupled to the receiving hole (210), but it is obvious that fluid can be injected into the first plate member (200) through the receiving hole (210) without the receiving module (100) if necessary. In other words, it is obvious that the first plate member (200) can be used independently without the receiving module (100).

[0096] Below, the second plate member (300) will be described.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, the second plate member (300) can be joined to the first plate member (200) on the upper surface.

[0098] There is no particular restriction on the way the second plate member (300) is combined with the first plate member (200).

[0099] For example, a coupling groove is formed in the second plate member (300), and a coupling projection corresponding to the coupling groove is formed in the first plate member (200), so that the second plate member (300) can be coupled to the first plate member (200) through the coupling groove.

[0100] As another example, a coupling groove is formed in the first plate member (200), and a coupling projection corresponding to the coupling groove is formed in the second plate member (300), so that the second plate member (300) can be coupled to the first plate member (200) through the coupling groove.

[0101] As another example, a coupling hole is formed in each of the second plate member (300) and the first plate member (200), and a screw thread is formed inside the coupling hole to receive a screw that penetrates the first plate member (200) and the second plate member (300) from the outside and is screw-coupled, so that the first plate member (200) and the second plate member (300) can be screw-coupled through the screw.

[0102] As another example, the second plate member (300) and the first plate member (200) can be joined together through an adhesive.

[0103] When the second plate member (300) and the first plate member (200) are combined, the first plate member (200) and the second plate member (300) can be closely attached without gaps.

[0104] In order for the first plate member (200) and the second plate member (300) to be in close contact without gaps, when the receiving module (100) is coupled to the first plate member (200), the lower surface of the receiving module (100) and the lower surface of the first plate member (200) may be on the same plane.

[0105] By having the lower surface of the receiving module (100) and the lower surface of the first plate member (200) on the same plane, the first plate member (200) and the second plate member (300) can be in close contact without gaps.

[0106] In addition, the fluid introduced through the receiving module (100) can be received in the receiving module (100) without leaking out through the second plate member (300), thereby increasing the reliability of the antibiotic susceptibility determination of the sensing device (1).

[0107] A plurality of receiving modules (100) are combined with a first plate member (200), and the first plate member (200) is combined with a second plate member (300). When the combination of the second plate member (300) and the first plate member (200) is separated, the first plate member (200) and the receiving module (100) can be easily separated from the second plate member (300), so that the receiving module (100) can be easily replaced.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, at least one sensor (310) may be formed on the upper surface of the second plate member (300).

[0109] The fluid received through the receiving module (100) is received on the upper surface of the second plate member (300). At this time, a sensor (310) is formed on the upper surface of the second plate member (300) so that the received fluid can be sensed through the sensor (310).

[0110] The sensor (310) may include a body (311), a first hole (312), and a second hole (313).

[0111] First, let's explain the body (311).

[0112] The body (311) can measure changes in the electrical characteristics of the fluid contained in the receiving module (100).

[0113] At this time, electrical characteristics may include capacitance, impedance, resistance, reactance, etc.

[0114] The body (311) can measure various electrical characteristic changes of the fluid received as described above, but as an example, the body (311) can measure changes in the electrical capacitance of the fluid received in the receiving module (100).

[0115] At this time, a cross electrode may be formed in the body (311) to measure the change in the electrical capacitance of the received fluid.

[0116] The cross electrode can function as a type of capacitor using the contained fluid as a dielectric.

[0117] With the formation of cross electrodes, the capacitance value of the contained fluid may change depending on whether the microorganisms in the contained fluid are susceptible to a specific antibiotic.

[0118] To explain in detail, it is as follows.

[0119] When microorganisms proliferate, the dielectric constant of the contained fluid increases due to the increase in microorganisms. If the dielectric constant of the contained fluid increases, the capacitance value of the contained fluid increases.

[0120] Conversely, if microorganisms cease to proliferate, the dielectric constant of the contained fluid decreases due to the reduction in microorganisms. When the dielectric constant of the contained fluid decreases, the capacitance value of the contained fluid decreases.

[0121] In other words, if the microorganisms present in the contained fluid are not susceptible to the corresponding antibiotic, they will multiply. Consequently, the increase in microorganisms causes the dielectric constant of the contained fluid to increase, and as the dielectric constant of the contained fluid increases, the capacitance value of the contained fluid increases.

[0122] Furthermore, if microorganisms present in the contained fluid are susceptible to the corresponding antibiotic, they die. Consequently, the dielectric constant of the contained fluid decreases due to microbial susceptibility, and as the dielectric constant decreases, the capacitance of the contained fluid decreases.

[0123] In summary, if the microorganisms present in the contained fluid are not susceptible to the corresponding antibiotic, the dielectric constant of the contained fluid increases; conversely, if the microorganisms present in the contained fluid are susceptible to the corresponding antibiotic, the dielectric constant of the contained fluid decreases. Therefore, whether the microorganisms present in the contained fluid are susceptible to the corresponding antibiotic can be determined through changes in the electrical capacitance of the contained fluid.

[0124] Additionally, the body (311) of the sensor (310) may be coated with an antibiotic.

[0125] At this time, the fluid flowing in through the receiving module (100) may not contain antibiotics.

[0126] Accordingly, the electrical capacitance value of the cross electrode is maintained at a constant level when the fluid is not introduced into the receiving module (100). In addition, since the change in the electrical capacitance of the received fluid can be measured when the fluid containing microorganisms is introduced into the receiving module (100), the reliability of the electrical signal measurement can be improved.

[0127] Additionally, the body (311) of the sensor (310) may be made of silver or gold material that does not undergo redox reactions in the solution.

[0128] Next, the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) will be described.

[0129] The first hole (312) and the second hole (313) are electrically connected to the body (311).

[0130] By electrically connecting the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) to the body (311), changes in the electrical characteristics of the fluid generated in the body (311) are transmitted to the first hole (312) and the second hole (313).

[0131] Additionally, the interiors of the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) may be formed to conduct electricity. More specifically, the interiors of the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) may be plated so that an electrical signal can be transmitted into the interiors of the first hole (312) and the second hole (313).

[0132] Through this, a signal regarding the change in electrical characteristics of the fluid generated in the body (311) through the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) can be measured by the electrode (320) to be described later.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first hole (312) can be connected to the body (311) in a second direction of the body (311). That is, the first hole (312) can be connected to the body (311) in a right direction of the body (311).

[0134] The second hole (313) can be connected to the body (311) from the opposite direction of the second direction of the body (311). That is, the second hole (313) can be connected to the body (311) from the left direction of the body (311).

[0135] At this time, there is no particular restriction on the direction in which the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) are connected to the body (311), respectively.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 6, the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) can be connected to the body (311). At this time, the body (311) and the first hole (312) can be electrically connected through a wire, and the body (311) and the second hole (313) can also be electrically connected through a wire.

[0137] There is no particular restriction on the direction in which the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) are connected to the body (311), respectively.

[0138] At this time, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an electrode (320) may be formed at the bottom of the first hole (312) and the second hole (313).

[0139] The electrode (320) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be formed to correspond to the first hole (312) and the second hole (313).

[0140] That is, electrodes (320) may be formed on the lower surface of the second plate member (300) to correspond to the first hole (312) and the second hole (313), respectively.

[0141] As described above, the interiors of the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) are plated so that the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) can be electrically connected to the electrode (320), respectively.

[0142] The electrical signal of the sensor can be measured by placing probes (not shown) on two electrodes (320) corresponding to the first hole (312) and the second hole (313), respectively. Through this, changes in the electrical characteristics of the fluid can be measured.

[0143] In this case, when multiple sensors (310) are manufactured, the length of the electrode (320) measuring the electrical signal of each sensor (310) is constant so that the electrical signal can be measured without being affected by the difference in length between the sensor (310) and the electrode (320).

[0144] That is, the reliability of the electrical signal measurement of the sensing device (1) can be increased.

[0145] Additionally, the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) may be holes for electrically connecting the wiring of the sensor (310). That is, the first hole (312) and the second hole (313) may be via holes for electrically connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the second plate member (300).

[0146] Additionally, for electrical connection between the upper and lower surfaces of the second plate member (300), the second plate member (300) may be a PCB substrate. More preferably, the second plate member (300) may include polyethylene terephthalate to strengthen the electrical connection between the upper and lower surfaces of the second plate member (300).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 8, the sensors (310) can be accommodated inside the lower surface of the receiving module (100).

[0148] In this case, the sensor (310) and the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) may not come into contact.

[0149] At this time, the sensor (310) and the housing (110) of the receiving module (100) do not come into contact, thereby minimizing interference of the receiving module (100) and allowing the electrical signal to be transmitted well.

[0150] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 9, a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of coating an antibiotic on a sensor (310) (S10), injecting a fluid containing microorganisms into a receiving module (100) (S20), and detecting an electrical signal of the fluid to diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganisms (S30).

[0152] First, the step (S10) of coating the sensor (310) with an antibiotic is described.

[0153] To determine the susceptibility of a specific microorganism to a specific antibiotic, the antibiotic can be coated on the sensor (310) before injecting the fluid into the receiving module (100).

[0154] Accordingly, the electrical capacitance value of the cross electrode can be constant when the fluid is not introduced into the receiving module (100), and the change in the electrical capacitance of the received fluid can be measured when the fluid containing microorganisms is introduced into the receiving module (100), thereby increasing the reliability of the electrical signal measurement.

[0155] Next, the step (S20) of injecting a fluid containing microorganisms into a receiving module (100) is described.

[0156] A fluid containing microorganisms can be injected into a receiving module (100) after first performing a step of processing a sample containing microorganisms.

[0157] The sample contains microorganisms, and the target microorganism may be bacteria. The bacteria are preferably Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and antibiotic-resistant strains thereof, but are not limited thereto. Specifically, the Gram-positive bacteria may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the Gram-negative bacteria may be one or more selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, Psedomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Salmonella typhimurium.

[0158] The sample may be in the form of a composition and may be collected from any one of liquid, soil, air, food, waste, the intestines of animals and plants and tissues derived from animals and plants, blood, urine, tears, saliva, or sweat, and animals and plants include the human body. The sample may also be a microorganism extracted from a specimen of human blood and cultured and amplified in a blood culture medium or an isolation culture medium. The sample may be a sample in which the bacterial species has not been identified by a mass spectrometer or other identification kit.

[0159] With the antibiotic coated on the sensor (310), a fluid containing microorganisms can be injected into the receiving module (100) to allow the microorganisms and the antibiotic to react on the lower surface of the receiving module (100).

[0160] Next, a step (S30) of diagnosing the antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms by detecting the electrical signal of the fluid is described.

[0161] When microorganisms and antibiotics react on the lower surface within the receiving module (100), the electrical properties of the fluid contained in the receiving module (100) may change.

[0162] Changes in the electrical properties of the fluid received can be measured through the sensor (310).

[0163] At this time, electrical characteristics may include capacitance, impedance, resistance, reactance, etc.

[0164] As described above, various changes in electrical characteristics can be measured, but as an example, changes in the capacitance of the contained fluid can be measured.

[0165] At this time, a cross electrode may be formed in the body (311) to measure the change in the electrical capacitance of the received fluid.

[0166] The cross electrode can function as a type of capacitor using the contained fluid as a dielectric.

[0167] With the formation of cross electrodes, the capacitance value of the contained fluid may change depending on whether the microorganisms in the contained fluid are susceptible to a specific antibiotic.

[0168] The detailed process by which the proliferation of microorganisms is determined by the cross electrode is as described above.

[0169] Accordingly, the sensor (310) can detect the increase or decrease in the dielectric constant value of the fluid it contains to diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above.

[0171] Furthermore, the present invention may be modified and changed in various ways by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0172] Furthermore, the above embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made.

[0173] The national research and development projects that supported this application are as follows.

[0174] [National R&D projects that supported this invention]

[0175] [Project ID] 2420005260

[0176] [Project No.] 00442440 (RS-2024-00442440)

[0177] [Ministry Name] Ministry of SMEs and Startups

[0178] [Name of Project Management (Specialized) Agency] Korea Technology Information Promotion Agency for SMEs

[0179] [Research Project Name] SME Technology Innovation Development

[0180] [Project Title] Commercialization of a Rapid, Fully Automated Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing System Applying Novel Technology of Capacitance Measurement

[0181] [Name of Project Performing Organization] Protia Co., Ltd.

[0182] [Research Period] 2024.08.01 ~ 2028.07.31

Claims

1. A receiving module in which fluid introduced through an open upper surface can be received in a lower surface; A first plate member in which at least one of the above-mentioned receiving modules is coupled and the receiving module is formed to be fluidly communicable in the vertical direction; and, A sensing device comprising: a second plate member coupled to the first plate member on an upper surface, wherein at least one sensor for sensing the fluid is formed on the upper surface and an electrode capable of detecting a signal sensed by the sensor is formed on the lower surface.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above receiving module is a sensing device in which the cross-sectional shape of the upper surface is wider than the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface, and the cross-sectional shape decreases from the top to the bottom.

3. In Paragraph 1, A sensing device having at least one receiving hole formed in the first plate member so as to accommodate at least one receiving module.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above sensor is a body in which a change in the electrical characteristics of the fluid can be measured; A sensing device comprising a first hole connected to the body in a second direction of the body and electrically connected to the body, and a second hole connected to the body in a direction opposite to the second direction of the body and electrically connected to the body.

5. In Paragraph 4, A sensing device having a cross electrode formed in the above body.

6. In Paragraph 5, The sensor above is a sensing device that measures the electrical capacitance of the fluid.

7. In Paragraph 4, A sensing device in which the electrodes are provided in plurality, and the plurality of electrodes are formed to correspond to the first hole and the second hole.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above sensors are a sensing device housed inside the lower surface of the above receiving module.

9. In Paragraph 1, A sensing device in which the second plate member is a PCB substrate.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing device is a sensing device that diagnoses antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms in the fluid.

11. In Paragraph 10, A sensing device in which an antibiotic is coated on the sensor above.

12. A method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility using a sensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein (a) A step of coating the above sensor with an antibiotic; (b) a step of injecting the fluid containing microorganisms into the receiving module; and (c) a step of detecting an electrical signal of the fluid to diagnose the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganism; comprising a method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility.

13. In Paragraph 12, (c) The step of diagnosing the antibiotic susceptibility of the above microorganism is, A method for diagnosing antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism by measuring the electrical capacitance of the fluid through the sensor.

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