Absorption Spectrum Separation for Microbial Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbance spectroscopy methods for detecting microorganisms are hindered by the inclusion of Rayleigh scattering contributions, which complicate the accurate measurement of absorption spectra and lead to incorrect estimations of microbial presence and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the separation of absorption spectra into Rayleigh scattering and absorption contributions using power law fitting and iterative subtraction, allowing for the accurate detection and characterization of microorganisms by isolating specific absorption peaks and changes over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If absorbance spectroscopy is used to detect microorganisms, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to Rayleigh scattering contributions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidabsorption spectrum measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the Rayleigh scattering contribution from the measured absorption spectrum. By separating the scattering component (which varies as λ^-4) from the true absorption signal, the method isolates only the relevant absorption information for microbial detection, thereby eliminating the source of measurement error while preserving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of wavelength dependence to identify and eliminate Rayleigh scattering. By analyzing how the measured signal varies with wavelength (specifically the λ^-4 relationship characteristic of Rayleigh scattering), the method can mathematically separate and remove this component, transforming the measurement from imprecise to precise while maintaining detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional absorbance spectroscopy methods are used, then microbial detection is possible, but detection time increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through iterative refinement of the absorption spectrum. By continuously comparing the measured spectrum against the separated Rayleigh scattering component and adjusting the analysis, the method converges on the true absorption signal, thereby improving both the speed and reliability of microbial detection simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms, including bacteria, and determination of antimicrobial susceptibility, reducing detection time and improving the reliability of results compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

Absorbance spectroscopy with UV or visible light has been used for many biotechnology applications, including the detection of microorganisms such as bacteria. In such procedures, a sample suspected of having bacteria can be contacted with an indicator compound that changes its UV or visible absorption spectrum depending on the presence of a bacterial metabolic product.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

The experimentally measured absorption spectrum of a test sample is not a perfect representation of the absorption spectrum of the indicator. Instead, the experimentally measured absorption spectrum also includes contributions from elements including Rayleigh scattering and absorption by other components in the test sample.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRayleigh scattering: Rayleigh Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Since some bacteria give off acidic or alkaline metabolic products, the sample can be contacted with a pH indicator. If certain bacteria are present, the pH of the surrounding medium will change, resulting in a color change of the pH indicator, which can then be detected.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH indicator:

Implementation Method 4

the bacteria H. pylori is capable of producing a urease enzyme that hydrolyzes urea to ammonia, thereby raising the pH of the surrounding fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUrease enzyme: Enzyme

Implementation Method 5

the bacteria H. pylori is capable of producing a urease enzyme that hydrolyzes urea to ammonia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240344104A1Spectroscopic methods, reagents and systems to detect, identify, and characterize bacteria for antimicrobial susceptiblity

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 SPECTRAL PLATFORMS INC

AI summary

Provided are methods of separating an absorption spectrum into a Rayleigh scattering contribution and an absorption contribution. By performing such separations and removing the influence of Rayleigh scattering, the absorption of a sample can be more accurately measured. Provided are additional methods that involve separating an absorption spectrum into a Rayleigh scattering contribution and an absorption contribution: assessing whether or not a microorganism is present in a biological fluid, assessing the effect of a pharmaceutical drug on a microorganism, and treating a subject suspected of having an infection. Provided are systems and non-transitory computer readable storage media for separating an absorption spectrum into a Rayleigh scattering and an absorption contribution.