Automated Fluid Sample Preparation for Micro-Organism Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing fluid samples for detecting micro-organisms and biological substances are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose risks to laboratory workers, especially in non-clinical settings like the shipping industry, where contaminated ballast water requires efficient and reliable analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a crossflow filter with plasma-polished stainless steel and a modular container system for concentrating micro-organisms, combined with communication means for remote control and reagents like fluorescent beads for accurate measurement, enables efficient and safe sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample preparation methods are used, then the process allows for flexible handling and adjustment, but the preparation time is long and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample preparation system performs operations autonomously without continuous manual intervention. The system automatically aspirates samples, adds reagents, incubates, and prepares slides, enabling the process to serve itself and eliminating the need for skilled personnel to perform each step manually.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a robotic arm, syringe pump, and automated slide stainer. The system uses programmable mechanical movements to aspirate, dispense, and process samples, replacing human hands and tools while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If manual sample preparation is performed, then skilled personnel can perform complex procedures, but labor costs increase and worker safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system acts as an intermediary between the operator and hazardous samples. The robotic arm and enclosed processing chambers isolate the worker from direct contact with potentially contaminated ballast water, eliminating exposure risks while maintaining the ability to perform complex preparation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all complex procedures autonomously, including automated staining sequences, incubation timing, and slide preparation. The programmable controller executes multi-step protocols without human intervention, ensuring reliable execution of complex procedures while removing workers from the process.
3Measurement precision
If pre-incubation methods are used to increase micro-organism numbers, then detection sensitivity improves, but preparation time increases to 24-48 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration of micro-organisms from ballast water samples using automated filtration and centrifugation before the actual detection process. By pre-concentrating the sample, the system ensures sufficient micro-organism numbers for detection without requiring lengthy pre-incubation periods, reducing preparation time while maintaining detection sensitivity.
4Productivity
If automated systems are implemented, then preparation time is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: sample aspiration, reagent dispensing, incubation, slide preparation, and staining. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, managing complexity while delivering comprehensive automated sample preparation capabilities.
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 method significantly reduces preparation time, enhances safety by automating the process, and allows for precise detection and quantification of micro-organisms, even in challenging environments, with the ability to adapt preparation procedures based on measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid sample is filtered with a filter, wherein the micro-organisms and/or biological substances are retained by the filter
Implementation Method 2
the filter comprises plasma-polished stainless steel, wherein the filter comprises holes having a diameter in the range of 0-1 μm
Data Source
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AI summary
This present invention relates to an automatic fluid sample preparation module and method for use thereof, for automatically preparing a fluid sample for detecting micro-organisms and/or biological substances. The invention further relates to an automatic analysis system. The automatic fluid sample preparation module comprises : - an inlet for automatically obtaining a sample directly from a fluid or fluid stream to be analyzed; - preparation means for preparing the fluid sample from the sample, comprising first coupling means for coupling with the inlet; and - an oulet for discharge of prepared fluid to measurement means, wherein the preparation means are provided such that micro¬ organisms and/or biological substances from one or multiple samples are accumulated in the prepared fluid sample.