Automatic Phagogram System for Rapid Bacterial Susceptibility Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methodologies for phage susceptibility testing are time-consuming, require manual operations by highly trained staff, and are not feasible in clinical environments, posing a risk due to the delayed identification of bacterial infections.
Innovation Solution
A system using a microwell plate with multiple phages and a control unit to rapidly measure bacterium-phage interactions, providing a phagogram that summarizes phage-bacterium interactions, allowing for quick identification of susceptible phages and potential therapeutic cocktails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methodologies for phage susceptibility testing are used, then accurate identification of bacterium-phage interactions can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual operations by highly trained staff
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into multiple microwell plates, each containing specific phages in separate wells. This allows parallel testing of multiple bacterium-phage interactions simultaneously, reducing overall testing time while maintaining identification accuracy through systematic organization of tests
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operations by trained staff are replaced with an automated control unit that manages the microwell plates, performs measurements, and generates phagograms. This substitution eliminates manual labor requirements and reduces testing duration while preserving measurement precision through consistent automated protocols
2Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methodologies are used, then phage susceptibility can be accurately tested, but highly trained staff and manual operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to autonomously manage the entire testing process including sample handling, measurement coordination, and phagogram generation. The system performs self-service functions that previously required highly trained staff, making the operation simpler while maintaining testing accuracy through programmed protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operational steps are replaced with an automated control unit that executes testing procedures. This substitution eliminates the need for highly trained staff to perform manual operations while preserving measurement precision through consistent automated execution of testing protocols
3Measurement precision
If pure culture isolates are used in current methodologies, then accurate susceptibility testing can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The microwell plate system is designed to universally accommodate different phage-bacterium testing scenarios without requiring separate pure culture isolation procedures. The control unit manages diverse testing configurations through a unified automated platform, reducing methodology complexity while maintaining testing accuracy across different applications
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring the sensitivity of a bacterium to a plurality of phages, the system comprising: a microwell plate comprising a plurality of wells, each of said plurality of wells being configured to contain one of a plurality of phages, wherein said microwell plate is configured to have a sample comprising said bacterium dispensed into said plurality of wells; at least one reagent and/or additive, configured to be added to mixtures of said sample comprising said bacterium with a phage of said plurality of phages; and a control unit configured to interpret and present the results of measurements in the form of a phagogram, said measurements being provided by at least one analytical device, said at least one analytical device being configured to measure the interaction of each of said plurality of phages with said bacterium. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for use in same.