Bacteria Detection via Auto-Arrangement and Optical Sectioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting bacteria in urine samples are time-consuming, prone to errors, and struggle to differentiate bacteria from small debris due to the small size of bacteria and limitations of bright field microscopy, especially in debris-filled environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a consumable container that allows bacteria to auto-arrange in a lattice-like pattern, enabling optical sectioning to measure bacteria concentration by separating bacteria from debris, using the container's design and zeta potential forces to maintain bacteria in suspension while debris settles, and employing optical sectioning techniques to quantify bacteria within the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bright field microscopy is used to detect bacteria in urine samples, then bacteria can be visualized, but it becomes difficult to differentiate bacteria from small debris particles due to their similar size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific optical environment within the fluid channel that enhances light scattering from bacteria while suppressing background noise. The channel geometry and optical path are designed to provide localized detection conditions that differentiate bacteria from debris based on their distinct optical properties rather than relying solely on size-based visual differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system that mediates between the sample and the observer. Instead of direct visual inspection, the system uses light scattering measurements as an intermediary parameter to indirectly characterize bacteria, allowing differentiation from debris through quantitative optical properties rather than direct morphological observation.
2Measurement precision
If manual observation methods are used for bacteria detection, then detailed examination is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual observation system with an automated optical detection system. Instead of relying on manual microscopy operations, the invention uses automated light scattering measurements and image analysis algorithms to perform detection, eliminating the time-consuming manual examination process while maintaining or improving detection precision through consistent, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system performs self-service by automatically acquiring, processing, and analyzing sample data without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously captures optical signals, processes images through algorithms, and generates detection results, enabling the detection process to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human operation and interpretation.
3Quantity of substance
If centrifugation is used to concentrate bacteria in urine samples, then bacteria concentration is improved, but the process requires additional equipment and procedural steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a fluid channel system that performs multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The channel not only holds the sample but also provides flow control, concentration enhancement through geometric design, and optical detection pathways, eliminating the need for separate centrifugation equipment while achieving bacteria concentration through the channel's inherent hydrodynamic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the concentration function from the traditional centrifugation process and integrates it directly into the detection channel design. By removing the need for external centrifugation equipment and incorporating concentration capabilities within the channel geometry itself, the system simplifies the overall detection apparatus while maintaining effective bacteria concentration for analysis.
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 provides a highly sensitive and selective method for detecting bacteria, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy by allowing for the estimation of bacteria concentration through auto-arrangement patterns and zeta potential phenomena, effectively distinguishing bacteria from non-bacteria in urine samples.
Implementation Method 1
employing the container's design and zeta potential forces to maintain bacteria in suspension while debris settles
Implementation Method 2
after a predetermined period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria debris in the sample to have settled to the bottom of the container
Implementation Method 3
taking one or more optical sections through a preferably consumable container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting bacteria and determining the concentration thereof in a liquid sample includes the steps of taking an optical section through a container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle and after a period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria in the sample to settle to the bottom of the container. Since bacteria auto arranges in the liquid sample, forming a lattice-like grid pattern, an optical section through the volume of auto-arranged bacteria may be used to measure the quantity of bacteria residing in that section. A container for holding the liquid sample has particular structure which aids in separating the non-bacteria from the bacteria.