Automated Bacteria Identification Device Using Phage Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for identifying bacterial species and determining antibiotic susceptibility are time-consuming, challenging due to similarities in symptoms and fastidious nature of some bacterial strains, and require culturing, which may not be feasible for all strains, leading to delayed and inaccurate treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system for bacteria identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (IDAST) that cycles between growth and sampling modes, using a controller to manage a loader, articulator, and testing system to increase bacterial cell numbers, perform tests, and determine Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Sensitive, Intermediate, and Resistant (SIR) classifications based on antibiotic responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lab tests are used to identify bacteria, then accurate identification can be achieved, but the incubation period may extend up to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bacterial growth in a growth chamber before analysis, pre-concentrating bacterial cells from clinical samples. This preliminary action reduces the time required for subsequent identification tests while maintaining accuracy, as the bacteria are already cultured and concentrated when the actual identification begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification process is segmented into distinct functional modules: growth chamber for bacterial cultivation, analysis chamber for testing, and automated liquid handling systems. This segmentation allows parallel processing and eliminates sequential waiting times, reducing total incubation time while preserving identification accuracy through specialized optimized conditions for each stage.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for bacteria testing, then productivity and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system employs multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. For example, the automated liquid handling system serves both to transfer samples and to dispense reagents, while the growth chamber also functions as an incubator and a mixing vessel. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service features including automated sample processing, self-calibration routines, and automatic waste disposal mechanisms. These self-service capabilities enable the system to maintain high productivity with minimal human intervention, reducing the operational complexity burden despite the sophisticated hardware present.
3Measurement precision
If fastidious bacterial strains are cultured using conventional methods, then identification is possible, but the process becomes challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The growth chamber provides locally optimized conditions tailored to fastidious bacterial strains, including controlled atmospheric composition, temperature gradients, and specific nutrient delivery systems. These localized quality enhancements enable successful culturing of fastidious organisms without complicating the overall system design, as the complexity is confined to specific functional zones rather than the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of testing a fluid sample are provided. A method can include controlling an orientation of a loader including a sample holder configured to hold a sample vessel to correspond to a first predetermined tilt angle. The method can include controlling an articulator to transfer the fluid sample from the sample vessel to at least one well of a plurality of wells of a multiwell plate positioned on a plate deck within the enclosure. The method can include controlling the articulator to move the multiwell plate to a hotel incubator within the enclosure. The method can include applying a bacteriophage to the fluid sample. The method can include controlling the articulator to move the multiwell plate from the hotel incubator to a testing system within the enclosure after a predetermined reaction time period. The method can include receiving output data from the testing system.