Bacterial Detection via Precision Tracking in Free Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for bacterial detection and antibiotic susceptibility testing are inaccurate, require extensive sample preparation, and are not suitable for point-of-care use due to the need for immobilization of bacterial cells, which affects phenotypic features and limits the ability to detect bacteria at clinically relevant concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses precision tracking of phenotypic features of bacterial cells in free solution, allowing for real-time, culture-free imaging and detection with minimal sample preparation, enabling the identification of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility testing without immobilization, using a large imaging volume and video microscopy to track individual bacterial cells over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical microscopy is used to obtain high-resolution images of bacterial cells, then spatial resolution is improved, but the field of view is limited and sample volume examined is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task by using multiple objective lenses with different magnifications. A low-magnification objective captures a large field of view to locate bacterial cells in a large sample volume, then a high-magnification objective is used to obtain detailed images of specific cells of interest. This segmentation allows the system to effectively examine much larger sample volumes than a single high-resolution microscope could handle.
2Measurement precision
If bacterial cells are immobilized on a surface or in a gel matrix to obtain clear images, then image quality is improved, but phenotypic features such as growth and motion are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized imaging chamber that serves as an intermediary environment. This chamber allows bacterial cells to remain in a liquid medium, maintaining their natural motility and growth characteristics, while still enabling clear optical imaging. The chamber design with controlled illumination and viewing angles provides sufficient image quality without requiring cell immobilization, thus preserving phenotypic features.
3Measurement precision
If sample enrichment is performed to image bacterial cells in low concentration samples, then detection sensitivity is improved, but additional preparation steps and complexity are added
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using automated video microscopy to scan and identify bacterial cells directly in the original clinical sample without enrichment. The computer-controlled system automatically searches through large sample volumes, locates bacterial cells, and tracks them over time, eliminating the need for manual sample preparation and enrichment steps while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
4Device complexity
If static images of bacterial cells are used for analysis, then simplicity is maintained, but motion information of bacteria is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous video microscopy that captures sequences of images over time. The system continuously tracks bacterial cells, recording their motion, swimming patterns, and behavioral changes. This continuous imaging approach provides both motion information and morphological data, enabling comprehensive analysis of bacterial phenotypes including motility characteristics that are essential for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
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 allows for rapid and accurate detection of bacterial cells and determination of antibiotic susceptibility with minimal sample preparation, enabling point-of-care diagnostics and effective identification of pathogens in various samples, including urine and blood, without perturbing the natural growth and motion of bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
An imager is located to receive light scattered from the bacterial cells or other particles suspended in the illuminated volume of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identification of bacterial cells in free solution in a sample. A sample handler is adapted to position the sample. A light source illuminates a large volume of the sample. An imager is located to receive light scattered from the sample. A computer it is coupled to receive data transmitted from the imager. A controller is coupled to send control signals to the sample handler and the computer. The imager processes the scattered light to form images of the bacteria and transmits bacteria image information to the computer, wherein the bacteria image information includes intensity values and position data for the bacteria images from which the computer determines the presence of bacteria.