Automated Bacterial Inoculum Adjustment via Fluidics and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing bacterial samples with standardized inoculum levels require manual handling and are prone to inconsistencies, particularly in achieving the precise particle concentration and volume necessary for accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rack, fluidics system, sensor device, and controller that automatically measures and adjusts the particle concentration and volume of a sample by adding a diluent and removing a portion of the sample, ensuring precise turbidity measurements aligned with the McFarland scale, and transferring the sample to a testing container with an indicator substance for mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual handling methods are used to prepare bacterial samples, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inconsistencies in particle concentration and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling operations with an automated system comprising a robotic arm, fluidics system, and sensor device. The robotic arm automatically positions and handles sample containers, while the fluidics system performs precise liquid handling for dilution. The sensor device automatically measures particle concentration, eliminating manual measurement errors and improving precision without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment through integrated sensor devices that automatically detect particle concentration and controller devices that calculate required dilution factors. The system self-regulates the dilution process by automatically adding diluent and removing sample based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for manual intervention in precision-critical steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual inoculum preparation is used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to inconsistencies in achieving target particle concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensor devices continuously measure particle concentration during the dilution process. The controller device receives real-time concentration data, compares it against the target value, and automatically adjusts the dilution process by controlling the fluidics system to add appropriate amounts of diluent. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent achievement of target inoculum levels with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on measured particle concentration. The controller device calculates and adjusts dilution factors, pipetting volumes, and timing parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to variations in sample concentration and achieve standardized inoculum levels consistently.
3Productivity
If manual sample handling is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of substance and loss of time increase due to repeated manual interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated operation where the robotic arm, fluidics system, and sensor device work in an uninterrupted sequence. The system automatically measures concentration, calculates dilution requirements, executes the dilution process, and prepares samples for testing without manual intervention between steps. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between manual interventions and significantly increases productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated platform: the robotic arm combines positioning and sample handling, the fluidics system combines diluent delivery and sample removal, and the sensor device combines concentration measurement with data feedback. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manual operations for each function, streamlining the process and improving efficiency.
4Reliability
If manual inoculum preparation is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates due to cross-contamination risks and inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microplate wells and single-use pipette tips in the automated system. Each well in the microplate is dedicated to a single sample, eliminating cross-contamination risks associated with manual handling. The disposable nature of these components ensures that each sample is processed in isolation, improving reliability and testing accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated handling.
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 system enables the automated preparation of samples with standardized particle concentrations and volumes, reducing manual errors and cross-contamination, and ensuring compatibility with existing bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device configured for measuring a concentration of particles in the preliminary sample
Implementation Method 2
the fluidics system being adapted for movement relative to the sample container, adding a diluent to the sample container
Implementation Method 3
removing at least a portion of the preliminary sample from the sample container
Implementation Method 4
transferring the sample to a testing container with an indicator substance for mixing
Implementation Method 5
Both growth-based and enzymatic substrates are employed to cover different types of reactivity within the range of taxa that may be present in a given sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.