Bioelectrical Sensor for Pathogen Detection via Organism-Generated Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosurveillance methods for detecting pathogens require costly laboratory equipment, specialized instrumentation, and are less sensitive, difficult to reconfigure, and time-consuming, making them inadequate for timely and comprehensive threat detection.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, high-trust, sensitive, and reconfigurable bioelectrical sensor system that uses 3D printing to integrate reaction elements capable of detecting pathogens in bodily fluids, generating electrical signals for rapid identification and alert generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing biosurveillance methods are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but the cost is high due to specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic cartridges containing pre-loaded reagents and reaction chambers, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable laboratory equipment. Each cartridge is a low-cost, single-use device that integrates all necessary components for pathogen detection, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical laboratory instrumentation with a simplified microfluidic system driven by passive flow mechanisms and basic pumps. The microfluidic chip integrates mixing, incubation, and detection functions that previously required separate mechanical devices, significantly reducing equipment costs while preserving detection capability.
2Reliability
If existing biosurveillance methods are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but the time required is long
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridges are pre-loaded with all necessary reagents, primers, and reaction components before use. Sample preparation steps are pre-configured within the chip, eliminating time-consuming manual preparation in the laboratory. The system is ready for immediate detection upon sample introduction, significantly reducing total detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple sequential laboratory steps (sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection) into a single integrated microfluidic chip. This consolidation eliminates transfer times between instruments and allows parallel processing of multiple functions, reducing overall detection time from hours to minutes while preserving detection reliability.
3Reliability
If existing biosurveillance methods are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but reconfiguration to detect multiple pathogens is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into modular microfluidic cartridges, each designed to detect specific pathogens or pathogen groups. Different cartridges can be selectively used or combined depending on the detection needs. This segmentation allows rapid reconfiguration by simply changing or combining cartridges rather than reprogramming complex instruments, maintaining detection reliability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable detection panels where reaction chambers and detection elements can be programmatically activated or deactivated based on the detection target. This dynamic flexibility allows the same physical platform to adapt to different pathogens by changing software control parameters and reagent configurations, enhancing versatility without sacrificing detection accuracy.
4Reliability
If existing biosurveillance methods are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but specialized instrumentation and trained technicians are required
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridges are designed as self-contained, user-friendly devices with automated sample processing and built-in quality control mechanisms. The system performs self-diagnosis and guides users through operation via simple interfaces, eliminating the need for trained technicians to operate complex instrumentation. Detection reliability is maintained through engineered robustness rather than human expertise.
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
The bioelectrical sensor system enables quick, accurate, and flexible detection of multiple pathogens, reducing labor, equipment, and time requirements while improving sensitivity and reconfiguration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first reaction element comprises a first organism configured to detect a first target pathogen and configured to respond to the detection of the first target pathogen by generating a voltage
Implementation Method 2
the second organism is configured to respond to the generation of the voltage by reducing the ions and changing an electric potential in the bioelectrical sensor, thereby generating the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A bioelectrical sensor for detecting one or more pathogens in a fluid sample is provided. The bioelectrical sensor receives a fluid sample comprising one or more pathogens, and detects the one or more pathogens using a series of chemical reactions. The series of chemical reactions include a detection step in which a detector organism detects a pathogen upon coming into contact with and/or to within a certain proximity of the pathogen, and a reporting step in which a reporter organism responds to the detection by generating an electrical signal comprising information about the detected pathogen. The electrical signal may then be transmitted to a computing device, which may identify the pathogen by mapping the generated electrical signal to a known pathogen.