Biosensor Cartridge for Rapid Microbial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbial analysis methods for diagnosing infections are time-consuming, often taking 24 to 48 hours, leading to delayed treatment and increased morbidity and mortality, and are inaccurate due to reliance on bacterial growth cycles and concentration-dependent detection methods, which fail to provide timely and specific diagnostic information for effective antibiotic selection.
Innovation Solution
The development of a biosensor cartridge system using quantum microbiology that allows for rapid detection and identification of microorganisms by concentrating them onto a detection surface through electrophoresis or other methods, enabling growth monitoring and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in a matter of minutes, independent of analyte concentration, and providing a matrix for time versus kill curves of antimicrobial agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microbial analysis methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained through growth-based detection, but diagnosis time is extended to 24-48 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by concentrating microorganisms onto the detection surface before adding culture medium and antimicrobial agents. This pre-concentration step ensures that even low-abundance pathogens are immediately available for detection, eliminating the need for lengthy incubation periods while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through subsequent growth monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical growth-based detection system with an electronic detection system that monitors microbial growth in real-time. By using optical sensors and automated image analysis to track changes in microorganism density and morphology on the detection surface, the system achieves rapid diagnosis without requiring traditional incubation periods
2Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum empiric drugs are prescribed, then treatment coverage is maximized, but effectiveness is reduced in 25-50% of cases due to delayed targeted therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification of the specific pathogen and its antimicrobial susceptibility profile before treatment begins. By rapidly identifying the exact microorganism causing infection and determining which antimicrobial agents will be effective, the system allows physicians to prescribe targeted therapy from the outset, eliminating the need for broad-spectrum empiric treatment and avoiding treatment failures in susceptible cases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides rapid feedback on antimicrobial susceptibility by testing multiple agents simultaneously and identifying which ones inhibit pathogen growth. This feedback mechanism allows for immediate adjustment of treatment protocols based on actual susceptibility data rather than empirical assumptions, significantly improving treatment effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If traditional growth-based detection is used, then microbial identification is achieved, but treatment window is lost by the time results are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing microbial concentration and initial identification steps before the pathogen can multiply to dangerous levels. By having the detection system ready with concentrated samples and immediately initiating real-time growth monitoring, the system provides identification results within hours rather than days, allowing treatment to be initiated while the treatment window is still open
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring of microbial growth on the detection surface, providing uninterrupted data on pathogen proliferation and antimicrobial effectiveness. This continuous action allows for real-time assessment of treatment response and immediate adjustment of therapy, ensuring that the treatment window is optimized throughout the entire diagnostic and treatment process
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 significantly reduces the time to diagnosis, allowing for timely and effective antibiotic selection, improves patient outcomes, and reduces the emergence of resistant organisms by providing rapid and accurate microbial identification and susceptibility testing.
Implementation Method 1
concentrating them onto a detection surface through electrophoresis or other methods
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the detection of microorganisms in a sample comprising contacting said sample with a biosensor concentration module, allowing microorganisms to grow for a first period of time and detecting growth of discrete microorganisms as an indication of the presence of said microorganisms.