Microbial Biosensor Gas-Permeable Membrane Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for monitoring water quality through microbial monitoring are hindered by limitations such as the inability to achieve real-time data generation, failure to account for viable but non-culturable microbes, and susceptibility to biofouling, which impairs accurate sensing in natural and engineered water and wastewater systems.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor technology that uses gas-permeable membranes to collect and measure microbial signals like CO2, allowing for real-time, online, and remote monitoring of microbial population size, health, and metabolic activity levels, excluding bulk water and resistant to biofouling, enabling continuous monitoring across various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If culture-based techniques are used for microbial monitoring, then microbial population can be detected, but real-time data generation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces culture-based mechanical methods with a biosensor system that uses biological elements (microbes, enzymes, antibodies) coupled with analytical detection systems to achieve real-time monitoring. The biosensor converts biological responses into measurable signals electronically, eliminating the time-consuming cultural steps while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary biosensing mechanism that mediates between the microbial population and the detection system. This intermediary layer enables real-time signal transduction from biological activity to measurable output, bridging the gap between biological processes and electronic measurement without requiring cultural incubation.
2Measurement precision
If probe-based water quality monitoring techniques are used, then water quality parameters can be measured, but the techniques are adversely affected by environmental contaminants which can amplify or quench the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a controlled microenvironment at the sensor surface that is distinct from the bulk water. The sensor probe interface is designed with specific properties (hydrophobicity, charge, surface chemistry) that locally favor the target analyte while excluding or minimizing the effects of environmental contaminants, thereby maintaining signal reliability in complex matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molecular copying or analog detection methods where the biosensor creates a representative signal of the target analyte without directly measuring it in the complex environmental matrix. This indirect measurement approach through molecular recognition and signal transduction copies the analytical information while filtering out interfering contaminants.
3Measurement precision
If discrete sampling methods are used for microbial monitoring, then microbial activity can be assessed at specific points, but continuous online monitoring cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by maintaining a persistent biosensor presence in the water system that continuously transduces biological signals. The system operates without interruption, providing a continuous stream of data rather than periodic snapshots, enabling real-time detection of changes in microbial activity, water quality parameters, and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic monitoring system that adapts to changing conditions in real-time. The biosensor responds dynamically to fluctuations in microbial activity, flow rates, and environmental parameters, adjusting its measurement and signal output accordingly to provide accurate continuous data despite varying operational conditions.
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
Enables rapid detection of changes in water quality, providing unique insights into system stability and allowing for timely remedial actions, while maintaining accuracy and reliability without the need for discrete sampling or reagents.
Implementation Method 1
uses membranes with permeability to one or more microbial signals of interest
Implementation Method 2
creates a gaseous cavity into or out of which microbial signals may diffuse but bulk water is excluded
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a system, method, and sensors for real-time microbial monitoring based on the presence and concentrations of microbial signals, typically gaseous compounds, which are reflective of the microbial population size, microbial health, and/or microbial metabolic activity level within aqueous environments. Use of the disclosed technology to provide online remote measurement of microbial signals, and importantly the detection of changes therein, can be used to determine stable operating conditions and detect fluctuations in water quality. The sensor monitoring technology is able to monitor the native microbial population present in an aquatic environment and does not consume any reagents or require discrete sampling points. Further, an online measurement can be implemented to track microbial activity in real-time.