Portable Biosensor for Rapid Infectious Agent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious agents in biological samples are time-consuming, expensive, and often require specialized equipment and expertise, making them unsuitable for real-time or on-site testing in manufacturing processes or other settings, and existing biosensors suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios, rendering them unreliable for large-scale testing.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained testing device that uses a disposable test cartridge assembly with a living biosensor to detect infectious agents in biological samples, such as food, without the need for culturing, providing rapid results within minutes and high sensitivity to a single cell level, and improving the signal-to-noise ratio through a light-based detection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional culturing methods are used to test for infectious agents, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but testing time is significantly extended and specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical culturing methods with a biosensor-based detection system that uses biological recognition elements (antibodies, nucleic acids) combined with signal transduction mechanisms (optical, electrochemical) to directly detect infectious agents without requiring time-consuming culturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biosensors as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between sample analysis and detection results, using biological recognition elements to specifically bind to target pathogens and convert this binding into measurable signals, thereby achieving rapid and accurate detection simultaneously
2Speed
If biosensors are used for rapid detection, then testing speed is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases making the system unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges biological recognition elements with physicochemical transduction mechanisms in an integrated biosensor system, combining the specificity of biological molecules with the sensitivity and speed of optical or electrochemical detection to achieve both rapid testing and high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes detection parameters such as signal amplification mechanisms, transducer sensitivity, and biological element concentration to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining rapid detection capabilities, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing speed
3Measurement precision
If specialized labs and scientists are involved in testing, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the biosensor system to be self-contained and automated, with built-in sample processing, detection, and result interpretation capabilities that eliminate the need for specialized laboratory infrastructure and expert操作人员, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal biosensor platform that can detect multiple types of infectious agents using the same basic system architecture, making the device adaptable to different testing scenarios without requiring specialized equipment or expertise for each pathogen type
4Measurement precision
If traditional testing processes are used, then thorough detection can be achieved, but manufacturing productivity is reduced due to testing being divorced from manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of infectious agents during the manufacturing process itself, allowing potential contaminants to be identified and addressed before they can cause widespread contamination, thereby maintaining thorough detection while preventing productivity losses from recalls
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, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of infectious agents in real-time or near real-time, allowing for on-site testing by general staff during manufacturing processes, reducing the risk of contamination and improving response times, while minimizing errors and costs associated with recalls and delays.
Implementation Method 1
a system for detecting contaminants in biological samples. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for detecting infectious agents or pathogens in food samples in real time using a reagent such as a biosensor
Implementation Method 2
improving the signal-to-noise ratio through a light-based detection system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A portable system for real time detection of the presence of an infectious agent in a biological sample employs a reagent which detects the presence of a specific infectious agent in the sample, and emits a detectable signal when the reagent reacts with the sample and detects the presence of the infectious agent. A test cartridge has a reaction chamber for receiving the sample and the reagent. The reaction chamber has a predetermined internal geometry and at least one inner surface. Introducing the sample and the reagent into the test cartridge mixes the sample and the reagent. A testing unit receives the test cartridge, and includes a sensor for detecting an emitted detectable signal. The detection of the emitted detectable signal is indicative of the presence of the infectious agent in the sample.