Carbon Black Rinse Suppresses Autofluorescence in Microbial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microbial enumeration systems face challenges with background autofluorescence, which can lead to inaccurate counts of colony-forming units (CFUs) due to noise from fluorescent sample matrices.
Innovation Solution
A carbon black post-sample rinse solution is applied to the membrane filter in the microbial enumeration system, reducing or suppressing background autofluorescence and improving the detection and enumeration of CFUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based detection is used to detect microorganisms, then detection sensitivity is improved, but background autofluorescence from sample matrices increases causing inaccurate CFU counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful background autofluorescence component from the sample matrix through chemical treatment with oxidizing agents, while preserving the fluorescent signal from microorganisms for accurate detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sample matrix by applying oxidizing treatments that modify the fluorescent properties of background substances, reducing their autofluorescence while maintaining microbial detectability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional visual detection methods are used, then background autofluorescence is not problematic, but detection sensitivity and automation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chemical intermediaries (oxidizing agents) that mediate between the background autofluorescence and the detection system, suppressing background interference to enable automated fluorescence-based detection
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sample dilution or clarification is applied to reduce background fluorescence, then background autofluorescence decreases, but microbial concentration may be reduced affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful background autofluorescence into a manageable parameter by using chemical treatment to selectively suppress it, transforming a detection obstacle into a controlled variable that enables accurate measurement without losing microbial targets
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 use of the carbon black post-sample rinse solution effectively reduces background fluorescence, enhancing the accuracy of CFU counts and improving the overall performance of microbial enumeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
A carbon black post-sample rinse solution is applied to the membrane filter in the microbial enumeration system, reducing or suppressing background autofluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments pertain to a solution containing carbon black. The solution may be applied to a membrane filter of a microbial enumeration system as a post-rinse solution (i.e., after the membrane filter is rinsed with the sample of interest). The solution may reduce or suppress background autofluorescence, thereby improving detection and enumeration of colony forming units (CFUs) or other microbiological entities. The solution may be used in connection with a method for performing sample preparation for a microbial enumeration system. The carbon black solution may be manufactured according to a manufacturing process detailed herein.