Carousel-Based Laser Scatter Bacterial Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacteria in liquid samples are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in determining the presence and type of bacteria, as well as the effect of chemoeffectors, due to the challenges in implementing optical laser scattering measurements with transparent suspended particles in biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sample laser-scatter measurement instrument with a rotatable platform and cuvettes that allows for sequential measurement of multiple fluid samples, incorporating a light source and sensor to detect forward-scatter signals for bacterial concentration, and the ability to test the effects of chemoeffectors on bacteria over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical laser scattering measurements are implemented to detect bacteria in liquid samples, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but measurement difficulty increases due to transparent suspended particles in biological samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser beam as an intermediary to interact with bacteria in the liquid sample. The laser light scatters when it encounters bacteria, and this scattering pattern is detected by sensors to identify bacterial presence and concentration. The laser acts as a mediator that converts invisible bacterial properties into detectable optical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects changes in light scattering properties (analogous to color changes in optical properties) when laser light passes through the liquid sample. The scattering pattern, intensity, and angular distribution of the laser light change in the presence of bacteria, providing detectable optical signatures that indicate bacterial concentration and type.
2Productivity
If multiple fluid samples are measured sequentially using a rotatable platform, then sample throughput increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample measurement system into multiple discrete positions arranged on a rotatable platform. Each position can hold a separate fluid sample container (cuvette), and the platform rotates to bring each sample sequentially into the measurement position. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be processed independently while using a single measurement optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable platform that dynamically moves between different sample positions. The rotation mechanism allows the system to transition from measuring one sample to another in a controlled, sequential manner. This dynamic positioning enables high throughput without requiring multiple fixed measurement chambers or complex simultaneous multi-point detection systems.
3Speed
If bacterial concentration is determined via forward-scatter signals, then measurement speed increases, but measurement precision may be affected by sample variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the forward-scatter signal intensity as feedback to determine bacterial concentration. The sensor continuously monitors the scattered light intensity, and the system processes this signal to calculate bacterial concentration in real-time. The feedback loop allows for rapid measurement while maintaining precision through signal processing algorithms that account for sample variability.
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 instrument enables rapid determination of bacterial concentration and type in multiple samples, and assesses the impact of chemoeffectors, significantly reducing analysis time and improving the accuracy of bacterial detection and quantification.
Implementation Method 1
The input beam creates a forward-scatter signal associated with the concentration of bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument determines a concentration of bacteria in a plurality of fluid samples, and comprises a housing, a rotatable platform, a plurality of fluid containers, a light source, a sensor, and a motor. The rotatable platform is within the housing. The fluid containers are located on the rotatable platform. Each fluid container holds a corresponding one of the plurality of fluid samples, and has an input window and an output window. The light source provides an input beam for transmission into the input windows of the fluid containers and through the corresponding fluid samples. The input beam creates a forward-scatter signal associated with the concentration of bacteria. The motor rotates the rotatable platform so that the input beam sequentially passes through each fluid sample. A sensor within the housing detects the forward-scatter signal exiting from the output window associated with the fluid sample receiving the input beam.