Cellulose Film Substrate for Selective Phytopathogenic Fungi Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to selectively distinguish between phytopathogenic and non-phytopathogenic fungi, as they either lack specificity or are inefficient in identifying these fungi based on their growth patterns through membranes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a substrate with a cellulose film of specific thickness (0.5-2 micrometers) and through holes of defined cross-sectional area (7.065-19.625 square micrometers) is used, where a test sample is placed on the substrate's front surface, incubated, and observed from the back surface for fungal penetration, allowing selective identification of phytopathogenic fungi.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a microporous membrane with large pores is used, then non-phytopathogenic fungi can pass through, but phytopathogenic fungi cannot be selectively detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity of phytopathogenic fungus detectionVSAvoidaccuracy of fungal identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the membrane by controlling the pore size to be within 3-5 micrometers and the thickness to be within 0.5-2 micrometers. This specific parameter range allows phytopathogenic fungi to penetrate while blocking non-phytopathogenic fungi, achieving selective detection without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a thin membrane is used, then fungal penetration is easier, but the membrane lacks sufficient strength and durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity of phytopathogenic fungus detectionVSAvoidmembrane strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the membrane thickness parameter to be within 0.5-2 micrometers. This thin yet sufficient thickness allows effective fungal penetration for detection while maintaining adequate mechanical strength and durability for practical application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining a microporous membrane with a support layer. This composite design provides both the thinness required for fungal penetration and the structural strength needed for practical use, resolving the contradiction between membrane thickness and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a membrane with small pores is used, then phytopathogenic fungi can be blocked, but non-phytopathogenic fungi cannot pass through either

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity of phytopathogenic fungus detectionVSAvoidfungal penetration rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the pore size parameter to be within 3-5 micrometers. This specific range is large enough to allow non-phytopathogenic fungi to pass through (maintaining productivity) but small enough to block larger phytopathogenic fungi when combined with the thickness parameter, achieving selective detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables selective detection of phytopathogenic fungi by allowing them to penetrate the cellulose film while preventing non-phytopathogenic fungi, thereby enhancing the accuracy of fungal identification.

Implementation Method 1

the substrate comprises a cellulose film on the back surface thereof; the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 2 micrometers; and the through hole has a cross-sectional area of not less than 7.065 square micrometers and not more than 19.625 square micrometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective penetration: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS11807740B2Method for determining whether or not test sample contains phytopathogenic fungus

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not a test sample contains a phytopathogenic fungi selectively from two kinds of fungi of a phytopathogenic fungus and a non-phytopathogenic fungus. The method according to the present invention comprises: (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a substrate comprising a through hole; wherein the substrate comprises a cellulose film on the back surface thereof; the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 2 micrometers; and the through hole has a cross-sectional area of not less than 7.065 square micrometers and not more than 19.625 square micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest; (c) observing a back surface of the film; and (d) determining that the test sample contains the phytopathogenic fungus, if a fungus is found on the back surface of the film.