Closed-Container Microorganism Detection via Magnetic Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbiological analysis methods require sequential steps including enrichment, detection, and confirmation, which are time-consuming and involve multiple manipulations, especially requiring the opening of containers to sample aliquots, increasing the risk of contamination and prolonging analysis time.
Innovation Solution
A process for detecting microorganisms in a closed container using a culture medium and a capture support within the container, allowing growth and detection without opening, utilizing detection means like electrochemical or optical methods for real-time detection and confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential enrichment and detection steps are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but analysis time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the enrichment phase and detection phase into a single integrated process occurring within the same closed container. The capture support with specific binding partners is introduced during enrichment, allowing target microorganisms to be concentrated and simultaneously detected without transferring samples between containers, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture support with specific binding partners is introduced at the beginning of the enrichment phase rather than after. This preliminary action allows the capture support to be present during the entire enrichment process, enabling real-time capture and concentration of target microorganisms as they grow, which accelerates subsequent detection without compromising sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple manipulation steps including opening containers are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
All enrichment and detection operations are performed within a single closed container system. The capture support is introduced aseptically into the container during enrichment, and detection is performed by introducing detection reagents through the same closed system, eliminating the need to open the container and thus preventing contamination while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture support acts as an intermediary element that can be introduced into the closed container and used for both enrichment and detection without requiring container opening. Detection reagents are introduced through the closed system and interact with the captured microorganisms on the support, maintaining the closed barrier against contamination.
3Measurement precision
If aliquot sampling is performed for detection, then detection specificity is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture support with specific binding partners is introduced during the enrichment phase and remains in the same container throughout the entire process. This eliminates the need to transfer or sample aliquots of the enrichment broth, as detection is performed directly on the captured microorganisms in situ, thereby reducing handling complexity while maintaining detection specificity.
4Reliability
If detection is performed after enrichment completion, then detection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is made continuous with the enrichment process through the use of the capture support introduced at the beginning. The capture support continuously captures target microorganisms throughout the enrichment phase, and detection can be performed at any point during or after enrichment without interrupting the overall process, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture support is prepared and introduced into the container before enrichment begins, performing preliminary capture action during the entire enrichment period. This allows detection to be performed as soon as sufficient target microorganisms are captured, rather than waiting for complete enrichment, thus accelerating throughput while ensuring reliable detection.
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 process reduces handling, minimizes contamination risks, increases analysis speed, enhances sensitivity and specificity, and allows for multi-detection across the entire sample volume, significantly accelerating the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected... c) Place the container under conditions capable of allowing the growth of the microorganism(s)
Implementation Method 2
a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected
Implementation Method 3
d) Detect, inside said closed container, using detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support
Implementation Method 4
utilizing detection means like electrochemical or optical methods for real-time detection and confirmation
Data Source
AI summary
A process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container. The process includes: a) placing said sample in contact in the container with a culture medium, a revealing system capable of allowing the detection, and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, the support comprising magnetic particles, b) closing the container, c) placing the container under conditions capable of allowing growth of the microorganism(s), d) applying a magnetic field to the magnetic particles for bringing together the magnetic particles, and e) detecting in real-time inside the closed container, using a detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.