Colorimetric Microorganism Detection Kit with Chemical Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms, such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, are time-consuming, expensive, and have limited sensitivity, necessitating the development of simpler, more efficient, and cost-effective detection techniques for food safety and public health.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric method utilizing a support with a chemical substrate and a colored carrier, such as nano-spheres or magnetic beads, that binds to the analyte, allowing for visual inspection and rapid detection through color changes indicative of analyte presence or absence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods (culture-dependent, PCR, serological) are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colorimetric detection where the chemical substrate changes color upon binding to the target analyte. This visual color change provides rapid detection results without requiring complex instrumentation or lengthy processing, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection accuracy and reducing detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and biochemical detection systems (culture methods, PCR equipment) with a simple colorimetric chemical reaction system. This substitution maintains sufficient detection precision for food safety applications while dramatically reducing time and equipment requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection reliability is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable test strips or cartridges containing the chemical substrate that change color upon analyte detection. These single-use components are inexpensive to manufacture and eliminate the need for expensive, maintained equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection reliability and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical substrate performs self-detection through automatic color change upon contact with the analyte, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment, trained operators, and complex procedural steps. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable detection while significantly reducing operational costs.
3Ease of operation
If simple detection methods are used, then cost decreases and ease of operation increases, but sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the detection function in a localized chemical substrate with high affinity binding sites specifically designed for the target analyte. This localized functional design enables simple operation while achieving high sensitivity through optimized molecular recognition at the binding interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses composite materials combining the chemical substrate with support structures (such as nanoparticles, beads, or coated surfaces) that enhance the sensitivity of the colorimetric response. This composite approach maintains operational simplicity while improving detection sensitivity through material synergies.
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 method provides rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of pathogens like Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, with lower detection limits than traditional immunoassay techniques, suitable for on-site analysis in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical substrate having a binding affinity with the analyte to be detected
Implementation Method 2
a carrier of a second color different from the first color and capable of masking the first color
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of detecting an analyte in a sample. The method is based on colorimetry and also on the binding affinity between the analyte and a chemical substrate which may be a recognition receptor thereof. The method involves a support and a colored carrier. A kit for use in the detection is also provided.