Continuous-Flow Air Sampling for Rapid Fluorescent Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air sampling and detection methods for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 are inefficient, requiring significant time and are not capable of continuous monitoring, with challenges in sample collection, preparation, and detection.
Innovation Solution
A Sentinel system that includes a collection module for forming a continuously flowing liquid sample, a processing module for labeling pathogens with fluorescent reagents, a centrifugation module for separation, and a fluorescence detector for rapid scanning and detection, utilizing continuous dropwise condensation and Blu-ray OPU technology for high-throughput detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filtration is used for air sampling, then virus collection efficiency is improved, but post-processing time increases and virus integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts viruses from air samples using a liquid bath collection method, where air is bubbled through a liquid containing collection reagents. This extraction approach allows viruses to be transferred directly into a liquid medium suitable for immediate testing, eliminating the need for time-consuming filter processing and manual elution steps required by filtration methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid bath collection system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the collection medium and the transport medium for viruses, and also provides a ready-to-test sample matrix. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing steps between collection and analysis, reducing overall processing time while maintaining collection efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wet collection is used for air sampling, then virus integrity is preserved, but collection efficiency decreases and sampling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of wet collection by optimizing liquid bath composition, volume, and aeration conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves enhanced virus-to-liquid transfer efficiency while maintaining virus viability. The use of specific collection reagents in the liquid bath further improves capture efficiency without compromising virus integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid bath contains composite formulations including collection reagents, buffers, and preservatives work together to enhance virus capture efficiency. This composite approach allows the liquid medium to simultaneously attract and preserve viruses, overcoming the limitation of simple wet collection methods while maintaining virus integrity for downstream testing.
3Measurement precision
If rtPCR is used for pathogen detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration and enrichment of viral particles in the liquid sample before final detection. By pre-concentrating viruses during the collection phase and performing preliminary processing steps, the system reduces the time required for subsequent detection steps while maintaining the sensitivity needed for accurate pathogen identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces parts of the traditional mechanical rtPCR process with automated liquid handling and rapid processing systems. This substitution reduces manual intervention time and accelerates sample processing while maintaining detection sensitivity, enabling faster turnaround from sample collection to result.
4Quantity of substance
If air sampling is performed for several hours, then sufficient viral load is collected for rtPCR, but continuous monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous air sampling and processing by implementing an automated liquid bath collection system that can operate continuously without manual intervention. The liquid medium continuously captures viruses from passing air, and the system can continuously process and analyze samples, providing ongoing monitoring capability while accumulating sufficient viral load over time through continuous exposure.
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
Enables rapid detection of pathogens in less than 15 minutes with high sensitivity and specificity, suitable for continuous monitoring in high-traffic areas, and adaptable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a collection module operative to continuously collect an air sample suspected of comprising the microbial pathogen and form a continuously flowing liquid sample comprising the microbial pathogen from the air sample
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugation module comprising a spinning rotor operative to separate the fluorescently labeled pathogen in the continuously flowing stream from unbound labeling reagent
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescence detector operative to continuously scan the scanning region and detect the presence, absence, or amount of the fluorescently labelled pathogen
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for continuous flow monitoring of a liquid sample for presence of an airborne microbial pathogen are provided. The liquid sample can be derived from environmental air. The methods and devices provide for continuous labeling of a targeted pathogen in the liquid sample with a fluorescent probe. A customized fluorescence detector is provided that can detect labeled pathogens during continuous flow.