Deep UV Fluorescence Detection for Rapid Pathogen Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pathogen testing methods are complex, expensive, and slow, leading to delayed detection of contamination, which can escalate into major events, especially in water, food, and healthcare industries.
Innovation Solution
A portable system using deep ultraviolet light excitation and semiconductor photodetectors to quickly detect and differentiate pathogens by their unique spectral signatures, allowing real-time monitoring and quantification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pathogen testing methods (filtering, culturing, incubation, staining) are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases significantly (24 hours to two weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/biological testing methods (filtering, culturing, incubation, staining) with an optical detection system using deep UV excitation and fluorescence detection. This substitution enables rapid pathogen identification within seconds while maintaining detection accuracy through spectral signature analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional cultural methods to fluorescence emission spectra. By measuring the unique spectral signatures of pathogens under deep UV excitation, the system achieves rapid identification without requiring time-consuming incubation and culturing processes.
2Reliability
If traditional laboratory testing processes are used, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory processes by isolating the fluorescence detection mechanism. This extraction allows pathogen detection to be performed with a simplified portable device rather than requiring full laboratory infrastructure and multiple processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the testing system to automatically identify pathogens through spectral signature analysis without requiring scientist intervention for interpretation. The system self-calibrates and automatically differentiates between pathogen and non-pathogen based on their unique fluorescence characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then pathogen identification capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective deep UV light sources and semiconductor photodetectors that can be manufactured at low cost. These components replace expensive laboratory equipment while providing sufficient performance for pathogen detection, making the system affordable for widespread deployment.
4Speed
If real-time detection is implemented, then response time is improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to rapid detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures multiple fluorescence emission parameters (intensity, wavelength, spectral shape) simultaneously to compensate for the rapid detection time. By collecting excessive spectral data points across different wavelengths, the system ensures accurate pathogen identification even within seconds of measurement.
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, affordable, and accurate detection and differentiation of pathogens in seconds, preventing contamination by identifying specific pathogens and quantifying their presence, thus ensuring immediate safety in water, food, and healthcare environments.
Implementation Method 1
pathogen in a medium auto-fluorescence when excited with ultraviolet light (e.g., deep ultraviolet light (deep UV))
Implementation Method 2
detecting emission from the excited biological substance via a plurality of semiconductor photodetectors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to detecting biological substances. In certain aspects, the invention is directed to a method directing one or more wavelengths of light within a deep ultraviolet (UV) spectrum into a medium to excite a biological substance in the medium, detect emission from the excited biological substance via a plurality of semiconductor photodetectors, and analyze the deep UV emission data for presence of a deep UV spectral signature indicative of the biological substance, wherein presence of the deep UV spectral signature indicates that the medium comprises a biological substance. The invention is also directed to identifying a pathogen in a medium comprising a pathogen and a non-pathogen biological substance.