Density-Media Particle Separation for Rapid Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for sepsis, such as blood culture, are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, especially when dealing with low concentrations of pathogens, and fail to effectively isolate targets from complex media like blood, leading to delayed treatment and potential drug-resistant infections.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing density media and particles to form bound particle-target complexes, allowing for rapid separation and concentration of targets through density shifts and centrifugal or magnetic forces, enabling timely and accurate detection of pathogens in samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods like blood culture are used, then comprehensive pathogen identification is achieved, but the detection time is extended to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target pathogen from the complex blood sample matrix by forming particle-target complexes that can be separated from unbound components. This extraction approach enables rapid isolation of pathogens without requiring extended culture periods, directly resolving the contradiction between comprehensive identification and detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary binding of particles to targets before separation, creating pre-formed complexes that facilitate rapid downstream processing. This preliminary action of complex formation enables quick pathogen isolation and identification, eliminating the need for time-consuming culture methods while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used without effective isolation, then simple procedures are maintained, but targets cannot be separated from complex media leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces particles as intermediary agents that mediate between the target pathogens and the detection system. These particles bind to targets and provide a means for separation and concentration, enabling accurate detection from complex media while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward binding and separation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sample components into distinct populations: bound particle-target complexes, unbound particles, and unbound targets. This segmentation through density-based separation allows each component to be isolated and analyzed independently, ensuring detection accuracy while keeping the procedure simple and direct.
3Loss of time
If rapid detection methods are used, then detection time is reduced to 1-3 hours, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through density media to achieve automatic separation of particle-target complexes based on density differences. This passive separation mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical separation devices, enabling rapid detection within 1-3 hours while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in density parameters to enable separation and concentration of targets. By adjusting density media composition and utilizing density differences between bound complexes and unbound components, the system achieves rapid separation without requiring complex equipment, thus reducing detection time while maintaining device simplicity.
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 isolation and analysis of pathogens in samples within 1-3 hours, reducing mortality risks by facilitating early diagnosis and reducing the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics, while being applicable to various samples including blood, food, and environmental media.
Implementation Method 1
separating the bound particle-target complexes from both the unbound targets and the unbound particles using at least one density media
Implementation Method 2
separating the bound particle-target complexes from both the unbound targets and the unbound particles using at least one density media
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and devices for detecting targets in a sample. A plurality of targets in a sample and a plurality of particles may be provided in a volume and configured to bind to one another to form bound particle-target complexes. In some embodiments, the volume may also include one or more density gradient or two or more density media which may form an interface. The bound particle-target complexes may experience a density shift and separation in the density media relative to unbound targets and/or unbound particles. In some such embodiments, the bound particle-target complexes may settle at the interface formed by the density media. In some embodiments, the separated bound particle-target complexes may then undergo concentration, extraction, and analysis steps.