Disposable Centrifugal Separator for Bacterial Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing bacterial infections or contamination in water or food supplies are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, requiring pure bacterial cultures that are difficult to obtain, especially for slow-growing bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Innovation Solution
A particle or cell separation and concentration device using sequential centrifugation steps to rapidly concentrate bacteria or contaminants from fluid samples, allowing for efficient sample preparation and analysis, featuring a disposable device with multiple chambers and a valve system for controlled fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cell culturing methods are used to obtain pure bacterial cultures, then reliable bacterial identification can be achieved, but the process requires days or weeks of time and significant labor
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the bacterial separation process into multiple sequential centrifugation steps, each performing a specific function (initial separation, washing, concentration) to achieve pure bacterial cultures faster than traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the biological culturing process with a mechanical centrifugation-based separation system that physically isolates bacteria from the sample matrix, eliminating the need for prolonged incubation periods
2Reliability
If traditional cell culturing methods are used, then accurate bacterial identification is possible, but the process is labor-intensive and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a self-contained system where the disposable cartridge automatically performs sequential centrifugation and separation steps without requiring skilled operators to manually manipulate samples through multiple laboratory procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex laboratory culturing process and replaces it with a simplified mechanical separation system that can be operated with minimal training while maintaining identification accuracy
3Productivity
If sequential centrifugation steps are implemented using multiple chambers and valves, then rapid bacterial concentration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple separation chambers and centrifugation steps into a single integrated disposable cartridge, achieving rapid bacterial concentration while containing the complexity within a pre-assembled unit that simplifies operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable cartridges that encapsulate the complex multi-chamber structure, allowing the complex device to be used once and discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of complex components
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
Facilitates rapid extraction and concentration of bacteria, reducing labor and time required for diagnosis, and minimizing human error, enabling quicker identification of bacterial contaminants in water or food supplies.
Implementation Method 1
The separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.