Enzymatic Sampling Support for Biofilm Microorganism Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling methods fail to effectively collect microorganisms, especially those forming biofilms, due to their protective matrix, leading to ineffective disinfection and treatment challenges in healthcare, veterinary, and food industries.
Innovation Solution
A support impregnated with a fluid composition having a dynamic viscosity of 50-2000 mPa.s, containing enzymatic components like proteases, laccases, and polysaccharides, which adheres to and deconstructs biofilms, allowing for representative sampling of both planktonic and biofilm-associated microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is simple, but microorganisms protected by biofilm matrix cannot be effectively collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enzymatic composition as an intermediary substance that mediates between the sampling support and the biofilm-protected microorganisms. The enzymes (proteases, laccases, polysaccharidases) act as biological mediators that specifically target and degrade the biofilm matrix components, allowing the sampling support to access and collect microorganisms that would otherwise be protected. This resolves the contradiction by adding a chemical/biological intermediary rather than complicating the mechanical sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sampling support by impregnating it with enzymatic compositions having specific viscosity ranges (50-2000 mPa.s) and pH values (5-11). These parameter changes enable the support to interact with and degrade the biofilm matrix. The enzymatic composition's physical and chemical parameters are optimized to penetrate biofilms while maintaining sampling effectiveness, thus improving reliability without requiring complex device modifications.
2Reliability
If aggressive disinfection treatments are used to eliminate biofilms, then microorganisms can be eliminated, but resistance and tolerance problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aggressive mechanical/chemical disinfection methods with a targeted enzymatic approach. Instead of using harsh disinfectants that cause resistance, the invention uses specific enzymes (proteases for proteins, laccases for polysaccharides, polysaccharidases for DNA) that biologically degrade the biofilm matrix. This substitution of mechanical/chemical force with specific biological catalysis achieves effective elimination of biofilm-protected microorganisms without selecting for resistant strains.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning procedures are used, then the process is simple, but the protective biofilm matrix remains intact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-impregnating the sampling support with enzymatic compositions before contact with the biofilm. The enzymes are already present and activated on the support surface, allowing them to immediately begin degrading the biofilm matrix upon contact. This preliminary preparation of the support with functional enzymes eliminates the need for complex multi-step cleaning procedures, maintaining simplicity while improving effectiveness.
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 solution enables targeted and effective elimination of microorganisms by providing a complete and representative sample, optimizing sampling efficiency and reducing the need for aggressive disinfection treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a support impregnated with at least one fluid composition comprising at least one enzymatic component in solution for application on a surface presenting microorganisms that have or have not formed a biofilm
Implementation Method 2
The term 'impregnated support,' as used in the present invention, refers to a support in which a fluid spreads or diffuses throughout its entirety
Implementation Method 3
said at least one composition has a dynamic viscosity between 50 and 2000 mPa.s
Implementation Method 4
which adheres to and deconstructs biofilms
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a substrate impregnated with at least one composition comprising at least one enzymatic component for the sampling of microorganisms present on a surface, in particular for the sampling of microorganisms that may or may not have formed a biofilm on said surface, said at least one composition having a dynamic viscosity of between 50 and 2000 mPa.s.