Evanescent-Field Bacterial Analysis for Rapid Resistance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid and cost-effective detection of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial infections is hindered by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an evanescent field created by total internal reflection to detect bacterial vibrations, employing a light source, detector, and processor to determine bacterial movement in three dimensions without culturing, with optional use of a lens, quadrant photodiode detector, and coverslip to enhance precision and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional bacterial analysis methods are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but detection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/culturing-based bacterial analysis methods with an optical detection system. Instead of growing and mechanically analyzing bacteria through culturing, the system uses light scattering and evanescent field interactions to directly detect bacterial vibrations and movements, enabling rapid analysis without time-consuming culturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from bacterial growth metrics (requiring time for culturing) to optical scattering parameters. By measuring light scattering intensity, angular distribution, and temporal variations caused by bacterial vibrations, the system achieves rapid detection while maintaining accuracy through sophisticated optical measurement and analysis
2Measurement precision
If complex apparatus is used to improve detection precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional optical detection system where a single apparatus can perform multiple measurement tasks. The same optical system measures both the position and vibration characteristics of bacteria simultaneously, and can analyze different bacterial properties through varied optical parameters, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an evanescent field as an intermediary between the light source and bacteria. This evanescent field enhances the interaction between light and bacterial vibrations, providing amplified detection signals without requiring complex direct measurement geometries. The evanescent field acts as a mediator that transforms subtle bacterial vibrations into detectable optical signals
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 and accurate detection of antimicrobial resistance by analyzing bacterial vibrations directly, reducing the need for culturing and improving detection speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged to cast light toward a substrate defining a bacteria binding volume to create an evanescent field
Implementation Method 2
light which has been scattered by bacteria due to their movement in the evanescent field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) comprising: a light source (12); to cast light toward a substrate (20) defining a bacteria binding volume to create an evanescent field (22), the bacteria binding volume being within the evanescent field; a detector (32, 34) arranged to receive light from the bacteria binding volume and output data (36, 37); and a processor (38) arranged to determine vibration of bacteria (26) with the bacteria binding volume in three-dimensions from the data.