FET Sensor Pathogen Detection via Electrical Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pathogen detection and drug sensitivity assays are time-consuming, typically requiring 16 to 48 hours to detect microorganisms and are not suitable for rapid identification or sensitivity testing due to limitations in sensitivity and speed.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a biological sample applied to a culturing chamber with an interacting agent, where a sensing chip measures electrical signals, such as drain current, to determine pathogen-related information within less than 6 hours, allowing for the detection of pathogens and their sensitivity to interacting agents at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional culturing methods are used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical/mechanical detection methods with electrical measurement using FET sensors. The field-effect transistor detects changes in electrical properties of the culturing medium caused by pathogen growth, enabling rapid detection within 6 hours while maintaining measurement precision through electrical signal measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors dynamic changes in electrical parameters (drain current, threshold voltage) of the FET sensor during the culturing process. By tracking these parameter changes over time rather than relying on static endpoint measurements, the system achieves both rapid detection and accurate pathogen identification.
2Reliability
If conventional drug sensitivity assays are performed, then reliability of treatment recommendation is improved, but productivity decreases due to extended testing duration
Solution Approach 1:
The FET sensor continuously monitors the culturing medium throughout the entire incubation period without interruption. This continuous measurement approach allows for real-time detection of pathogen growth and drug response, enabling rapid determination of drug sensitivity within 6 hours while maintaining reliable treatment recommendations through sustained monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary culturing and detection in parallel by initiating the FET-based measurement process immediately upon sample introduction. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously across multiple FET sensors, increasing productivity while ensuring reliable results through the established 6-hour detection protocol.
3Ease of operation
If spectroscopy is used for microorganism growth observation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high detection threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical spectroscopy with electrical field-based FET sensing. The field-effect transistor detects subtle changes in the electrical properties of the culturing medium caused by pathogen growth, achieving superior detection sensitivity at lower microorganism concentrations while maintaining ease of operation through automated electrical 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 detection of pathogens and assessment of their sensitivity to interacting agents at low concentrations, reducing detection time significantly and improving the efficiency of pathogen identification and drug sensitivity testing.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical signal from the sensing chip by measuring a drain current of a transistor
Data Source
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AI summary
Present disclosure provides a method for pathogen detection, including operations that applying a biological sample to a culturing chamber comprising an interacting agent; driving a sensor electrically coupled to the biological sample in the culturing chamber; measuring an electrical signal from the sensor; and obtaining pathogen-related information of the biological sample based on the electrical signal.