Fluorescence Detection Cartridge with Partitioning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biological molecules, such as bacterial contamination in water, are prone to errors due to suitability issues with broth and incubation conditions, and rely on visual detection which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lacks quantitative measurement, requiring a large number of cells for detection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cartridge with a substrate for enzyme reaction, a partitioning element, and a light source for fluorescence detection, allowing for rapid and quantitative detection of biological molecules associated with enzyme activity, using a raised cartridge mount and optical system to optimize fluorescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual detection by human eye is used, then the method is simple and requires no complex equipment, but the detection limit is high and requires a large number of coliform cells to be present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual detection by human eye with automated fluorescence detection using a fluorescence microscope. The system uses a light source to excite fluorescent substrates and a detector to measure fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for visual inspection while enabling quantitative measurement and lower detection limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence emission as a detectable signal. Fluorescent substrates are used that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, allowing detection of biological molecules through fluorescence intensity measurements rather than visual color changes, thereby improving detection sensitivity and enabling quantitative analysis.
2Measurement precision
If standard incubation for 24 hours is used, then sufficient substrate conversion occurs for visible detection, but the detection time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual color change to fluorescence measurement. By using fluorescent substrates and detecting fluorescence intensity, the system can detect biological molecules at much lower concentrations and in shorter times than traditional methods, improving both speed and sensitivity without sacrificing reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual detection is used, then the method is cost-effective and requires minimal equipment, but the actual number of coliform cells cannot be determined quantitatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective fluorescence measurement. The fluorescence detector provides quantitative data on the number of fluorescent units, enabling precise determination of coliform cell counts while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of fluorescent substrates and standard microscopy equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dye substrates are used to detect different organisms, then the system becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases and interpretation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple fluorescent substrates that emit at different wavelengths, allowing simultaneous detection of different biological molecules. Each substrate is specifically designed to react with particular enzymes or molecules, enabling multiplexing without requiring complex separate detection systems for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence emission at different wavelengths as a detection mechanism. By using fluorescent substrates that emit at distinct wavelengths when excited, the system can simultaneously detect multiple different biological molecules through their characteristic fluorescence signatures, simplifying the detection of multiple targets compared to traditional multi-color dye methods.
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 reliable and rapid detection of biological molecules at low concentrations, reducing incubation time and improving detection limits, allowing for accurate quantification of microorganisms in samples.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source that irradiates the biological molecule or the at least one substrate partitioned into the partitioning element; a detector that detects fluorescence of the biological molecule or the at least one substrate partitioned into the partitioning element
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge.