Fluorescent Cell Detection on Porous Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microbial contamination in liquid samples, such as those used in food, water, and pharmaceutical industries, are time-consuming, often taking several days, which can lead to product quarantines and delays in releasing safe products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cell capture system and optical detection system that labels viable cells on a porous membrane with a fluorescent label, allowing for rapid detection by scanning with a light source and detector to identify emission events, enabling the determination of viable cell presence and quantity within hours or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cell culture methods are used to detect microbial contamination, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the detection time is excessively long (several days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/cultural cell culture methods with an optical detection system that uses fluorescent labeling and light scanning to detect viable cells. This substitution enables rapid detection (within hours or less) while maintaining measurement precision through fluorescent signal detection of viable cells on the membrane filter.
2Loss of time
If rapid detection methods are implemented, then detection time is reduced, but the ability to maintain cell viability for further identification may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct stages: (1) rapid optical detection of viable cells using fluorescent labeling and light scanning to identify cell presence and quantity within hours, and (2) subsequent cell culture or identification procedures that can be performed on the same membrane filter containing the captured cells. This segmentation allows rapid detection without compromising the ability to maintain cell viability for further analysis.
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
This method allows for the rapid detection of viable cells in liquid samples, reducing the time required for microbial contamination assessment and enabling quicker release of safe products, while maintaining the viability of cells for further identification.
Implementation Method 1
a light source emitting a beam of light of a wavelength adapted to excite the fluorescent label to produce an emission event
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the presence and/or amount of viable cells in a liquid sample. The method includes (a) labeling with a fluorescent label viable cells remaining on a porous membrane after passing the liquid sample therethrough, (b) scanning a portion of the porous membrane by rotating the porous membrane relative to a detection system, and (c) determining the presence and/or quantity of viable cells captured by the membrane.