Fluorescent Microorganism Detection via Centrifugal Focal Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting and counting microorganisms are time-consuming, inaccurate, and labor-intensive, and fail to differentiate between viable and non-viable microorganisms, especially when dealing with small sizes and mixed populations, and are prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A method involving fluorescent or luminescent labeling of microorganisms, followed by centrifugation in a metering chamber slide and subsequent microscopic analysis using an imaging system to accurately count and identify microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional colony counting method is used, then microorganisms can be counted, but the process is time-consuming (several tens of hours to several days) and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/spread-based colony formation process with a fluorescence-based direct detection system. Microorganisms are labeled with fluorescent substances and detected using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, eliminating the need for lengthy cultivation periods while maintaining counting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence (a form of light emission/color change) to label and detect microorganisms. By incorporating fluorescent substances that bind to microorganisms, the system enables direct visualization and counting without requiring colony formation, thus dramatically reducing detection time while preserving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If spread plate method is used, then colony formation can be observed, but the process requires spreading microorganisms on multiple solid media which is labor-intensive and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual spread plate technique with an automated fluorescence detection system. Microorganisms are directly labeled and detected in liquid suspension using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, eliminating the need for manual spreading operations and reducing human error while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent substances as intermediaries that bind to microorganisms. These fluorescent labels serve as mediators that enable direct detection and counting of microorganisms in liquid suspension, replacing the need for complex spread plate procedures and simplifying the operational process.
3Ease of operation
If turbidity measurement method is used, then the process is easy to perform, but it cannot differentiate between viable and non-viable microorganisms and has low accuracy when contaminated with particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescence (a specific type of light emission) instead of general turbidity measurement. The fluorescent labels provide a distinct optical signal that can be differentiated from background particles, enabling accurate detection of microorganisms while maintaining operational simplicity. The fluorescence signal specifically indicates the presence of labeled microorganisms rather than general suspension turbidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent substances as specific intermediaries that bind to microorganisms. These fluorescent labels provide a targeted signal that distinguishes microorganisms from other particles in the suspension, overcoming the limitation of non-specific turbidity measurement while keeping the procedure simple and automated.
4Ease of operation
If bright field microscope is used for direct counting, then the method is simple and inexpensive, but it requires observing multiple fields with high-magnification lens which is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescence labeling to create high-contrast optical signals that are easily distinguishable from the background. This allows for rapid automated imaging and counting without requiring high-magnification lenses or manual field-by-field observation, thereby reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual microscopic observation with automated fluorescence imaging systems. The fluorescent labels enable automated detection and counting algorithms to rapidly analyze multiple fields simultaneously, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual counting while keeping the overall method simple and cost-effective.
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, accurate, and convenient detection and counting of microorganisms, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by forming a clear focal plane for precise imaging and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a sample solution containing microorganisms with a fluorescent or luminescent substance capable of labeling the microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
contacting a sample solution containing microorganisms with a fluorescent or luminescent substance capable of labeling the microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
centrifuging the slide, having the metering chamber disposed thereon, by a centrifugal means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method capable of detecting, identifying or counting microorganisms, and a system using the same, and provides a method capable of identifying, detecting or counting microorganisms in a more rapid, accurate and convenient manner than a conventional method for identifying, detecting or counting microorganisms. According to the present invention, it was found that identification, detection or counting of microorganisms can be performed in a rapid, accurate and convenient manner, when a fluorescently labeled microorganism sample is centrifuged and attached to the surface of a slide, followed by analysis of fluorescent images. Therefore, the method and system of the present invention can be useful in various fields requiring detection, identification and counting of microorganisms.