Microorganism Detection via Gas Sensor and Filtration Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbiological methods for detecting microorganisms are slow, require trained personnel, and are not suitable for point-of-care settings, especially when testing for susceptibility to growth inhibitors like antibiotics.
Innovation Solution
A method using a syringe-like device with a filtering membrane and a gas sensor to culture and detect microorganisms, allowing for rapid detection of metabolic gases without the need for sterile environments or trained personnel, and enabling the use of growth inhibitors in a controlled manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard microbiological culturing methods are used, then accurate detection of microorganisms is achieved, but the process takes one to several days and requires sterile environments and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical detection function from complex laboratory procedures by using a specialized filter that directly captures and concentrates microorganisms from clinical samples. The filter integrates multiple functions (filtration, concentration, and detection interface) into a single component, eliminating the need for lengthy culturing processes while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that bridges the gap between rapid results and accurate detection. The system uses a filter-membrane interface with optical or electrical sensors to detect microbial presence and characteristics without requiring traditional culturing, thus achieving both speed and precision
2Reliability
If standard microbiological procedures are used, then reliable microbial detection is achieved, but trained personnel and sterile environments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation by integrating all necessary functions (filtration, concentration, detection) into a single automated system. The filter automatically captures microorganisms and the integrated sensors perform detection without requiring sterile technique or specialized training, making the system usable by non-experts while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate laboratory functions (sample filtration, microbial concentration, and detection) into a single integrated device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple manual操作步骤 and sterile handling procedures, simplifying operation while preserving detection reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If susceptibility testing to growth inhibitors is performed using prior art methods, then antibiotic resistance determination is achieved, but the process complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is designed with universal functionality that can perform both microbial detection and susceptibility testing to multiple growth inhibitors simultaneously. The same filter interface that detects microbial presence can also assess resistance patterns by exposing captured microorganisms to different inhibitors, eliminating the need for separate testing procedures
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for results, is safer due to a closed system, and allows for point-of-care testing by untrained personnel, while maintaining the sensitivity of microbial detection and susceptibility testing.
Implementation Method 1
passing the liquid sample through a first filtering membrane from a first side to a second side of the first filtering membrane, the second side being arranged opposite the first side, such that microorganisms contained in the liquid sample are retained at the first side of the first filtering membrane
Implementation Method 2
detecting a metabolic gas released by the microorganisms at the sensing surface by means of the gas sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for culturing and detecting microorganisms, comprising the steps of providing a liquid sample (S) in a barrel (10) of a device (1) for culturing and detecting microorganisms, passing the liquid sample (S) through a first filtering membrane (40) such that microorganisms contained in the liquid sample (S) are retained at a first side (41) of the first filtering membrane (40), contacting said first side (41) with a first growth medium (210) capable of supporting growth of microorganisms, incubating the first filtering membrane (40) and the first growth medium (210) at an incubation temperature, arranging a sensing surface (51) of a gas sensor (50) in fluid connection with a second side (42) of the first filtering membrane (40), detecting a metabolic gas released by the microorganisms by means of the gas sensor (50). The invention further relates to a device (1) for culturing and detecting microorganisms, comprising a barrel (10) enclosing a barrel compartment (13) for receiving a liquid sample (S), a first piston (20) which (20) is movable in said barrel (10), wherein said barrel compartment (13) is configured to be brought in fluid communication via a first filtering membrane (40) with a sensing surface (51) of a gas sensor (50) configured to detect a metabolic gas released by microorganisms, wherein the first filtering membrane (40) is configured to retain microorganisms contained in the liquid sample (S) at the first side (41) of the first filtering membrane (40). Furthermore, a sensor cartridge (4) and a kit of parts comprising the device (1) are provided.