Guided-Mode Resonance Microbial Detection with Gravity-Driven Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting microbial contamination in enclosed environments are invasive and challenging, especially in scenarios where access is limited, and they fail to provide continuous monitoring without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing guided mode resonance sensors with a condensing surface that collects condensed liquids under gravity, allowing for non-invasive detection of microbial activity by measuring shifts in resonant wavelengths or positions of light, installed externally to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sampling is used to assess material and process hygiene, then contamination can be detected, but access difficulties and invasiveness make the process logistically challenging and may increase contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an optical sensing system that uses guided mode resonances to detect microbial contamination. The sensor optically measures refractive index changes caused by microbial growth on sensor surfaces, eliminating the need for physical contact or invasive sampling procedures while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the enclosed environment and the detection system. The sensor surfaces are exposed to the test fluid or gas phase, allowing microbial attachment and growth to be detected optically without requiring direct human access or manual intervention in the enclosed space.
2Measurement precision
If photonic sensors based on guided mode resonances are used to measure microbial growth, then highly sensitive optical detection can be achieved, but the sensors need to be brought into contact with the test fluid which may be hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film sensor surfaces that can be exposed to the test environment while maintaining structural integrity. The sensor surfaces are designed as thin films that allow optical interaction with the test fluid or gas phase, enabling hazardous environments to be monitored without requiring the sensor bulk to be directly contaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct fluid contact sampling with optical detection through the sensor surface. The guided mode resonance sensor detects refractive index changes optically, allowing the sensor to measure microbial growth in hazardous fluids or gases without the sensing mechanism requiring invasive contact that would expose the sensor to harmful substances.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring of enclosed environments is implemented, then real-time contamination detection is possible, but the complexity of accessing and installing sensors in enclosed spaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor platform that can be applied to various enclosed environments including storage tanks, bioreactors, and transport containers. The sensor system uses standardized optical components and can monitor multiple parameters (refractive index, microbial growth) across different applications, reducing the need for custom-designed complex sensing systems for each specific enclosed space.
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 continuous, real-time monitoring of microbial activity in enclosed spaces by detecting changes in refractive index through condensed liquids, providing an early warning system without the need for intrusive sampling.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing wall having a condensing surface on which liquid in gas can condense
Implementation Method 2
wherein the condensing surface is shaped to support the flow of condensed liquids under gravity towards a collecting point
Implementation Method 3
an optical element comprising a waveguide and a diffraction grating, that together support a plurality of guided mode resonances at selected wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 4
detecting the presence or absence of microbes in the liquid that pools around the optical element by measuring shifts in resonant wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and systems for detecting microbial activity. A device (100) for detecting microbial contamination comprises a light source (20) that is configured to be optically coupled to an optical element (10), the optical element comprising a waveguide (2) and a diffraction grating (4), that together support a plurality of guided mode resonances at selected wavelengths of light from the light source. The device also comprises a condensing wall (40) having a condensing surface (50) on which liquid in gas (vapour) can condense, wherein the condensing surface is shaped, or engineered, to support flow of condensed liquids under gravity towards a collecting point (55) where the liquid can pool (6) around the optical element. The device further comprises a detector (30) configured to detect a property of a resonant guided mode of the plurality of resonant guided modes thereby to detect the presence or absence of microbes in the liquid that pools around the optical element.