Handheld Fluorescence Imaging for Objective Wound Bacterial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound assessment methods are suboptimal as they rely on subjective visual inspection and bacteriological swabs, which are insensitive, invasive, and time-consuming, failing to provide real-time, objective data on bacterial load and biological changes in wounds, leading to delayed treatment and increased morbidity.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device for autofluorescence imaging that captures white light and bacterial autofluorescence signals, allowing real-time, non-invasive detection and analysis of bacterial load and tissue composition, providing image-guidance for treatment decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct visual inspection and bacteriological swabs are used for wound assessment, then the assessment process is simple and inexpensive, but the sensitivity and objectivity of detection are poor, leading to delayed treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (visual inspection, fluorescence imaging, and bacterial detection) into a single handheld device. The device integrates an excitation light source, optical sensor, and image processing capabilities to simultaneously capture both visual and fluorescence images, eliminating the need for separate assessment tools and laboratory-based bacteriological swabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescence imaging as an intermediary technique to detect bacterial presence and tissue changes. By applying fluorescent markers that bind to bacteria or tissue components, the device translates invisible biological processes into visible fluorescence signals, enabling objective detection without invasive sampling.
2Loss of time
If bacteriological swabs and tissue biopsies are collected for wound assessment, then bacterial identification can be achieved, but the process is invasive, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-contained wound assessment by integrating all necessary detection and analysis functions into a single handheld unit. The excitation light source, optical sensor, and image processing capabilities work together autonomously to provide real-time results without requiring external laboratory equipment or multiple separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of swabbing and biopsy collection with optical detection methods. Instead of physically sampling tissue and bacteria, the device uses fluorescence imaging to detect and visualize bacterial presence and tissue changes, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical sampling procedures.
3Loss of information
If qualitative visual assessment is used for wound evaluation, then the method is simple and quick, but it only provides a gross view without information about underlying biological and molecular changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a fluorescence imaging dimension to the traditional visual assessment. By capturing images in both the visible spectrum and the fluorescence spectrum, the device provides multi-dimensional information about the wound, including bacterial presence, tissue viability, and molecular changes that are invisible to the naked eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence color changes to indicate different biological states. Bacteria and tissue components emit characteristic fluorescence colors when excited by specific wavelengths, allowing the device to differentiate between healthy and infected tissue, and to identify the presence and type of bacteria based on their fluorescence signatures.
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, non-invasive, and objective assessment of wounds, detecting bacterial presence and tracking healing, guiding treatment strategies and reducing morbidity by providing real-time, biologically-informed data.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source configured to emit excitation light selected to elicit emission of bacterial autofluorescence from bacteria in a target illuminated with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
The mobile communication device comprises an optical sensor configured to detect signals responsive to illumination of the target with the excitation light, and corresponding to bacterial autofluorescence of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a bacterial load of a target is provided. The system includes an adaptor for configuring a mobile communication device for tissue imaging and a mobile communication device. The adaptor includes a housing configured to be removably coupled to a mobile communication device and, an excitation light source for fluorescent imaging. The excitation light source is configured to emit light in one of ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and infrared ranges.