Hydrophilic Reagent Strip for Rapid Microbial Surface Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microbial contamination on surfaces are time-consuming, require enrichment cultures, and are not suitable for detecting low numbers of microorganisms, posing health risks in food processing and healthcare facilities.
Innovation Solution
A sampling and detection system comprising a sample collector with a water-impervious substrate, a reagent strip coated with a cold water-soluble gelling agent and hydrophilic agents, and a sample housing that allows for direct sampling and incubation, enabling rapid detection of microorganisms without the need for enrichment cultures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional sampling methods using sterile swabs or sponges are used, then samples can be obtained from surfaces, but the number of microorganisms picked up is typically quite low requiring time-consuming enrichment cultures
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling appliance is pre-treated with a hydrophilic agent that promotes microorganism transfer and recovery before actual sampling occurs. This preliminary treatment ensures that when the appliance contacts the surface, microorganisms are efficiently picked up and retained, eliminating the need for subsequent enrichment cultures and reducing detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the sampling appliance by incorporating specific hydrophilic agents that alter its surface properties. These agents increase the appliance's affinity for microorganisms, changing the transfer efficiency parameter from conventional low levels to high levels, thereby obtaining sufficient microbial samples directly without time-consuming enrichment.
2Quantity of substance
If enrichment cultures are used to grow microorganisms from small numbers, then sufficient organisms for analysis can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the enrichment culture step from the traditional detection process. By using sampling appliances pre-treated with hydrophilic agents, the system directly obtains sufficient microorganisms on the appliance itself, eliminating the need for separate enrichment culture procedures and thereby simplifying the overall detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling appliance is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating hydrophilic agents that enable it to automatically pick up, retain, and transport sufficient microorganisms directly to the growth media. This self-service capability eliminates the need for intermediate enrichment steps and manual manipulation, simplifying the detection process.
3Reliability
If conventional sampling appliances are used, then samples can be collected, but the appliances do not efficiently pick up or retain low numbers of microorganisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface chemistry parameters of the sampling appliance by incorporating hydrophilic agents. This parameter change increases the appliance's affinity for microorganisms, improving both the pickup efficiency and retention capability, thereby reliably detecting even low numbers of microorganisms that conventional appliances would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling appliance is constructed as a composite material system combining the base sampling material (swab or sponge) with hydrophilic agents. This composite structure leverages the mechanical properties of the base material for sampling while the hydrophilic agents provide enhanced microbial interaction properties, resulting in reliable detection of low microbial counts.
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 system allows for the rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms on surfaces, including low numbers, providing a simpler and more convenient method compared to traditional techniques, and is suitable for use in environments where microbial contamination poses health risks.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent strip attached thereto. The reagent strip can include a self-supporting substrate with upper and lower major surfaces wherein at least part of one major surface is coated with a cold water soluble gelling agent
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic agent selected from the group consisting of a nutrient for growing microorganisms, a selective agent, a buffer, an indicator, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.