Imaginary Reactance Sensing for Microorganism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impedance-based detection systems for microbial growth in clinical samples face limitations, including high detection thresholds, inefficiency in high-ionic strength mediums, and the need for frequent sample sub-sampling, which hinders their application in complex media like blood and results in prolonged time-to-detection.
Innovation Solution
The method employs the imaginary reactance component of impedance to detect microorganism growth, allowing for frequency tuning within the microliter to milliliter volume range, enabling faster detection by adjusting electrode configurations and using a bridge resistor-capacitor tuning circuit to enhance sensitivity to ionic composition and microbial biomass, reducing the need for frequent sub-sampling and complex mathematical calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance-based detection systems are used to detect microorganism growth in clinical samples, then detection of microbial growth can be achieved, but the detection threshold is high and time-to-detection is prolonged (8-72 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from total impedance to the imaginary reactance component of impedance. This parameter change enables detection at lower microbial concentrations (improving detection threshold) and reduces time-to-detection by 5-70% because reactance is more sensitive to small changes in ionic composition caused by early microbial growth
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard impedance-based detection techniques are used in high-ionic strength mediums, then detection can be performed, but the signal generated by microbial replication is masked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by measuring the imaginary reactance component instead of total impedance. The reactance component is less affected by high ionic strength backgrounds and more sensitive to changes caused by microbial growth, enabling detection in complex media like blood without signal masking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the total impedance measurement into real (resistance) and imaginary (reactance) components. By focusing specifically on the reactance component, the system isolates the signal most relevant to microbial detection while filtering out background interference from high ionic strength mediums
3Measurement precision
If frequent sample sub-sampling is performed for detection, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of the reactance component without requiring frequent sub-sampling. The reactance measurement provides continuous sensitivity to microbial growth, maintaining detection accuracy while eliminating the need for repetitive sampling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sample in place without requiring removal, processing, or re-introduction of subsamples. The reactance-based measurement extracts continuous detection information from the intact sample, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex sub-sampling operations
4Measurement precision
If impedance measurements are used to detect microorganism growth, then detection can be achieved, but complex mathematical calculations are required to extract growth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the imaginary reactance component from the total impedance measurement. This extraction provides direct information about microbial growth without requiring complex mathematical modeling or data fitting procedures, significantly reducing computational complexity
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 time-to-detection by 5-70% and allows for the detection of microorganisms in larger volumes and complex media, such as blood, without the need for constant sub-sampling, improving sensitivity and reducing computational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the system employs the imaginary reactance component of impedance to detect microorganism growth
Implementation Method 2
a bridge resistor-capacitor tuning circuit to enhance sensitivity to ionic composition and microbial biomass
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method with increased sensitivity to microorganism growth. The system includes signal processing electronic circuit connected to a consumable or vessel through two or more electrodes that fully penetrate the vessel and are in contact with the fluid contents. The electronic circuit is configured to detect a component of the total impedance of the sample, specifically the “out-of-phase” or imaginary reactance component, which has a sensitive response to organism growth in a frequency-dependent manner. The system detects changes in both the composition of charged molecules in the liquid matrix and the number of microorganisms based on monitoring the sample for change in this parameter. This results in a 5-70% reduction in time-to-detection (TTD).The system and method detect organisms in a plurality of vessel shapes, volumes, and matrix (or media) formats. The electrodes are fully immersed in a continuous body of liquid sample. The distance between electrodes may be adjusted or tuned to fit the needs of the vessel. The voltage inputs can also be adjusted to allow proper detection of the contents within the vessel.