Ion Jet Pathogen Analyzer for Rapid Food Safety Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting foodborne pathogens, such as culture-based bacterial isolation and advanced techniques like PCR and DNA microarrays, are either time-consuming, require complex equipment, or are not suitable for on-site, rapid multiplex detection, failing to provide a field-deployable solution for real-time identification of pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Verotoxigenic E. coli in food products.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an ion jet electron-entangled analyzer with an electronic circuitry and classification unit that generates an alternating electric field, modulates data, and employs machine learning to classify pathogens in near real-time, capable of detecting pathogens in a microscopic test chamber without the need for extensive sample preparation or specialized equipment, and can be deployed in field settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If culture-based bacterial isolation and identification is used, then detection reliability is improved, but detection time increases to 2-3 days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional culture-based mechanical/biological system with an ion jet-based physical detection system that uses ion beams to interact with bacterial cells, enabling rapid detection without requiring days of cultural growth and manual identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from slow cultural growth and manual observation to rapid ion beam interaction and electrical signal measurement, transforming the detection process from a time-consuming biological process to a quick physical measurement that can identify pathogens within minutes
2Productivity
If real-time PCR and DNA microarrays are used, then detection speed and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex PCR and microarray systems, isolating the core capability of rapid pathogen identification into a simplified ion jet-based system that requires minimal equipment and no specialized laboratory infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips with integrated ion jet electrodes that can be used once and discarded, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and maintenance-intensive laboratory equipment, thereby reducing both initial cost and operational complexity
3Device complexity
If ELISAs are used, then cost and operational complexity are reduced, but field deployability deteriorates due to equipment and professional operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ion generation capability, detection electronics, and test strip into a single integrated handheld device, combining functions that would traditionally require separate equipment and professional expertise into one portable unit suitable for field deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a self-contained system where the ion jet automatically generates ions, the test strip self-assembles with the ion jet, and the device performs autonomous detection without requiring professional operation or external laboratory infrastructure, enabling anyone to conduct rapid pathogen testing in the field
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, sensitive, and specific detection of foodborne pathogens in seconds, reducing the need for laboratory equipment and training, and providing a robust, field-deployable solution for on-site testing of various bacteria in food products, including leafy greens and fruits.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive nano-needle is configured inside the hollow conductive micro needle to form an ion-jet
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode for emitting an alternating electric field from the frequency
Implementation Method 3
a converter generates DC energy and a clock from the alternating electric field's charges
Data Source
AI summary
An ion-jet electron-entangled pathogens analyzer imprinted on a test strip resembles the functionality of a scanning tunneling microscope as a hand-held device, to quickly detect pathogens in water and food products on their bioelectrical signature. The use of such a device does not require special training or preparation. The test strip consists of an integrated circuit which gets energized and communicates over a weak alternating electric field provided by a matchbox-sized base station, which also contains a trained machine learning module of bioelectrical pathogen signatures. The base station connects wirelessly to smart devices or networks for further processing or recording the measurement results in a blockchain. The base station can be worn as a smartwatch or attached to processing machines, transportation vehicles, warehouses, shelves and grocery stores.