Lanthanum Carbonate Microorganism Concentration Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for concentrating microorganisms are often costly, require complex equipment, and are not suitable for on-site use, making them inefficient for detecting pathogenic microorganisms in various samples.

Innovation Solution

A concentration agent containing lanthanum and carbonate, with a weight ratio of carbon to lanthanum of at least 0.05, is used to bind microorganisms, allowing for their rapid and inexpensive concentration without the need for complex procedures or equipment, suitable for various sample conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If physical concentration methods (filtration, chromatography, centrifugation) are used, then microorganisms can be concentrated, but the methods require expensive equipment, trained technicians, and complex multi-step procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism concentrationVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable plastic bottles containing lanthanum carbonate concentration agent instead of expensive, complex equipment. The concentration agent is delivered in pre-filled, single-use bottles that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for costly centrifuges, filters, or chromatography systems while achieving effective microorganism concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical concentration systems (centrifugation, filtration) with a chemical concentration mechanism. Lanthanum carbonate particles chemically interact with microorganisms through adsorption and binding, concentrating them without requiring mechanical force, rotation, or physical barriers. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical equipment and trained operational knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If physical concentration methods are used, then microorganisms can be concentrated, but the methods require trained technicians and complicated multi-step processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism concentrationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The concentration agent performs the concentration function automatically through its chemical properties. When the lanthanum carbonate suspension is mixed with the sample, the particles self-select and bind to microorganisms based on their surface characteristics, requiring no operator intervention, skill, or complex protocol. The process is as simple as mixing and waiting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from physical to chemical parameters. Instead of using mechanical force, pressure, or physical barriers that require controlled operational parameters and trained expertise, the system uses chemical affinity and surface chemistry to achieve concentration. This parameter change inherently simplifies operation to the point of requiring no training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If conventional concentration agents (metal hydroxides, metal oxides) are used, then microorganisms can be concentrated, but the methods are not suitable for on-site use and have varied effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism concentrationVSAvoidon-site suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the concentration system into a portable, self-contained bottle unit that can be independently deployed at various locations. Each bottle contains the complete concentration agent formulation and can be used autonomously without requiring laboratory infrastructure, power sources, or support systems. This segmentation enables on-site use in field conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite formulation of lanthanum carbonate particles suspended in a suitable medium. This composite material combines the concentration capability of lanthanum carbonate with the practicalities of a disposable liquid or paste formulation, creating a system that is both effective and adaptable to various on-site conditions including different sample types and environmental settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The concentration agent effectively increases the concentration of microorganisms to detectable levels, providing a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for concentrating microorganisms in different sample matrices and volumes.

Implementation Method 1

The concentration agent contains both lanthanum and carbonate... binding the microorganism to the concentration agent to form a bound microorganism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9575059B2Lanthanum-based concentration agents for microorganisms

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.