Luminescent Probes for Real-Time Microbe Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking microbes and substrates in real-time in vivo are impractical due to equipment costs and limitations, making it difficult to monitor plant root, bacteria, and nutrient interactions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of luminescent-conjugated microorganisms and probes that are blended with bacteria or fungi, allowing for real-time illumination and characterization of microbial interactions, nutrient uptake, and plant growth, by conjugating bioluminescent probes with microorganisms or substrates and activating them with specific light wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional analytics methods (western blotting, PCR, NMR, HPLC) are used to track microbes and substrates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using luminescent probes that emit light when bound to target microbes or substrates. This optical signal transformation enables simple visual or photodetector-based tracking without complex analytical equipment, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analytical systems (western blotting, PCR, NMR, HPLC) with an optical field-based detection system using luminescent probes. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive, complex equipment while maintaining tracking capability through light emission and detection
2Measurement precision
If traditional analytics methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to inability to perform real-time detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring by using luminescent probes that continuously emit light signals as microbes or substrates move through the system. This continuous optical detection eliminates the discrete, time-consuming sampling and analysis steps of traditional methods, achieving both precision and real-time capability simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If traditional analytics methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to training requirements and operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The luminescent probes are designed to automatically bind to target microbes or substrates and emit light signals without requiring skilled operators to perform complex procedures. The system is self-indicating through optical signals that can be detected with simple equipment, eliminating the need for specialized training and simplifying operation while maintaining precision
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 real-time, in vivo tracking and quantification of microbes and substrates, improving diagnostics and monitoring in agriculture, animal health, and other applications, reducing the need for costly and complex analytics.
Implementation Method 1
Bioluminescent imaging represents a powerful tool for use with both microbes and substrates conjugated to luminescent probes
Implementation Method 2
illumination probes for use in a variety of industries including agriculture, animal health, aquaculture, hydrocarbon remediation, and the like
Implementation Method 3
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for real-time, in vivo, tracking and quantification of microbes and/or substrates in a variety of industries
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for illuminating, characterizing and demonstrating the uses for microbial and plant interactions, plant nutrient uptake, environmental chemical degradation, petroleum degradation, quality control for seed treatment and fertilizer blends and diagnostics on agricultural applications.