Magnetic Fluorescence Microfluidic Detection for Rapid On-Site Microorganisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pathogenic microorganisms, such as those causing food poisoning, are time-consuming and lack the capability for early, on-site detection in food, drinking water, and industrial products.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging-based device that separates microorganisms from other materials using a magnet and a microfluidic channel, allowing for direct observation and detection of microorganisms using a fluorescence microscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If culture and biochemical test methods are used to detect pathogenic microorganisms, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases significantly (3 to 5 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into distinct functional zones within the microfluidic channel: a reaction zone for magnetic particle-conjugate formation, a separation zone utilizing magnetic field gradients, and a detection zone for fluorescence imaging. This segmentation allows parallel processing of sample preparation, separation, and detection, reducing total detection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as intermediaries that bind to target microorganisms, enabling their separation and concentration from the complex sample matrix. The magnetic particles act as a mediator between the biological sample and the detection system, allowing rapid magnetic separation followed by fluorescence detection without requiring lengthy culture steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional detection methods are used, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but on-site detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions (magnetic separation, fluorescence excitation, and image capture) are merged into a single integrated microfluidic device. The microfluidic channel integrates sample processing, magnetic separation, and fluorescence detection in one compact unit, enabling on-site use while maintaining comprehensive analytical capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical sample processing steps (centrifugation, filtration, multiple transfer steps) with magnetic field-based separation and passive fluid transport through the microfluidic channel. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining separation efficiency and enables portable on-site deployment
3Speed
If magnetic particles are used to separate microorganisms, then separation speed is improved, but free magnetic particles may interfere with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic channel creates localized zones with different magnetic field strengths: a strong gradient zone for rapid microorganism-magnetic particle complex separation, and a gentle zone for free magnetic particle removal. This spatial variation in magnetic field quality allows selective separation of bound complexes while removing interfering free particles, ensuring detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Free magnetic particles are extracted and removed from the detection system through a dedicated removal step in the microfluidic channel, where they are separated from the magnetic particle-conjugated microorganisms. This extraction eliminates interference from free particles while preserving the separated target complexes for accurate fluorescence detection
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 and effective detection of microorganisms, reducing detection time and allowing for early intervention, while also being suitable for on-site use.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet in the separation reaction space; the magnetic particle-conjugated fluorescence-labeled microorganisms in the detection sample are captured by the magnet in the separation reaction space
Implementation Method 2
when the detection sample is injected into a separation reaction space in the microfluidic channel layer, the free magnetic particles in the detection sample reach the absorption layer through a microfluidic channel formed in the microfluidic channel layer along with the high-viscosity liquid
Implementation Method 3
the free magnetic particles in the detection sample reach the absorption layer through a microfluidic channel formed in the microfluidic channel layer along with the high-viscosity liquid, and then are absorbed to be removed
Implementation Method 4
a fluorescence imaging-based device for detecting microorganisms; directly observe and detect the separated microorganism using a fluorescence microscope
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluorescence imaging-based device for detecting microorganisms, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for detecting microorganisms using the same. The present invention relates to a fluorescence imaging-based device for detecting microorganisms which works with minimal user control and a method for detecting microorganisms, and enables direct observation and counting very few microorganisms within a predetermined fixed detection time.