Magnetically Controlled Microbial Streaking for Colony Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated streaking technologies for microbiological samples are inadequate in producing single colonies efficiently, especially at high speeds, and fail to accommodate complex streaking patterns on miniaturized or split plates, leading to labor-intensive and time-consuming manual processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of non-homogeneous, composite magnetic particles with specific characteristics such as a magnetic core and polymer coating, which allow for magnetically controlled motion, enables efficient transfer and streaking of microbial samples onto solid surfaces, achieving better spreading and isolation of colonies even at high speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated streaking is performed at high speeds, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestreaking speedVSAvoidcolony isolation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical streaking with magnetic field-controlled particle manipulation. Magnetic particles are guided by external magnetic fields to perform streaking patterns, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operations while maintaining precision at high speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the streaking tool by using magnetic particles with specific magnetic susceptibility and size parameters. By adjusting magnetic field strength and particle properties, the system achieves both high-speed operation and precise colony isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual streaking is performed to achieve good colony isolation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolony isolation qualityVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic particles automatically perform the streaking function when exposed to magnetic fields, eliminating the need for human operators. The system self-regulates the streaking process through magnetic field control, achieving both precision and high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex streaking patterns are used on miniaturized plates, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestreaking pattern accuracyVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with magnetic field control. By varying magnetic field strength and direction, complex streaking patterns on miniaturized plates are achieved without requiring complex mechanical apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, gradient) to control particle motion patterns. By changing these parameters dynamically, complex streaking patterns are generated on miniaturized plates without increasing physical device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 results in improved colony isolation and efficient use of surface area, accommodating various sample types and plate sizes, with the ability to produce more single colonies and accommodate surface variations, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11186861B2Methods and apparatus for handling microbial samples

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 BD KIESTRA BV

AI summary

This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of:a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, andb) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.