Magnetic Particle Detection Device for Bacteria Resolution Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection methods using near field light struggle to detect bacteria and fungi due to their size exceeding the resolution limit, making it difficult to observe substances larger than several hundred nanometers.
Innovation Solution
A detection device employing a container with composite particles bonded to magnetic labeling substances, a magnetic field applying part using multiple magnets to collect these particles at a predetermined region where free-space light is incident, and an imaging unit to capture and detect the particles based on the collected images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection method using near field light is used, then resolution for sub-wavelength objects is improved, but detection capability for larger objects (bacteria, fungi) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic labeling substances as intermediaries that bind to measured substances (bacteria, fungi). These magnetic labels serve as detectable proxies for the target organisms, allowing indirect detection through magnetic field interaction rather than direct optical imaging of the organisms themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical detection mechanism with a magnetic field-based collection mechanism. Instead of relying on optical resolution to detect and image biological substances directly, the system uses magnetic fields to collect magnetically-labeled substances and then detects them optically, substituting the detection mechanism to bypass the resolution limitation.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field is applied to collect composite particles, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnets that serve dual functions: they generate the magnetic field for collecting composite particles and simultaneously act as structural components of the detection device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate collection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection process into distinct functional modules: a magnetic field applying part with magnets for particle collection, and an imaging unit for optical detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining functional boundaries.
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 the simple detection of bacteria and fungi of several micrometers in size by separating composite particles from other substances, improving detection capabilities beyond the limitations of near field light methods.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field applying part provided with a plurality of magnets arranged at a position other than a lower position than the container so that pole faces of the same magnetic poles face each other separated by predetermined intervals and applying a magnetic field so as to collect the composite particles
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device of a measured substance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has as its object the simple detection of bacteria, fungi, and other biologically related substances. A detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a container containing a solution and composite particles made of a measured substance and a magnetic labeling substance bonded together, a magnetic field applying part provided with a plurality of magnets arranged at a position other than a lower position than the container so that pole faces of the same magnetic poles face each other separated by predetermined intervals and applying a magnetic field so as to collect the composite particles at a predetermined region where free-space light is incident other than the bottom region of the container, an imaging unit capturing composite particles collected at the predetermined region where free-space light is incident through a region between the pole faces of the same poles facing each other, and a detecting unit detecting the composite particles based on an image captured by the imaging unit.