Magnetostrictive Fluid Filter for Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacterial contamination in food products are time-consuming and require extensive sample preparation, often relying on small sample sizes and laboratory analysis, which delays results and is prone to clogging due to large debris.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter system with a nonmagnetic pipe, magnetic field generator, and filter elements made of magnetic material coated with biorecognition elements, such as genetically engineered bacteriophages, that are positioned within the pipe by a magnetic field, allowing for efficient filtration and detection of pathogens in large volumes without clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bead filters with nanobeads are used to filter fluid media, then pathogen detection capability is improved, but the filter clogs due to trapping large debris
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into two functional components: magnetic filter elements containing nanobeads for pathogen detection, and a separate magnetic field generator for positioning. This segmentation allows the nanobeads to be contained within controlled magnetic structures rather than freely dispersed, preventing clogging while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the magnetic filter elements and the pipe structure, enabling dynamic positioning and control of the nanobead-containing elements. The magnetic field mediates the interaction between the filter components and fluid flow, allowing pathogens to be captured while large debris passes through.
2Loss of time
If small sample sizes (e.g., 1 mL) are used for pathogen analysis, then analysis time is reduced, but representativeness of the entire fluid volume deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic filter elements create multiple copies of the detection interface throughout the fluid flow path. Instead of analyzing a single small sample, the system distributes numerous nanobead-coated magnetic elements across the entire fluid volume, effectively creating parallel detection copies that collectively represent the whole volume while maintaining rapid analysis.
3Reliability
If extensive sample preparation is performed to remove large debris, then filter reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic filter elements dynamically respond to the magnetic field for positioning and movement. The magnetic actuation allows real-time adjustment of filter element positions based on flow conditions, enabling the system to maintain reliability without static pre-filtration steps that would increase processing time.
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 pathogen detection in large volumes of fluid without clogging, reducing the need for extensive sample preparation and allowing for the analysis of entire volumes rather than small samples, improving the efficiency and accuracy of food safety surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field through the filter section of the pipe. The magnetic field forces the plurality of filter elements to positions within the filter section of the pipe.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field forces the plurality of filter elements to positions within the filter section of the pipe.
Implementation Method 3
Each filter element may include a magnetostrictive sensor, wherein the magnetic material comprises a magnetostrictive material.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic filter may include a pipe and a magnetic field generator such as an array of permanent magnets. The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field through a filter section of the pipe. Multiple filter elements are positioned within the filter section of the pipe. The filter elements include a magnetic material and a biorecognition element to bind with a microorganism. The biorecognition element may be a bacteriophage that is genetically engineered to bind with the microorganism. The magnetic field forces the filter elements to positions within the filter section of the pipe. A fluid media may be flowed from an inlet of the pipe to an outlet of the pipe, through the filter section. The fluid media may be a liquid food such as fruit juice. Other embodiments are described and claimed.