Magnetostrictive Sensor Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacterial contamination in food products are time-consuming and require complex sample preparation, relying heavily on laboratory analysis and expensive equipment, which delays screening results and limits the ability for real-time pathogen detection in the food supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a basin with an array of wells for magnetostrictive sensors coated with biorecognition elements, where a sensor coil applies a varying magnetic field to detect frequency shifts caused by pathogen binding, allowing for real-time and simultaneous detection of microorganisms in a liquid analyte without the need for extensive sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microbiological methods (colony counting, immunoassay, PCR) are used for pathogen detection, then high detection sensitivity is achieved, but sample preparation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory procedures by using magnetostrictive sensors that directly detect pathogen binding through frequency shifts, eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation steps including cell separation, concentration, and culture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical detection methods (colony counting, immunoassay, PCR) with a magnetostrictive sensing system that uses magnetic field interactions to detect pathogen presence, enabling direct detection without mechanical sample preparation
2Measurement precision
If laboratory-based culture methods are used for pathogen detection, then accurate pathogen identification is achieved, but detection speed and on-site capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetostrictive sensor system performs self-contained detection by directly measuring frequency shifts caused by pathogen binding to biorecognition elements on the sensor surface, enabling on-site detection without requiring sample transport to laboratories
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is pre-coated with biorecognition elements specific to target pathogens before deployment, allowing immediate detection upon contact with samples without requiring preliminary sample preparation or culture steps
3Measurement precision
If complex sample preparation procedures are implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex sample preparation procedures entirely by designing a sensor system that can directly detect pathogens in raw samples through magnetostrictive frequency shifts, eliminating filtration, purification, and concentration steps
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 accurate identification of microorganisms in food samples, reducing delays in detection and improving the efficiency of food safety surveillance by allowing on-site pathogen detection without the need for laboratory processing.
Implementation Method 1
Free-standing phage-based magnetoelastic biosensors have been investigated as a label-free wireless biosensor system for real-time pathogen detection. The magnetoelastic biosensor is typically composed of a magnetoelastic resonator that is coated with a bio-molecular recognition element that binds specifically with a target pathogen. Once the biosensor comes into contact with the target pathogen, binding occurs, causing an increase in the mass of the resonator resulting in a decrease in the resonant frequency of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor coil is positionable beneath each well of the array of wells... apply a varying magnetic field, with the sensor coil, to a first magnetostrictive sensor within the first well
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one illustrative embodiment, a system may include a basin that includes an index plate positioned at a bottom of the basin. The basin is configured to receive a liquid analyte, such as a liquid food product or a nutrient broth. The index plate includes an array of multiple wells. Each well opens into an interior of the basin and is sized to receive a magnetostrictive sensor in a predetermined orientation. One or more sensor coils is positionable beneath each well. The basin may be filled with liquid analyte and magnetostrictive sensors may be positioned in the wells. The liquid analyte may be allowed to incubate at a controlled temperature. A controller may position a sensor coil beneath a well, apply a varying magnetic field to a magnetostrictive sensor in the well, and detect a frequency response of the magnetostrictive sensor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.