Multi-Layer Microbial Detection Article With Barrier Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms on surfaces in food processing and healthcare facilities are inefficient, leading to potential health risks due to microbial contamination and transfer, as they often require lengthy exposure to detection reagents that can inhibit microbial growth and cause overlapping indicator zones, making it difficult to distinguish between multiple microorganism colonies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer detection article comprising a base member with a cold water-soluble gelling agent, a microporous membrane, and a removable barrier layer, which allows for controlled exposure to a detection reagent, enabling the growth of microorganisms before exposure, thereby reducing the time needed for detection and minimizing the diffusion of indicator zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microorganisms are exposed to detection reagents for a long period, then detection sensitivity is improved, but microbial growth is inhibited and indicator zones overlap making colony distinction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detection article is divided into distinct functional layers: a base member with nutrient coating for microbial growth, a microporous membrane for physical separation, and a cover sheet with detection reagent. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of growth conditions and detection capability without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A microporous membrane serves as an intermediary layer between the microbial growth environment and the detection reagent. This membrane allows nutrient and water vapor transmission while physically preventing direct contact between reagents and microorganisms during the growth phase, enabling sequential optimization of both growth and detection.
2Measurement precision
If detection reagent exposure time is extended, then detection accuracy improves, but the time required for complete detection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is pre-coated with nutrient material before use, creating a ready-to-support growth environment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for adding nutrients during the detection process, allowing immediate inoculation and reducing overall detection time while maintaining accurate detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is divided into distinct periodic phases: an initial growth phase where microorganisms multiply on the nutrient-coated base member, followed by a detection phase where the cover sheet with reagents is applied. This periodic separation optimizes each phase independently, reducing total time while maintaining accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer detection article is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control over microbial growth and reagent exposure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection article is divided into distinct functional layers: a base member with nutrient coating for microbial growth, a microporous membrane for physical separation, and a cover sheet with detection reagent. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of growth conditions and detection capability without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilayer structure provides dynamic control over the detection process. The microporous membrane can be removed or adjusted to transition between growth mode (membrane in place, allowing nutrient transmission) and detection mode (membrane removed, allowing reagent contact), enabling adaptive optimization throughout the detection sequence.
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 allows for rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms by reducing exposure time to detection reagents, improving resolution between multiple colonies, and preventing the spread of microorganisms during the detection process, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in identifying pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.
Implementation Method 1
The microporous membrane can be disposed between the base member and the barrier layer
Implementation Method 2
The upper major surface of the base member can comprise a first dry coating that includes a cold water-soluble gelling agent
Implementation Method 3
The barrier layer can be configured to form a fluid barrier between the microporous membrane and the cover sheet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The disclosure provides an article for the detection of a microorganism in a liquid sample. The article comprises a microporous membrane and a barrier layer to selectively regulate the contact between the sample and a detection reagent. A method of use is also provided.