Automated Microbial Detection via Electrostatic Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing urban air and water microbiomes are cumbersome, expensive, and unable to remotely deploy or wirelessly transmit data, requiring extensive personnel and time for microbial sampling and processing, which limits the detection and quantification of diverse microbial assemblages in high-density urban environments.
Innovation Solution
An automated microbial detection system that uses a solid-state sampler to collect and charge air particles, which are then focused onto a microfluidic testing cartridge for tagging with a fluorescence marker and detection using a fluorescence detector, allowing for remote data transfer and efficient microbial characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual microbial sampling and processing methods are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but extensive personnel and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and processing operations with an automated electrostatic system. The electrostatic sampler automatically collects airborne particles onto a charged surface, and the integrated fluorescence imaging system automatically detects and quantifies microbes, eliminating the need for manual sampling, processing, and analysis operations that previously required extensive personnel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated electrostatic particle collection and integrated fluorescence imaging. The electrostatic sampler continuously accumulates particles without manual intervention, and the fluorescence detector automatically analyzes the collected samples, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring external operational support.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional microbial detection apparatus are used, then detection capability is achieved, but the equipment is expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microbial detection system into two functional components: a simple electrostatic sampler for particle collection and a fluorescence imaging system for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, using off-the-shelf fluorescence microscopy equipment rather than requiring a single complex integrated apparatus, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic sampler acts as an intermediary device that collects airborne particles onto a surface suitable for fluorescence imaging. This intermediary approach allows the use of standard fluorescence microscopy equipment rather than requiring specialized airborne microbial detection apparatus, significantly reducing equipment costs while maintaining detection capability.
3Quantity of substance
If existing microbial sampling technology is used, then sample collection is possible, but enough biomass cannot be obtained to determine detection limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sampling methods with electrostatic collection, which uses electrostatic forces to efficiently capture airborne particles onto a charged surface. This electrostatic mechanism achieves much higher collection efficiency and biomass accumulation compared to traditional mechanical samplers, providing sufficient microbial quantities for accurate detection limit determination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote deployment is implemented, then accessibility to urban environments is improved, but existing technology cannot wirelessly transmit data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates universal data transmission capabilities into the microbial detection system, enabling it to function both as a localized detection device and as a remotely operable monitoring station. The system can wirelessly transmit detection data and images to remote locations, making it adaptable to various deployment scenarios including hard-to-reach urban environments without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
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, cost-effective, and remote microbial detection and quantification of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, reducing the need for extensive personnel and time, and facilitating continuous data acquisition of urban microbiomes.
Implementation Method 1
charging the air particles using a plasma field generated by propulsion electrodes
Implementation Method 2
charging the air particles using a plasma field generated by propulsion electrodes
Implementation Method 3
detecting a quantity of the microbes using a fluorescence detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automated microbial detection includes collecting air particles into a solid-state sampler, the air particles including microbes, charging the air particles using a plasma field generated by propulsion electrodes, focusing the charged air particles toward a sample well of a microfluidic testing cartridge, tagging the charged air particles with a fluorescence marker, and detecting a quantity of the microbes using a fluorescence detector.