Microbial Sampling Device Using Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for microbial sampling, such as sponge and excision sampling, are labor-intensive, prone to variations, and error-prone, especially when collecting composite samples from food and non-food surfaces, and can be detrimental to the aesthetic quality of food products.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses a microbial sampling fluid delivered and recovered via a pressurized reservoir and vacuum system, integrated with a sanitizable sampling head, allowing for efficient, reproducible, and non-invasive sampling of surfaces and air, reducing procedural steps and variations, and enabling the collection of composite samples without degrading the surface quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sponge sampling is used to collect microbial samples, then sampling can be performed on surfaces, but the procedure becomes labor-intensive and prone to variations in technique
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device automatically applies the sampling fluid to the surface and collects the sample through vacuum suction, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by the operator. The device performs the sampling action itself, ensuring consistent application and collection without relying on operator technique
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a vacuum system (pneumatic principle) to automatically draw the sampling fluid and collected microorganisms into a collection container. This pneumatic mechanism ensures consistent sampling action and eliminates variability associated with manual sponge handling
2Reliability
If excision sampling is used to collect microbial samples, then samples can be obtained from surfaces, but the aesthetic quality of the surface is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a vacuum system to non-invasively collect microbial samples by suctioning the sampling fluid and microorganisms from the surface without removing or damaging the surface material, thereby preserving aesthetic quality while maintaining reliable sample collection
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling fluid acts as an intermediary medium that transfers microorganisms from the surface to the collection container without requiring direct contact or removal of surface material, enabling sample collection while preserving surface integrity
3Measurement precision
If multiple unit samples are collected to form a composite sample, then average microbial values can be determined, but additional time and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple sampling actions into a single continuous operation, collecting multiple unit samples simultaneously in one integrated collection container. This merging of sampling operations maintains the ability to determine average microbial values while eliminating the time-consuming separate handling and combination of individual samples
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum sampling system operates continuously to collect multiple samples in sequence without interruption, maintaining a continuous flow of sampling action that reduces total sampling time while still enabling composite sample analysis
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
The solution significantly reduces sampling time and errors, provides consistent results, preserves sample integrity, and maintains the aesthetic quality of surfaces, facilitating the collection of accurate microbial data per unit surface area.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum means, in communication with both the sample collection chamber and the integrated member, and operable to direct collection fluid, delivered and recovered by the integrated member, to the sample collection chamber
Implementation Method 2
a reservoir of an appropriate microbial sampling fluid. By pressurizing the reservoir, or by action of a pump, an appropriate quantity of the fluid is delivered and dispersed onto the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention provide novel apparatus and methods for sampling microbial organisms present on surfaces. Preferred apparatus comprises: a reservoir suitable for providing microbial collection fluid; a sterilizable sample collection chamber; a sterilizable, integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member, suitable to deliver collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recover the delivered fluid from the surface; delivery means, in communication with both the reservoir and the integrated member, and operable to aseptically deliver collection fluid from the reservoir to the integrated member; and vacuum means, in communication with both the sample collection chamber and the integrated member, and operable to direct collection fluid, delivered and recovered by the integrated member, to the sample collection chamber. Additional aspects provide a method for rapid, high-throughput sampling of microbial organisms present on surfaces, comprising: delivering sample collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recovering the delivered fluid from the target surface by means of an integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member; and collecting the recovered sample collection fluid into a sample collection chamber in communication with the integrated member, whereby sample collection is, at least in part, achieved. The inventive methods and apparatus can be applied to both surface sampling and to atmospheric sampling.