Microchannel Electrode Array for Pathogen Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and concentrating pathogenic microorganisms in gases are inefficient, particularly for small particle sizes and large volumes, leading to low recovery rates and damage to microorganisms during sampling, and are not suitable for real-time detection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a microchannel system using a positive and negative electrode array and a semi-permeable filter element, applying a fluctuating voltage to enrich pathogenic microorganisms on the positive electrode side, allowing for precise electrical control and high concentration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity sampling method is used, then the structure is simple, but the sampling efficiency for small particle size and small number of pathogens is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sampling process into multiple stages: initial gravity sampling to collect particles, followed by electrostatic deposition to concentrate them on a filter membrane, and finally optical detection. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, overcoming the limitations of using a single method.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter membrane serves as an intermediary medium between the air stream and the detection system. The membrane collects and concentrates pathogenic particles from the air, allowing for efficient transfer and detection while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If inertial sampling method is used, then particles with larger size can be collected, but microorganisms are easily damaged due to air jet during sampling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air jet impact of inertial sampling with an electrostatic field-based collection mechanism. Charged particles are attracted to and deposited on the filter membrane through electrostatic forces, eliminating the high-velocity air jet that damages microorganisms while still effectively collecting particles of various sizes.
3Quantity of substance
If filter-type sampler is used, then germ particles can be retained on filter material, but microorganisms on the filter membrane are dehydrated to lose their activity during long sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic sampling approach with controlled, intermittent air flow rather than continuous high-volume sampling. This allows the system to collect sufficient particles while minimizing the sampling duration, thereby preventing dehydration and maintaining microorganism activity on the filter membrane.
4Productivity
If electrostatic sampler is used, then fine particles can be trapped with high efficiency, but long sampling times and evaporation of media cause changes in humidity to affect collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary particle collection and concentration on the filter membrane before initiating the detection process. This preliminary concentration step reduces the required sampling time by pre-concentrating particles in a small volume, allowing subsequent detection to be performed rapidly without prolonged exposure that would cause evaporation and humidity changes.
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 achieves a high theoretical recovery rate of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing detection errors and enabling real-time monitoring by concentrating pathogens efficiently and accurately, suitable for integration with downstream detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
deflects particles of pathogenic microorganisms with little voltage
Implementation Method 2
under the action of the electrode force, particles of pathogenic microorganisms are deflected
Implementation Method 3
a semi-permeable filter element is provided between the concentration channel and the sample channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a pathogenic microorganisms rapid concentration device and method. The device comprises an electrode and a microchannel for passing a sample, wherein the microchannel comprises a concentration channel and a sample channel, between which a filter element is provided, the electrode comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the positive electrode comprises several sub-positive electrodes, after the sample flows into the microchannel, under the action of the electrode, pathogenic microorganisms in the sample are regionally enriched on a positive electrode side of the concentration channel to form a concentrated sample. The present invention provides a substantial increase in the rate and efficiency of purification of samples containing pathogenic microorganisms through precise electrical control. The concentration of pathogenic microorganisms can be achieved accurately and efficiently by controlling the voltage applied by the sub-positive electrode, which provides a good basis for the integration, automation, rapid and continuous sampling, and detection.