Method of identifying biologic particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biological particles such as bacteria and viruses in facilities are not timely, are not label-free or cost-effective, and cannot be easily integrated into low-cost, disposable microfluidic sensor units, leading to delayed detection and increased risk of infections.
Innovation Solution
The use of impedance data, particularly first and second derivation of Impedance/Frequency Data, in conjunction with electrical field analysis and electromagnetic radiation imaging, to identify particles in a microfluidic particle sorting cartridge, enabling rapid and cost-effective identification of biologic particles by focusing particles and analyzing their electrical and image characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used to identify biological particles, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but detection time is prolonged and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments particle analysis into multiple independent measurement dimensions: impedance measurement at multiple frequencies, electromagnetic radiation imaging, and concentration analysis. Each segment provides specific particle characteristics, and their combination enables rapid accurate identification without requiring sequential traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge integrates multiple detection functions into a single device: impedance sensing electrodes, electromagnetic radiation imaging capability, and particle concentration measurement. This multi-functional system performs comprehensive particle analysis simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection steps
2Productivity
If complex detection systems are used to achieve rapid and accurate particle identification, then detection speed and precision improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system nests multiple measurement capabilities within a compact microfluidic cartridge structure. Impedance electrodes are embedded within the microfluidic channels, and electromagnetic radiation imaging is integrated at the cartridge level, creating a nested hierarchical structure that achieves high detection speed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the interface between the sample and complex detection instruments. It pre-processes and focuses particles into a standardized format that can be rapidly analyzed by connected impedance and imaging systems, reducing the complexity burden on the overall detection system
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then equipment cost can be kept low, but detection capability and particle identification accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge is designed as a disposable low-cost component that contains the complex electrode and imaging integration. By making the integrated detection cartridge disposable rather than reusable, the system achieves high measurement precision through sophisticated integrated design while keeping the per-test cost low, as each cartridge is manufactured inexpensively and discarded after single use
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 method allows for prompt and accurate identification of biologic particles, including bacteria, in a fluid, enhancing the ability to detect contaminants early and reducing the risk of infections by integrating the analysis into a microfluidic cartridge compatible with electromagnetic imaging and electrical field measurement apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance is the measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
an imaging analysis step of determining with a first electromagnetic imaging apparatus image characteristics of the particles in the focused fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysing and identifying particles in an input fluid by electrical field analysis preferably in combination with imaging analysis and towards establishing characterises of the particles that can be compared with characteristics of known particles, preferably biologic particles such as bacteria and viruses. Preferably in a focusing step, the particles are focused as in a microfluidic particle sorting cartridge followed by electrical field analysis to determine impedance data. Preferably, the electrical field analysis is carried out in a water and alcohol solution.