Microorganism Enumeration Device with Cold Water-Soluble Gelling Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and quantifying biological materials in large-volume samples are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring incubation periods that can take several hours or days, which hinders rapid decision-making in quality and process control operations across various industries.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained thin-film culture device that includes a waterproof pouch with a membrane filter and a cold water-soluble gelling agent, allowing for the concentration and growth of microorganisms within a compact, portable, and easy-to-use system capable of handling samples up to 150 mL, enabling rapid detection and enumeration of microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large-volume samples are concentrated by filtration or centrifugation for traditional detection techniques, then detection sensitivity for low concentrations of microorganisms is improved, but analysis time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (filtration, concentration, immobilization, and culture) into a single integrated device. The membrane filter serves both as a filtration medium and as the substrate for immobilizing microorganisms, eliminating the need for separate concentration and transfer steps that traditionally consume time and labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional compartments: a first compartment for sample introduction and filtration, and a second compartment for culture and detection. This segmentation allows simultaneous performance of filtration and culture operations in different zones, reducing overall analysis time while maintaining detection sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used with large-volume samples, then accurate quantification of microorganisms is achieved, but the process requires multiple steps and extensive labor
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-contained operation where the membrane filter automatically immobilizes microorganisms as they are retained during filtration. The microorganisms are directly deposited onto the filter surface in their natural concentrated state, eliminating the need for manual transfer operations and reducing labor requirements while maintaining quantification accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a self-contained device is designed to handle large samples (25-150 mL), then detection capability for low concentrations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane filter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it filters the large-volume sample, concentrates microorganisms, immobilizes them on its surface, and serves as the culture substrate. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining enhanced detection capability for large samples.
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 solution significantly reduces analysis time by providing a compact, sample-ready device that can detect and enumerate microorganisms in large samples efficiently, facilitating quicker decision-making and improving process control operations across industries.
Implementation Method 1
a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the inner surface of the first wall portion and the inner surface of the second wall portion, the membrane filter having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface... the membrane filter can permit passage of aqueous liquids from the first compartment to the second compartment and can prevent passage of particles of a predetermined size
Implementation Method 2
a dry cold water-soluble gelling agent adhered to the pouch in the first compartment... combining the aqueous sample with a cold water-soluble gelling agent to form a hydrogel
Implementation Method 3
an absorbent pad disposed in the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device comprises a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A release liner removably adhered to the first adhesive layer.