Microorganism Extraction System with Filtering Transfer Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting microorganisms from positive samples, such as blood cultures, are labor-intensive and require experienced operators, with existing automated solutions being costly and not significantly reducing the duration of the extraction process, and lacking standardization and traceability in MALDI-TOF MS analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact extraction system with a support bar containing a sample well, reagent well, washing well, and a filtering and transfer device that allows for automated extraction and transfer of microorganisms to a MALDI-TOF MS analysis plate, reducing operator intervention and enabling standardized deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction methods are used, then operator flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but extraction duration increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into modular components: a support bar with multiple wells (sample well, reagent well, washing well) and a separate filtering and transfer device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while being easily replaceable, enabling automation without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering and transfer device acts as an intermediary between the sample processing and the MALDI-TOF MS analysis plate. It captures microorganisms from the sample and transfers them to the analysis plate, automating the transfer process while maintaining simplicity through its hollow body design with filtering element.
2Ease of operation
If existing automated machines are used, then operator skill requirements are reduced, but equipment cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar and filtering and transfer device are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. The support bar includes all necessary wells and the filtering device can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex automated machines that require substantial financial investment while still enabling automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bar serves multiple functions: holding the sample, containing reagents, providing washing steps, and supporting the filtering and transfer device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment for each step, lowering overall system cost while maintaining ease of automated operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual depositing methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but deposition standardization and traceability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering and transfer device serves as a standardized intermediary that ensures consistent deposition of microorganisms onto the MALDI-TOF MS analysis plate. The hollow body with filtering element provides a controlled transfer mechanism that improves deposition standardization and traceability without requiring complex automated positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering element in the transfer device can be configured with specific parameters (pore size, material, shape) to control the deposition characteristics of microorganisms. This allows standardization of the deposition process through parameter optimization rather than through complex mechanical control systems.
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
Facilitates rapid, automated extraction of microorganisms with reduced operator skill requirements, enabling efficient analysis and cost-effective automation while ensuring reproducible and standardized results on the MALDI-TOF MS analysis plate.
Implementation Method 1
a filtering element fixed to the distal end portion of the hollow body... configured to capture and accumulate microorganisms contained in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction system includes a support bar including a sample well, a reagent well, at least one washing well, and at least one protection and retention housing; a pipetting element removably mounted on the support bar and extending at least partially into the at least one protection and retention housing; and a filtering and transfer device configured to capture and accumulate microorganisms contained in the sample and transfer the captured and accumulated microorganisms, the filtering and transfer device being removably mounted on the support bar and extending at least partially into the at least one protection and retention housing. The filtering and transfer device includes a hollow body having an elongated shape and including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and a filtering element fixed to the distal end portion of the hollow body.