Microorganism Specimen Storage and Streaking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for culturing microorganisms are prone to contamination due to the need for multiple sterile implements and steps, which increases the risk of false results and inefficiency in microbiology testing.
Innovation Solution
A three-piece all-in-one device that stores, rehydrates, transfers, and streaks microorganism samples in a sterile environment, eliminating the need for separate transfer pipettes and inoculation loops by using an interlocking adapter with a detachable capsule and a frangible membrane for hydration, and an integral inoculating tip for streaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sterile implements (transfer pipettes, inoculation loops) are used for culturing microorganisms, then the culturing process can be completed with existing standard equipment, but the risk of contamination increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate implements (storage vial, transfer pipette, inoculation loop) into a single integrated device. The storage vial includes an integrated transfer pipette and inoculation loop, eliminating the need for multiple separate sterile implements and reducing contamination risk by maintaining a closed system throughout the culturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage vial is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores the microorganism culture, transfers the culture medium, and inoculates the culture plate. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized implements for each step of the culturing process.
2Productivity
If multiple separate sterile implements are used for microorganism culturing, then each implement can be optimized for its specific function, but the time required for the procedure increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging storage, transfer, and inoculation functions into a single device, the patent eliminates the time required to handle multiple separate implements. The integrated design allows the user to complete all steps without setting down or switching between different tools, significantly reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer pipette and inoculation loop are pre-assembled and sterilized together with the storage vial during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly and sterilization eliminates the need for separate sterilization steps and handling of multiple implements during the procedure, saving time and reducing contamination risk.
3Reliability
If separate transfer pipettes and inoculation loops are used, then sterilization of each implement is required, but the cost and complexity of sterilization procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple implements into a single sterilizable unit. The storage vial, transfer pipette, and inoculation loop are manufactured as an integrated assembly that can be sterilized as one unit, reducing the cost and complexity of sterilization compared to processing multiple separate implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed as a disposable single-use item that is pre-sterilized during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for expensive and complex sterilization procedures in the laboratory, as each new device is already sterile and ready to use, then disposed of after a 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 device significantly reduces contamination risks and streamlines the process, allowing for convenient, cost-effective storage, hydration, transfer, and streaking of microorganisms without exposing the specimen to external environments, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of microbiology testing.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule includes a liquid reservoir with a frangible membrane that, when ruptured, can deliver hydrating fluid to the stored, dry specimen through an internal lumen in the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A device for storing, rehydrating, transferring, and streaking a stored freeze dried specimen comprises a three piece construction including a collection vial used to store a freeze dried specimen, a capsule including a reservoir with hydrating fluid retained by a frangible membrane, and an adapter fluidly linking the capsule to the collection vial. The adapter is configured to fluidly link to the capsule to the collection vial via leak-proof couplings to create a closed system of specimen, hydrating fluid, and a small quantity of trapped air. The fluid communication between the vial and the capsule is accomplished through the adapter via an internal lumen longitudinally traversing the adapter. The adapter and capsule combination can also serve as a transfer pipette once the hydration operation is complete to withdraw the specimen from the collection vial and transfer the specimen to a petri dish or other culture medium. The adapter and capsule combination is quickly detachable from the collection vial to allow an inoculating tip exposed to the specimen to be transferred conveniently to a media for culturing with minimal exposure. The inoculating tip is also capable of streaking the transferred specimen to create isolated colonies in the medium from the transferred specimen.