Microorganism Viability Assessment via Plate Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for examining drug effects on microorganisms are laborious, time-consuming, and require sophisticated laboratory settings, making them unsuitable for swiftly developing or life-threatening infections.
Innovation Solution
A QMAX device using two plates to compress a microorganism sample into a thin layer, with imaging and cell viability dye monitoring, and the option to coat drugs on the plates for diffusion, enabling rapid and accurate assessment of microorganism viability and drug effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional susceptibility tests are used to determine antimicrobial effectiveness, then accurate drug effect examination is achieved, but the testing process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laboratory settings by using a simplified device that counts microorganisms directly in a sample chamber. The device takes out only the critical components needed for accurate counting (chamber, coverslip, imaging system) while eliminating time-consuming culture growth and complex processing steps, achieving both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting methods and complex laboratory procedures with automated imaging and digital analysis systems. The imaging device captures images of microorganisms in the chamber, and software automatically counts and analyzes them, substituting labor-intensive mechanical operations with automated optical and computational systems that are both faster and equally accurate.
2Measurement precision
If conventional susceptibility tests are performed in sophisticated laboratory settings, then accurate examination is achieved, but the complexity of equipment and professional handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex laboratory testing process into a simplified, self-contained device. The system divides functionality into discrete components: a sample chamber for holding the sample, a coverslip for sealing, an imaging device for capture, and software for analysis. This segmentation allows the complex function to be performed in a simple, integrated unit that doesn't require sophisticated laboratory infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient, requiring minimal professional handling. The sample is placed in the chamber, the coverslip is applied, and the device automatically performs imaging and counting without requiring expert intervention. The system serves itself by integrating all necessary functions into a single easy-to-operate unit that eliminates the need for sophisticated laboratory settings and professional handling expertise.
3Reliability
If microorganism samples are examined in conventional culture methods, then comprehensive drug effect data is obtained, but the time required for culture growth and monitoring increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the sample in advance and placing it directly in the counting chamber in a viable state. Instead of allowing culture growth to proceed over time and then examining results, the method prepares the microorganism sample ready for immediate examination, eliminating the waiting period for culture growth while maintaining the ability to assess drug effects on viable organisms.
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 fast, easy, and accurate examination of drug effects on microorganisms, allowing for timely and effective treatment decisions in clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a cell viability dye that is added to the sample when the sample is being loaded between the provided two plates and monitoring the microorganism viability with the aid of the dye
Implementation Method 2
uses the mobile communication device for, in addition to imaging, communicating the test results with health professionals or other parties
Implementation Method 3
the drugs to be examined are coated on one or both of the plates, in that the coated drugs are capable of, upon contacting the sample, being dissolved and diffuse in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods, for performing biological and chemical assays.