Disposable Microtiter Plate for Rapid Microorganism Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples are often expensive, time-consuming, and require complex equipment and trained personnel, making them unsuitable for rapid and on-site analysis in clinical, food, and environmental samples.
Innovation Solution
A unitary or dual component sampling device with a concentration agent is used to mix and separate microorganisms, allowing for efficient collection of microorganism-bound compositions in a smaller reservoir, enabling rapid and cost-effective concentration without the need for complex equipment or trained technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional concentration methods (filtration, centrifugation, chromatography) are used, then microorganisms can be concentrated from large volume samples, but the process requires complex equipment, trained personnel, and substantial time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microtiter plates and single-use reagent cartridges that eliminate the need for complex, expensive equipment. These disposable components are pre-prepared and can be discarded after a single use, removing the requirement for trained personnel to operate and maintain complex instrumentation while achieving effective microorganism concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration method utilizes passive gravitational settling and simple mixing steps that do not require external power sources or complex mechanical systems. The system serves itself through basic physical principles (gravity, diffusion) rather than requiring active control systems, trained operators, or sophisticated equipment maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If culturing steps are performed to increase bacterial numbers, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the assessment time is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration of microorganisms from large volume samples into small volumes using disposable microtiter plates before detection. By pre-concentrating the samples through simple mixing and gravitational settling, the method achieves detection sensitivity equivalent to extended culturing without requiring the time-consuming incubation period, thus eliminating the time delay while maintaining sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If antibody-coated magnetic particles are used for strain-specific isolation, then particular bacterial strains can be concentrated, but the cost increases and the process remains slower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive antibody-coated magnetic particles with disposable microtiter plates and simple reagents that achieve effective concentration without requiring sophisticated materials. This approach maintains the ability to concentrate target organisms while dramatically reducing both cost and time, as the disposable components are ready-to-use and eliminate complex preparation and cleanup steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-specific concentration methods are used, then microorganisms can be concentrated without strain-specific requirements, but the methods vary in cost, equipment requirements, and ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the concentration process into discrete, simple steps using disposable microtiter plates: (1) add sample to plate, (2) add reagent, (3) mix by inversion, (4) allow gravitational settling, (5) read concentrated sample. This segmentation transforms a complex, variable process into a standardized, easily operable protocol that maintains versatility across different sample types while ensuring operational simplicity through repetition of the same basic steps.
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
The method provides a rapid, low-cost, and simple process for concentrating microorganisms, suitable for on-site use, reducing the time required for analysis and eliminating the need for complex equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of microbiological testing.
Implementation Method 1
concentration of microorganisms using such devices can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes for concentrating microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
The entire volume of the first reservoir is above the first opening when the unitary sampling device is in an upright position, and the entire volume of the second reservoir is not above the second opening when the unitary sampling device is in any position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.