Multiplex Pathogen Detection Using Prism Fluorescence Spectra

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PCR methods for detecting foodborne pathogens face challenges such as cell lysis, nucleic acid extraction, cross-contamination, and inconsistent results, limiting their reliability and efficiency in rapid and cost-effective detection.

Innovation Solution

A method involving fluorophores linked to pathogens for emission spectra analysis using a prism-based fluorescence imaging system, combined with a silicon chip, and a biochip platform for Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously, utilizing nano-droplets and multiplex PCR for precise detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If PCR methods are used for pathogen detection, then detection speed and sensitivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to cell lysis, nucleic acid extraction issues, cross-contamination, and inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical and chemical PCR process (cell lysis, nucleic acid extraction, thermal cycling) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic beads are used to capture and concentrate pathogen cells directly from samples, eliminating the need for complex nucleic acid extraction and reducing cross-contamination risks. The magnetic separation and concentration process substitutes the mechanical steps of cell breaking and DNA purification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional culture-based methods are used, then reliability is maintained, but detection speed deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the detection function from the complex traditional workflow. By using magnetic beads to specifically capture pathogen cells based on their surface properties, the system extracts only the target pathogens from complex food matrices, enabling rapid detection without the need for lengthy culture procedures while maintaining high specificity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic beads serve as an intermediary between the sample and detection system. These beads bind to pathogen cells through specific interactions, allowing for easy separation, concentration, and detection. This intermediary approach enables rapid processing while maintaining the reliability of pathogen identification, bridging the gap between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple pathogens are detected simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple detection systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection platform where magnetic beads with different surface properties can capture different pathogen types. The same magnetic separation and imaging system can detect multiple pathogens by simply changing the magnetic bead coating or fluorescence labeling, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fluorescence labeling with different emission wavelengths to distinguish multiple pathogens. Each pathogen type is associated with a specific fluorophore that emits at a characteristic wavelength, allowing simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple pathogens through spectral analysis. This color-based coding system enables multiplex detection without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Enables rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of up to 20 different pathogens with high precision, reducing the sample volume requirement to 10 nanoliters and providing real-time imaging capabilities, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of pathogen detection.

Implementation Method 1

linking multiple pathogens to fluorophores and then obtaining emission spectra of the pathogens using a prism-based fluorescence imaging system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

heating the biochip and observing changes in the samples using a microscope, wherein the LAMP solution comprises at least four primers designed to target a specific pathogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260103764A1Method and Device for Detecting Multiple Foodborne Pathogens

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

AI summary

A method for detecting multiple pathogens is provided. The method involves linking multiple pathogens to fluorophores and then obtaining emission spectra of the pathogens using a prism-based fluorescence imaging system. In one embodiment, emission spectra of the fluorophores are obtained using optical detection and at least one other aspect of the pathogens is obtained using a silicon chip.