Nanoparticle Bacterial Quantification on Porous Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for bacterial detection and quantification are time-consuming, require laboratory analysis, and cannot accurately distinguish between live and dead bacterial cells, leading to inaccuracies and the need for skilled personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method using a porous substrate and nanoparticle solutions with ionic surfactants and affinity probes to trap and quantify bacterial cells through colorimetric and fluorescence outputs, distinguishing between live and dead cells by washing with specific aqueous solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional plate culturing methods are used for bacterial detection, then results can be obtained with established protocols, but the detection process takes 2 to 7 days and requires laboratory infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/cultural methods (plate culturing requiring incubators and laboratory infrastructure) with a nanoparticle-based optical detection system. Functionalized nanoparticles bind to bacterial cells and produce colorimetric or fluorescent signals that can be detected rapidly without requiring bacterial growth, thus eliminating the 2-7 day detection time while maintaining quantification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from measuring bacterial growth (colony formation over days) to measuring nanoparticle-bacterial binding signals (colorimetric or fluorescent intensity) that can be read immediately. This parameter transformation enables rapid detection while preserving quantitative accuracy
2Measurement precision
If sample treatment such as bacteria enrichment is performed, then detection sensitivity may be improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex sample preparation procedures. By using nanoparticles that can directly bind to bacteria in the original sample matrix without requiring enrichment or extensive preprocessing, the method eliminates time-consuming sample treatment steps while maintaining detection sensitivity through the high affinity of the nanoparticle-bacterial interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoparticle solution performs multiple functions simultaneously: it binds to bacterial cells for detection, provides signal amplification through its optical properties, and can differentiate between live and dead cells based on binding characteristics. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate enrichment or preparation steps
3Productivity
If nanoparticles are used to target bacterial cells, then rapid detection is achieved, but nanoparticles tend to self-aggregate causing false indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surfactant as an intermediary substance in the nanoparticle solution. The surfactant prevents nanoparticle self-aggregation by providing steric or electrostatic stabilization, ensuring that nanoparticles remain dispersed and individually available to bind to bacterial cells. This maintains both the rapid detection capability and the reliability of quantification by preventing false positive signals from aggregated nanoparticles
4Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used, then total bacteria count can be detected, but they cannot distinguish between live and dead bacterial cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by using nanoparticles with specific surface properties that interact differently with live versus dead bacterial cells. The functionalized nanoparticles exhibit selective binding characteristics or signal responses based on the physiological state of the bacteria, enabling simultaneous quantification of total bacteria and differentiation of viability status through distinct signal patterns
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
Provides rapid, accurate quantification of bacterial cells, distinguishing between live and dead cells, with detection limits of 102 cfu/mL for live cells and 107 cfu/mL for dead cells, suitable for on-site applications.
Implementation Method 1
passing the sample in a liquid form through a porous substrate, the porous substrate for trapping or retaining bacterial cells on its surface
Implementation Method 2
the nanoparticle functionalised with an affinity probe for binding to said bacterial cells trapped or retained on the surface of the substrate via affinity binding
Implementation Method 3
comprising a plasmonic and/or fluorescent nanoparticle... quantifiable by a colorimetric and/or fluorescence output emitted from the nanoparticle
Implementation Method 4
comprising a plasmonic and/or fluorescent nanoparticle... quantifiable by a colorimetric and/or fluorescence output emitted from the nanoparticle
Implementation Method 5
the first ionic surfactant provides a charged environment such that the nanoparticles are stabilised within the nanoparticle solution. This eliminates (or at least reduces) self-aggregation of the nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates, in general terms, to nanoparticle solutions, kits, devices and methods of use thereof. The present invention is suitable for use in quantifying bacterial cells in a sample. The method of quantifying bacterial cells in a sample comprises passing the sample in a liquid form and an aqueous nanoparticle solution through a porous substrate such that the bacterial cells in the sample is trapped on the porous substrate and can be quantified by a colorimetric and/or fluorescence output emitted from the nanoparticle bound to the bacterial cells.