Nanopore Microbe Detection for Simultaneous ID and Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for microbial identification and quantification are sequential, costly, time-consuming, and limited by sensitivity issues, especially in time-critical settings, and lack the ability to identify microbes without germ-specific tests.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using nanopores for simultaneous identification and quantification of microbes, employing a nanopore reader with flow cells and a control unit for signal detection, correlation, and machine-learning algorithms to classify and quantify microbial types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential identification and quantification methods are used, then each step can be performed with dedicated tools, but the total time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines identification and quantification functions into a single nanopore-based measurement system. The nanopore device simultaneously performs both functions by detecting electrical signal changes when microbes pass through the nanopore, eliminating the need for separate identification and quantification steps while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopore measurement system serves multiple functions: it identifies microbe types through signal pattern recognition and quantifies microbe concentration through event counting. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, reducing total analysis time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple germ-specific tests are performed for different pathogens, then each pathogen can be accurately detected, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nanopore system provides universal detection capability for multiple pathogen types including bacteria, fungi, and viruses through a single platform. By analyzing electrical signal characteristics during nanopore translocation, the system can identify different microbe types without requiring separate germ-specific tests, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects different microbe types by analyzing changes in electrical signal parameters such as current blockage level, duration, and shape during nanopore translocation. Each microbe type produces characteristic signal patterns, allowing differentiation and identification without requiring multiple specialized tests.
3Reliability
If traditional culturing methods are used, then microbial growth can be observed, but several days or weeks are required for repeated reproduction cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical biological process of microbial reproduction and colony formation with direct electrical measurement through nanopores. Instead of waiting for microbes to multiply and form visible colonies, the system directly detects individual microbes as they pass through the nanopore, providing immediate identification and quantification while maintaining reliability through characteristic signal pattern recognition.
4Ease of operation
If optical density methods are used for quantification, then the measurement process is simple, but sensitivity is reduced at extreme concentration ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with electrical measurement through nanopores. The nanopore system detects individual microbes by measuring electrical current blockage, providing accurate quantification across a wide concentration range without the sensitivity limitations of optical methods. The process remains simple by counting translocation events and applying calibration factors.
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, cost-effective identification and quantification of microbes, generating antibiograms in hours instead of days, and applicable to various microbial species, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with reduced operational costs and time requirements.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by at least a detector, a signal as a function of at least a microbe, wherein the at least a microbe is translocated from a first flow cell to a second flow cell through at least a nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simultaneous identification and quantification of a microbe includes accepting, by a nanopore reader, a sample including at least a microbe, detecting, by a detector, a signal as a function of the at least a microbe, wherein the at least a microbe is translocated from a first flow cell to a second flow cell through at least a nanopore, correlating, by a control unit, a first attribute and a second attribute of the detected signal, identifying, by the control unit, one or more types of microbe as a function of the correlation, classifying, by the control unit, a plurality of events within the detected signal based on the identified one or more types of microbe, and quantifying, by the control unit, at least one type of microbe of the identified one or more types of microbe as a function of the classified plurality of events.