Optical Bacteria Detection via Forward Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples, particularly for detecting bacteria in liquid samples, are time-consuming and inefficient, as they rely on culturing bacteria on growth plates, which can take days to determine infection presence and type, and lack effective systems for quickly determining chemoeffectors' effects on bacteria.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring instrument with onboard incubation capabilities that uses forward-scattering signals to detect and quantify bacteria concentration, capable of identifying bacteria types through controlled temperature and light exposure, and a network system that securely collects and analyzes data without compromising patient privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional bacterial culturing methods are used, then bacteria can be grown and identified, but the analysis time is very long (days to weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical culturing methods with optical measurement systems that use laser scattering to detect and quantify bacteria in real-time, eliminating the need for days-long incubation periods while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from indirect culturing observations to direct optical property measurements (light scattering, absorbance, fluorescence), enabling rapid bacterial detection and quantification within hours rather than days
2Measurement precision
If multiple samples are analyzed sequentially, then each sample receives individual attention, but the overall productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample analysis process into independent parallel measurement channels, each capable of analyzing one or more samples simultaneously, thereby maintaining individual sample attention while dramatically increasing overall throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform that can handle multiple sample types and configurations simultaneously through a single instrument system, enabling high-throughput analysis without sacrificing measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If bacterial concentration is increased to improve detection, then detection sensitivity improves, but the incubation time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological incubation processes with direct optical detection methods that can measure bacterial concentration at any stage, eliminating the need to wait for bacterial proliferation while maintaining high detection sensitivity through advanced optical measurement techniques
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 system enables rapid detection and quantification of bacteria, reduces analysis time from days to hours, and securely manages medical diagnostic data, improving patient care and antibiotic treatment efficiency while maintaining data privacy.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an input beam through a liquid sample contained within a container and measuring a forward-scatter signal caused by bacteria in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measurement instrument is an integrated instrument that includes an optical cavity with a light source, a sample cuvette, and an optical sensor. The instrument can be used for taking measurements of organism concentration in one or more samples. Preferably, the instrument holds multiple, individually-loaded, independent fluid samples and determines bacteria concentration via a forward-scattering signal. The instrument can incorporate onboard incubation to promote bacterial growth in the samples such that, once a certain bacterial concentration is achieved, the higher concentration sample can be used with a mass spectrometer to identify the type of bacteria. The instrument and mass spectrometer can be a part of a network for medical diagnostic testing data where data is stored in a manner that is inherently untainted by patient identifiable information.