Bacterial Sample Preparation Using ORP Monitoring and Aeration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing bacterial samples for antibiotic susceptibility testing are time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to error, and impractical in busy laboratory settings, especially for samples with opacity issues or varying growth rates.
Innovation Solution
A method using ORP monitoring and aeration to prepare bacterial samples of a desired concentration, involving aeration at specific flow rates, ORP monitoring, and species-agnostic look-up tables to determine target concentration, with optional cooling and dilution, enabling rapid and accurate sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If universal look-up table methods are used to prepare output samples, then the preparation process is simplified, but the time to reach target concentration varies greatly based on bacterial growth rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors bacterial growth in real-time using optical detection and feeds this information back to control the aeration process. The detector measures optical properties of the sample, and based on these measurements, the system adjusts aeration flow rates dynamically to maintain bacteria within the exponential growth phase, ensuring consistent time to target concentration regardless of bacterial species
Solution Approach 2:
The aeration flow rate is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the aeration flow rate based on real-time bacterial growth measurements, increasing or decreasing flow as needed to maintain optimal growth conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that different bacterial species with varying growth rates all reach the target concentration in similar time frames
2Manufacturing precision
If manual microbial culturing techniques are used, then accurate bacterial concentration preparation is achieved, but the process is time-intensive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control. Optical detectors automatically measure bacterial concentration, microprocessors analyze the data, and electronically controlled aeration systems adjust flow rates. This substitution of manual mechanical culturing techniques with automated optical-electronic systems maintains accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity and reducing labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of the culturing process. The detector continuously monitors bacterial growth, and the control system automatically adjusts aeration parameters without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual observation and adjustment while maintaining precise control over bacterial concentration preparation
3Measurement precision
If optical techniques are used to assess bacterial samples, then concentration measurement is enabled, but expensive equipment is required and opaque samples are difficult to assess
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed to be universal, working with both transparent and opaque samples including blood cultures. The detector measures multiple optical properties (turbidity, color, clarity) that can indicate bacterial growth regardless of sample opacity. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle diverse sample types without requiring specialized equipment for each sample type
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
Achieves rapid and accurate preparation of bacterial samples within acceptable error margins, reducing time and labor requirements while minimizing errors, suitable for various sample types including opaque samples.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a change in an oxidation reduction potential, ORP, of the contained sample using a reader electrically coupled to the reference sensor and the active sensor
Implementation Method 2
the contained sample is aerated at a flow rate of between 7.0 microliter, μL, per second per milliliter, mL, of the contained sample and 10.0 μL per second per mL of the contained sample
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for preparing an output sample of bacteria are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is disclosed comprising introducing an aliquot of a sample comprising the bacteria into a sample container such that the contained sample is in fluid communication with a reference sensor and an active sensor. The method also comprises incubating and aerating the contained sample at a flow rate of between 7.0 µL per second per mL of the contained sample and 10.0 µL per second per mL of the contained sample. The method further comprises monitoring a change in an ORP of the contained sample using a reader electrically coupled to the reference sensor and the active sensor and cooling the contained sample when a concentration of the bacteria in the contained sample is determined to have reached a desired or target concentration or within acceptable error margins thereof.