ORP Electrode Microbial Detection via Redox Reactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting anti-infective resistant microorganisms are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and require costly equipment, limiting their effectiveness in rapidly identifying resistant microorganisms and their susceptibility to anti-infectives.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a redox-active material and parameter analyzers to monitor the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of diluted samples, allowing for the determination of infectious agent concentration and susceptibility to anti-infectives without the need for reporter molecules or complex equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated inspection instruments are used to reduce clinician error, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and costly components such as ITO electrodes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex automated instruments and implements it using a simple redox electrode. The electrode directly measures ORP changes in the sample without requiring complex optical systems, ITO electrodes, or multiple components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple redox electrode that can be easily manufactured and replaced, eliminating the need for expensive, complex automated inspection instruments. The electrode serves as a disposable or easily renewable component that provides accurate measurements without requiring costly maintenance or replacement of complex systems
2Measurement precision
If optical read-out methods are used for sample detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the equipment becomes bulky and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an electrochemical measurement system using a redox electrode. Instead of using light-based detection methods that require bulky optical components, the system uses electrical potential measurements to detect microbial growth, thereby eliminating the need for bulky equipment while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties to electrochemical properties (ORP). By measuring oxidation-reduction potential changes instead of optical signals, the system achieves accurate microbial detection using a compact electrode-based system rather than bulky optical instrumentation
3Measurement precision
If reporter molecules are added to the sample for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service detection mechanism where the microbial growth itself generates the detectable signal through metabolic activity that changes the ORP of the medium. The microorganisms serve as their own indicators by consuming oxygen and producing metabolic byproducts that alter the redox state, eliminating the need for external reporter molecules or complex labeling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the ORP of the culture medium as an intermediary parameter that reflects microbial growth. Instead of directly detecting the microorganisms or using reporter molecules attached to them, the system measures the ORP changes in the medium caused by microbial metabolism, providing a simple and effective detection mechanism without complex components
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
This approach enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of infectious agent concentrations and susceptibility to anti-infectives, reducing the spread of resistant profiles and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of the diluted sample over a period of time using at least one parameter analyzer coupled to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, devices, and systems for determining the concentration of microorganisms in a sample and determining the susceptibility of such microorganisms to one or more antibiotics or other types of anti-infectives are disclosed herein. More specifically, methods for quantifying microorganisms based on redox reactions are disclosed along with systems and devices for quantifying such microorganisms using certain oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensors. Moreover, methods for determining the susceptibility and the degree of susceptibility of microorganisms to one or more anti-infectives are disclosed along with multiplex systems for such assays.