pH Indicator Medium for Acid Shock Protein Timing in Microorganisms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing microorganisms using acid shock proteins require repeated mass spectrometry to confirm the production of these proteins, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a medium containing a pH indicator to detect the production of acid shock proteins by observing color changes, allowing for the collection of microorganisms during the appropriate time period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mass spectrometry is performed repeatedly to confirm acid shock protein production, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidtime for collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pH indicators that undergo color changes in response to pH variations caused by acid shock protein production. This visual color change serves as a reliable indicator to determine the optimal collection time, eliminating the need for repeated mass spectrometry measurements while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pH indicators as intermediary substances that mediate between the acid shock protein production process and the detection method. The indicators translate the biochemical production process into visible color changes, providing a simple and reliable way to identify the correct collection timing without direct mass spectrometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If repeated mass spectrometry is performed to identify the time period of acid shock protein production, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime period detection precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pH indicators that provide precise visual feedback through color changes, enabling accurate determination of the time period for acid shock protein production. This simple optical measurement replaces complex mass spectrometry repeated measurements, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex mechanical and electronic mass spectrometry system with a simple chemical indicator system that provides visual information. This replacement dramatically reduces device complexity and cost while achieving the same measurement precision through a different detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple mass spectrometry measurements are conducted to confirm acid shock protein presence, then the reliability of analysis is improved, but the loss of substance (time and resources) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis reliabilityVSAvoidtime and money spent

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pH indicators that provide reliable detection of acid shock protein production through color changes, eliminating the need for multiple mass spectrometry measurements. This single reliable indicator-based detection method reduces both time and financial resources spent on repeated analyses while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pH indicators as intermediary detection agents that reliably indicate acid shock protein production without requiring repeated mass spectrometry. This intermediary approach provides sufficient reliability in a single measurement, thereby reducing the loss of time and monetary resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient detection and collection of microorganisms producing acid shock proteins, simplifying the analysis process and reducing the need for repetitive mass spectrometry.

Implementation Method 1

preparing at least one medium containing a pH indicator; inoculating the microorganism in the medium; culturing the microorganism in the medium under specific conditions; discriminating color of the medium, and detecting, based on the discrimination result, a time period of producing an acid shock protein by the microorganism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH indicator color change: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20250340919A1Method for Preparing Analysis of Microorganisms, and Method for Analyzing Microorganisms

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A method for preparing analysis of a microorganism using an acid shock protein, the method including: (S1) preparing at least one medium containing a pH indicator; (S2) inoculating the microorganism in the medium; (S3) culturing the microorganism in the medium under specific conditions; (S4) discriminating color of the medium, and detecting, based on the discrimination result, a time period of producing an acid shock protein by the microorganism; and (S5) collecting, for the analysis, the microorganism in the time period of producing the acid shock protein.