Porous Ceramic Particle Wound Sampling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swab-rinse techniques for obtaining biological samples from wounds are inefficient due to inadequate training, poor absorption and adsorption capabilities, and ineffective release of bacteria, resulting in low bacterial recovery rates.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising separate and porous ceramic particles within a permeable, sterile sachet that absorbs and adsorbs biological material from a wound surface, including microorganisms and biomarkers, which can be subjected to sonication to disintegrate biofilms and form a sample for culture analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional swab-rinse technique is used, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the bacterial recovery rate is low (25% to 0.1%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous ceramic particles as the core sampling medium. These particles have controlled pore sizes (0.03-0.3 mm) that enable them to absorb and retain bacterial cells and biological material from the wound surface through capillary action and adsorption, significantly improving bacterial recovery rates compared to conventional swabs
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling apparatus combines multiple materials with complementary properties: porous ceramic particles for absorption/adsorption, permeable non-woven fabric for containment and fluid passage, and adhesive dressing for secure application. This composite structure achieves both high bacterial recovery and practical usability
2Quantity of substance
If conventional cotton swab is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the absorption and adsorption capability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Porous ceramic particles with specific pore size distributions (0.03-0.3 mm) provide enhanced surface area and capillary action for absorbing and adsorbing biological materials including bacteria, wound exudate, and cellular debris, dramatically improving capture capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable non-woven fabric acts as an intermediary between the porous ceramic particles and the external environment, allowing fluid passage while containing the sampling medium, thus enabling effective biological material capture without compromising usability
3Productivity
If conventional swabbing technique is used, then the procedure is straightforward, but the release of bacteria from the swab is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraping and rubbing actions with ultrasonic vibration to detach bacteria from the porous ceramic particles. The ultrasonic probe generates high-frequency vibrations that effectively release captured bacteria into the rinse solution without requiring manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic vibration applies periodic mechanical energy to the sample tube, creating oscillatory motion that continuously agitates and releases bacteria from the porous ceramic particles into the rinse solution, ensuring complete bacterial recovery
4Reliability
If proper swabbing technique is required, then bacterial recovery improves, but inadequate training is needed which increases operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The porous ceramic particles perform the sampling function passively through their inherent absorption and adsorption properties. The apparatus is designed to be applied directly to the wound surface without requiring skilled manipulation, as the material itself actively captures bacteria through its porous structure
Solution Approach 2:
Ultrasonic vibration automatically replaces the need for skilled mechanical swabbing techniques. The ultrasonic probe generates high-frequency vibrations that effectively release captured bacteria without requiring manual dexterity or specialized training, making the procedure accessible to less experienced users
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 apparatus effectively captures and analyzes wound exudate and microorganisms, improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting wound healing status, thereby aiding in timely treatment and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of separate and porous ceramic particles for absorbing and adsorbing biological material from the exposed surface
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of separate and porous ceramic particles for absorbing and adsorbing biological material from the exposed surface
Implementation Method 3
The sample is then subjected to ultrasonic vibration in a sample tube to disintegrate any biofilms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for obtaining a biological sample from an exposed surface of a human or animal body, the apparatus including a plurality of separate and porous ceramic particles for absorbing and adsorbing biological material from the exposed surface; and a permeable covering for containing the plurality of separate and porous ceramic particles, wherein the biological material having been absorbed and adsorbed by the plurality of separate and porous ceramic particles forms the biological sample.