Porous Support Transmission Imaging for IR Microorganism Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing microorganisms in the infrared range are hindered by the absorbent nature of nutrient media, which complicates transmission imaging, and require complex or destructive techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous support that allows microorganisms to be retained on one face while nutrients diffuse through pores, enabling transmission imaging between the support and an infrared light source and image sensor, capturing images at multiple wavelengths for characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission imaging is used in the infrared range, then non-destructive characterization is achieved, but the absorbent nature of nutrient media (high water content) complicates the imaging
Solution Approach 1:
A porous support membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the microorganisms and the infrared light path. The membrane allows infrared transmission while supporting the microorganisms, enabling imaging through the medium without direct contact between the nutrient medium and the imaging path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the porous support separates the biological sample from the imaging path, allowing independent optimization of each function. The nutrient medium remains in the chamber while the imaging occurs through the porous support.
2Reliability
If microorganisms are grown on opaque nutrient media, then growth is supported, but transmission configuration becomes infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The porous support acts as a mediator that enables both functions: it supports microorganism growth on its surface while simultaneously allowing infrared transmission for imaging. This resolves the conflict between needing opaque media for growth and transparent paths for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the imaging plane to a different dimension - imaging through the porous support membrane rather than through the bulk nutrient medium. This dimensional shift allows both growth support and imaging transparency to coexist.
3Measurement precision
If backscattering applications are used, then imaging of colonies is achieved, but geometric constraints limit characterization to individual colonies only
Solution Approach 1:
The porous support creates a planar copy or representation of colony positions and characteristics that can be imaged in transmission. This allows multiple colonies to be characterized simultaneously in a single field of view, unlike backscattering which is limited to individual colonies.
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 non-destructive, simultaneous characterization and growth evaluation of multiple microorganisms without complex equipment, preserving morphology and structure, and allowing transfer between nutrient media.
Implementation Method 1
positioning of the porous support between an infrared light source and an image sensor, the light source being configured to emit an incident light wave at an emission wavelength, the porous support transmitting all or part of the incident light wave at the emission wavelength
Implementation Method 2
arrangement of the porous support on the surface of a nutrient medium contained in a chamber, the porous support being arranged so that the second face is in contact with the nutrient medium, so that the nutrient medium diffuses from the second face to the first face, through the pores
Implementation Method 3
deposition of microorganisms on a porous support, the porous support having a first face and a second face, and pores extending from the first face to the second face, the microorganisms being retained on the first face
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Method for characterising micro-organisms, comprising a) depositing micro-organisms (10i) on a porous medium (15), the porous medium comprising a first surface (151) and a second surface (152), the porous medium comprising pores (153) extending from the first surface to the second surface; b) arranging the porous medium on the surface of a nutrient medium (17, 172), which is contained in a chamber (16), the second surface being arranged in contact with the nutrient medium; c) moving the porous medium in relation to the chamber; 1 d) positioning the porous medium between an infrared light source (11) and an image sensor (20), the light source being configured to emit an incident light wave in an emission wavelength (λ); e) illuminating micro-organisms, which are retained on the porous medium, using the light source and acquiring an image (Iλ, Iλ(t2)) using the image sensor, the image allowing an observation of at least one colony of micro-organisms; f) characterising the colony of micro-organisms from the image acquired in step e).