Portable ATP Testing Device with Self-Calibrating Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring microbial populations in water samples using ATP-based assays are cumbersome and prone to human error, lacking automation and accuracy, especially when dealing with small quantities of reagents and samples.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld device system with pre-loaded cartridges that automate the measurement process, including metering, mixing, and internal calibration, using luciferase-based ATP assays to measure ATP parameters and estimate microbial populations, reducing human intervention and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual ATP measurement methods are used, then the process is simple to understand, but human error increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld device for measurement, disposable cartridges containing reagents and samples, and automated metering mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex automated measurement process to be encapsulated in standardized cartridges, improving accuracy while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using an internal reference standard contained within the cartridge. The automated metering and mixing mechanisms operate without human intervention, reducing human error. The system automatically compensates for variations in reagent volumes and sample quantities through electronic control.
2Reliability
If automated metering and mixing are implemented, then human error is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents are pre-loaded into sealed compartments within the cartridge before use. The cartridge is pre-configured with specific volumes of ATP solution, luciferin, and other reagents. This preliminary preparation ensures consistent, accurate dosing without requiring complex automated dispensing mechanisms in the handheld device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic control and automated actuators. Motor-driven syringes and pumps precisely meter reagent volumes, while electronic sensors detect light emission. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating human variability in manual operations.
3Measurement precision
If internal reference standards are used for calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by measuring the light emission from a known concentration of ATP contained in the internal reference standard. The device automatically compares the sample measurement to this reference and applies compensation factors, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal reference standard provides a feedback mechanism for quality control. The system continuously monitors the reference signal and uses it to correct for variations in detector sensitivity, reagent stability, and environmental conditions, ensuring consistent measurement precision throughout the cartridge's lifetime.
4Productivity
If small quantities of reagents are used, then sample throughput is improved, but measurement accuracy becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motor-driven syringes and electronic pumps to meter reagent volumes with microliter or nanoliter precision. These automated mechanical systems provide far greater precision than manual pipetting, enabling accurate measurements with small reagent volumes that increase throughput while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system concentrates the measurement process in a micro-volume reaction chamber within the cartridge. By confining the reaction to a small, well-defined volume with controlled geometry, the system achieves high sensitivity and precision even with trace amounts of ATP and reagents, enabling rapid high-throughput analysis.
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 system simplifies and automates ATP testing, reducing human error and improving accuracy by automating the measurement process, providing precise estimates of microbial populations and biomass stress indices in various aqueous and non-aqueous fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The second reagent includes luciferase, luciferin, a magnesium salt and an enzyme stabilizer
Implementation Method 2
A sensor in the device measures light produced in the cartridge, for example from a reaction with ATP in the water sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process may be used to test water samples to measure ATP and/or estimate a microbial population, for example using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based assay. The system includes a device that is use in combination with single-use or disposable cartridges. The cartridge receives the water sample and is pre-loaded with one or more reagents. The device receives the cartridge and contains physical, electronic and/or mechatronic devices that interact with cartridge. One or more actions such as metering, mixing and conveying are performed automatically by elements of the device and/or cartridge. A sensor in the device measures light produced in the cartridge from a reaction with ATP in the water sample. Optionally, the cartridge also contains a pre-loaded amount of ATP, which is used to provide an internal reference or calibration measurement.