Portable Fluorescence Detection of Antimicrobial Coating Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sanitizing surfaces are labor-intensive, costly, and ineffective in preventing the growth and transmission of pathogens, and there is no practical technique to inspect the presence or efficacy of antimicrobial surface coatings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a portable housing with a light source and detector to emit and detect fluorescent light from a fluorophore in an antimicrobial coating, determining a coverage metric based on re-emission intensity to assess coating presence and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning and sterilization methods are used, then surfaces can be sanitized, but the process is labor-intensive and may not sufficiently prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cleaning and sterilization operations with an automated optical detection system that uses fluorescence excitation and detection to assess antimicrobial coating coverage, eliminating labor-intensive inspection processes while improving detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence color changes to detect and quantify antimicrobial coating presence and coverage. The coating contains fluorescent markers that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, providing a visual and measurable indicator of coating effectiveness without requiring manual inspection
2Reliability
If antimicrobial surface coatings are applied, then pathogen growth is reduced, but there is no practical technique to inspect the presence or efficacy of the coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as intermediary substances within the antimicrobial coating that serve as detectable signals. These markers do not interfere with the antimicrobial function but provide a measurable optical signal that enables indirect detection and quantification of coating presence and integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluorescence emission color changes to detect and measure coating properties. When the coating is excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescent markers emit light at different wavelengths, providing a quantifiable signal that correlates with coating coverage and effectiveness
3Reliability
If conventional filters are replaced and maintained, then air filtration is improved, but the cost is high and the process is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-inspection capability where the antimicrobial coating contains built-in fluorescent markers that automatically indicate coating integrity and coverage when exposed to excitation light. This eliminates the need for external inspection services or complex maintenance procedures, allowing users to independently verify coating effectiveness
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 quick and accurate assessment of antimicrobial coating coverage and efficacy, ensuring effective sanitization by quantifying coating thickness, concentration, or service life expectancy.
Implementation Method 1
A coating, applied to the surface, includes a fluorophore that re-emits a second light having a second wavelength, which is different than the first wavelength, in response to excitation by the first light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device (100) for detecting a, preferable antimicrobial, coating (202) applied to a surface (214) includes a portable housing (104), a light source (106), a light detector (112), and a processing unit (114). The light source (106) emits a first light (108) having a first wavelength. The coating (202) includes a fluorophore (204) that re-emits a second light (206) having a second wavelength, which is different than the first wavelength, in response to excitation by the first light (108). The light detector (112) receives the second light (206) re-emitted from the coating (202). The processing unit (114) is adapted to determine a re-emission intensity of the second light (206) and to determine a coverage metric of the coating (202) based on the re-emission intensity of the second light (206). The coverage metric is then used to infer the efficacy of the coating (202).