Portable Microorganism Detection Device with Integrated Filtration and Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting foodborne bacterial pathogens in the food industry are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require specialized laboratory equipment and trained personnel, making them unsuitable for rapid in situ detection of contaminants in macro samples.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with integrated processing chambers for filtering, analyte extraction, and detection, featuring a large inlet surface for easy sample deposition, visual indicators for accurate volume measurement, and a mechanism for safe handling and coupling to prevent contamination and leakage, allowing untrained personnel to perform immunochromatography tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microbiological methods are used for pathogen detection, then sensitivity and quantitative results are achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the detection process into distinct functional chambers (enrichment chamber, filtration chamber, detection chamber) that can operate in sequence, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples and reducing overall detection time while maintaining sensitivity through specialized zones for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates pre-enrichment medium and selective agents in the enrichment chamber before sample introduction, performing preliminary cultivation and selection steps in advance. This preliminary action reduces the time required for subsequent detection steps while maintaining the sensitivity needed for low-level pathogen detection
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory equipment is used, then accurate pathogen detection is achieved, but specialized equipment and trained personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple laboratory functions (enrichment, filtration, aliquoting, and immunochromatography detection) into a single integrated portable unit. This consolidation maintains detection accuracy through controlled environmental conditions and reagent delivery while eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated mechanisms for medium dispensing, sample filtration, and reagent delivery that perform critical functions without requiring skilled manual manipulation. This self-service capability maintains detection accuracy through consistent reagent delivery while enabling operation by personnel without specialized training
3Quantity of substance
If macro samples are processed for enrichment, then sufficient analyte concentration is achieved, but contamination risk increases during manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces sterile filtration membranes and sealed transfer mechanisms as intermediaries between the macro sample and the enrichment medium. These intermediaries enable the processing of large samples to achieve sufficient analyte concentration while preventing external contamination and maintaining sterility throughout the enrichment process
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 rapid, safe, and easy detection of biological hazards in macro samples without requiring specialized equipment or trained personnel, reducing the risk of contamination and improving compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first housing filled with a culture medium for biological hazard agents
Implementation Method 2
a second housing filled with a filtered enriched sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to devices for conducting microorganism or toxin detection. More particularly, the invention relates to portable, pre-packaged devices that are suitable for culturing microorganisms, aliquoting predetermined volumes of testing samples, and conducting microorganism or toxin detection based on immunological reactions using samples of considerable size collected at remote sites away from testing laboratories.