Rotatable Filter and Collection Module for Microbial Sample Prep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microbiological sample preparation units are not polyvalent or practical for efficient filtration and collection of liquids containing microorganisms, particularly when centrifugation is involved, due to compartment arrangement and limited membrane contact, which restricts liquid flow and requires larger reagent volumes for effective lysis.
Innovation Solution
A preparation unit with a filter module and collection module that are rotatably mounted relative to each other, with the inlet and evacuation compartments positioned on opposite sides of the filter membrane, allowing extensive membrane contact for efficient filtration and enabling centrifugation, and featuring multiple positions for reagent deposition and lysis optimization, including a dual-membrane system for size-based separation and clogging prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compartments are arranged on the same side of the membrane as in prior art, then the device structure is simpler, but the liquid cannot flow efficiently during centrifugation and membrane contact area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where all compartments are on the same side of the membrane to a three-dimensional arrangement where the inlet compartment and evacuation compartment are positioned on opposite sides of the membrane. This spatial reconfiguration enables efficient liquid flow during centrifugation by allowing liquid to enter from one side, pass through the membrane, and exit from the other side, maximizing membrane contact area and flow efficiency.
2Productivity
If liquid contacts only a small area of the membrane, then the device structure is simpler, but pressure loss increases and flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane contact area is segmented into multiple regions, with the inlet compartment positioned to contact one region and the evacuation compartment positioned to contact another region on the opposite side. This segmentation allows liquid to flow through different portions of the membrane surface, increasing the effective contact area and reducing pressure loss while maintaining structural organization.
3Reliability
If larger reagent volumes are used for lysis, then the lysis process is more effective, but the sensitivity of microbiological analyses decreases due to background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the lysis process by using centrifugal force to enhance the contact between the lysis reagent and the microorganisms retained on the membrane. This allows effective lysis to be achieved with smaller reagent volumes, as the centrifugal action ensures thorough penetration and contact, thereby maintaining analysis sensitivity while achieving complete lysis.
4Productivity
If the device is not compatible with centrifugation, then the structure can be simpler, but the efficiency of liquid flow and separation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to be compatible with centrifugation while maintaining its filtration and lysis functions. The compartment arrangement on opposite sides of the membrane, along with the rotational mounting of the filter and collection modules, enables the device to function effectively under centrifugal force, allowing it to perform separation, filtration, and lysis in a single integrated system that utilizes centrifugal acceleration.
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
This design enhances the efficiency of liquid flow during centrifugation, reduces pressure loss, allows for effective lysis with smaller reagent volumes, and improves the sensitivity of microbiological analyses by ensuring extensive membrane contact and efficient separation of microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
passing a liquid that may contain microorganisms through a preparation unit provided with a filter membrane on which the microorganisms of that liquid are retained
Implementation Method 2
said filter membrane resting on a region of a wall in which are formed drainage channels for the liquid passing through said filter membrane, said drainage channels being provided to direct the liquid to ducts that join to said evacuation opening
Implementation Method 3
The flow of the liquid into the preparation unit across the membrane may thus be implemented for example by placing that unit in a centrifuge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The unit comprises a filter membrane (6) filter module (2) and a collection module (3) for each liquid coming from said filter module (2), with said filter module (2) comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter (2) and collection (3) modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other. The method comprises the step of obtaining such a unit (1), of disposing the filter (2) and collection (3) modules in a first position, of passing a liquid from the filter module (2) to attain the collection module (3), of disposing the filter (2) and collection (3) modules relative to each other in a second position, and the step of passing another liquid from the filter module (2) to attain the collection module (3).