Selective Microbial Detection via Differential ATP Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to selectively measure lactic acid or acetic acid bacterial biomass in mixtures containing both bacteria and fungi, as existing techniques either measure total ATP or require mechanical filtration, which is ineffective due to size overlaps and binding issues between bacterial and fungal species.
Innovation Solution
Applying an antifungal with a lethal action on fungi and a non-lethal antibiotic action on bacteria, followed by ATP measurement to distinguish and quantify bacterial and fungal ATP, using specific antifungal compounds like polyenes, morpholines, azoles, or echinocandins to achieve selective detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical filtration is used to separate bacteria from fungi, then physical separation is achieved, but separation precision deteriorates due to size overlaps and binding issues between bacterial and fungal species
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the system by introducing specific antibiotics that differentially affect bacteria and fungi. By using antibiotics with selective toxicity profiles (e.g., penicillin G for bacteria, amphotericin B for fungi), the method transforms a physical separation problem into a chemical selection problem, achieving precise microbial population differentiation without relying on mechanical filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces antibiotics as intermediary substances that mediate the selective elimination or growth inhibition of specific microbial populations. These antibiotics act as chemical mediators that selectively interact with bacterial or fungal cells based on their physiological differences, enabling indirect separation and accurate measurement of target populations
2Ease of operation
If total ATP measurement is performed on mixed microbial populations, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates as it cannot distinguish between bacterial and fungal ATP
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the total ATP measurement into distinct bacterial and fungal components by applying selective antibiotics before measurement. By treating the mixed population with antibiotics that selectively eliminate or inhibit one group (e.g., penicillin G for bacteria), the remaining ATP can be attributed to the other group (fungi), thus segmenting the measurement into separable components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary selective elimination of one microbial population using antibiotics before conducting ATP measurement. This preliminary action (antibiotic treatment) prepares the sample by removing confounding factors, ensuring that subsequent ATP measurements reflect only the target population and eliminate cross-contamination from other microbes
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 reliable measurement of bacterial biomass independently of fungal biomass by differentiating ATP levels, allowing for accurate assessment of bacterial and fungal presence in food-processing matrices, such as in wine, beer, and carbonated beverages.
Implementation Method 1
applying, to the matrix, an antifungal having an antifungal action which is lethal, at a first time limit, on the fungal flora
Implementation Method 2
applying to the matrix a lysis agent to release from the matrix the adenosine triphosphate of bacterial origin
Implementation Method 3
measuring the adenosine triphosphate released by means of the following steps: removing the free adenosine triphosphate from the matrix then, applying to the matrix a lysis agent to release from the matrix the adenosine triphosphate of bacterial origin then, measuring the adenosine triphosphate released
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting lactic acid and/or acetic acid bacteria in a food-processing matrix is taught, using microbial flora including a lactic acid and/or acetic acid bacterial flora and a fungal flora. The bacterial flora contains an adenosine triphosphate of bacterial origin, and the fungal flora contains an adenosine triphosphate of fungal origin. The method comprises applying, to the matrix, before a first time limit, an antifungal having an antifungal action which is lethal, on the fungal flora, and at a second time limit, an antibiotic action which is non lethal, at a second time limit after the first time limit, on the bacterial flora. The microbial flora is detected between the first time limit and the second time limit; the lethal antifungal action releases, into the matrix, for the first time limit, adenosine triphosphate of fungal origin and in which the microbial flora is detected between the first time limit and the second time limit.