SERS Indicator Particles for Real-Time Microorganism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms in culture samples, particularly in clinical and food samples, are inefficient as they require lengthy culture times, expose personnel to pathogens, and lack specificity, leading to delayed results and increased risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active indicator particles and magnetic capture particles in a Homogeneous No Wash (HNW) assay system that allows for real-time monitoring of microorganism growth within a culture sample, enabling early detection and identification without the need for wash steps or extensive sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional culture methods are used to detect microorganisms, then microorganism growth can be detected, but the detection time is lengthy and results are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-incorporating indicator particles into the culture medium before inoculation with the sample. These indicator particles are prepared in advance with specific binding members that will interact with target microorganisms during culture, enabling rapid detection without lengthy post-culture processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses indicator particles as intermediaries between the microorganisms and the detection system. These particles contain binding members that specifically interact with target microorganisms and produce detectable signals, serving as a mediator that accelerates detection while maintaining specificity
2Measurement precision
If manual sample handling and wash steps are performed, then detection accuracy can be improved, but personnel exposure to pathogens increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the indicator particles automatically bind to target microorganisms and produce detectable signals within the culture medium without requiring manual intervention for sample handling, washing, or processing. The culture vessel itself serves as the detection chamber, eliminating the need for separate processing steps that would expose personnel to pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from separate manual processing steps and integrates it directly into the culture medium. By incorporating indicator particles into the culture medium itself, the system eliminates the need for separate sample handling, washing, and processing steps that would require personnel exposure to pathogens
3Reliability
If traditional culture methods are used, then microorganism growth can be detected, but specificity is lacking and identification is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by equipping different indicator particles with specific binding members that are tailored to recognize particular microorganism types. Each indicator particle type has localized specificity for its target, allowing simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple microorganism species in the same culture medium
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by detecting alterations in physical or chemical parameters (such as light scattering, fluorescence, or color) that occur when indicator particles bind to target microorganisms. These parameter changes provide specific identification signals that differentiate between various microorganism types while maintaining reliable detection
4Measurement precision
If extensive sample handling is performed, then detection accuracy can be improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a closed-system approach where the culture medium with integrated indicator particles performs detection automatically without requiring personnel to handle samples. The system self-monitors microorganism growth and identification through detectable signals from the indicator particles, eliminating contamination risks associated with manual sample transfer and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the culture medium, indicator particles, and detection function into a single integrated system. By combining these elements in one vessel, the patent eliminates multiple sample handling steps and reduces the number of openings required, thereby minimizing contamination risks while maintaining detection accuracy
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 approach minimizes culture time, reduces exposure to pathogens, and provides specific identification of microorganisms, enabling early detection and reducing the risk of contamination, while allowing for continuous monitoring and automatic alerts when pathogens are detected.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field is applied to the vessel so as to form a pellet
Implementation Method 2
The use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active indicator particles and magnetic capture particles
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.