Spectroscopic Biohazard Detection via Native Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biohazards, such as SARS-CoV-2, are limited by high costs, lengthy processing times, requirement for skilled personnel, need for reagents, and inability to differentiate between current and past infections, leading to inefficiencies in identifying and managing biohazard presence.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic method that uses excitation radiation to analyze samples, distinguishing between biohazard and non-biohazard signals through emission data comparison, allowing for rapid, reagentless detection of biohazard signatures with reduced operator skill requirements and lower costs, capable of identifying current, past, or immunity status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current biohazard detection methods (PCR, immunoassays) are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems (PCR machinery, immunoassay reagents) with a spectroscopic system using optical excitation and emission detection. The handheld device uses light excitation sources and spectral detectors to identify biohazard signatures through their unique spectroscopic fingerprints, eliminating the need for lengthy amplification or antibody reactions while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from chemical/biological reactions to spectroscopic properties. By measuring the emission spectra and fluorescence characteristics of biohazard materials under specific excitation wavelengths, the system achieves rapid identification based on inherent material properties rather than time-consuming biochemical processes.
2Reliability
If current biohazard detection methods are used, then reliable detection is achieved, but operator skill requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectroscopic detection system is designed to automatically identify biohazard signatures through inherent spectroscopic properties without requiring skilled operators to perform complex sample preparation or interpret sophisticated results. The device self-calibrates and automatically compares detected spectra against reference databases, making reliable detection accessible to users with minimal training.
3Measurement precision
If current biohazard detection methods are used, then specific pathogen identification is achieved, but reagent costs increase and false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection capability from consumable reagents and embeds it in the detection system itself through spectroscopic methods. Instead of using expensive, limited-shelf-life reagents for each test, the system uses durable optical components and reference spectral databases that can identify multiple pathogens without consuming materials, eliminating reagent costs and associated false positives.
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, cost-effective, and accurate detection of biohazard signatures with reduced false positives and negatives, facilitating timely intervention and resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
providing excitation radiation onto a portion of a sample... providing the emission radiation along at least one detection path... detecting a group of emission signals, with each group including signals from a plurality of different wavelength bands
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems provide improved identification of selected biohazard and/or biohazard signatures from complex in vivo or in vitro samples and include deep UV native fluorescence spectroscopic analysis for multiple locations of a sample wherein classification results for individual locations are combined and spatially correlated to provide a positive or negative conclusion of biohazard signature presence (e.g., for signatures for viruses, bacteria, and diseases including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and COVID-19 and its variants). Improvements include one or more of reduced sample processing time (minutes to fractions of a minute), reduced sampling cost (dollars to fractions of a dollar), high conclusion reliability (rivaling real time RT-PCR). Some embodiments may incorporate a stage or scanning mirror system to provide movement of a sample relative to an excitation exposure location. Some embodiments may incorporate Raman or phosphorescence spectroscopic analysis as well as imaging systems.