Tapered Optical Cup for Rapid Microorganism Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and quantifying microorganisms in urine samples are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require multiple reagents, involving complex processes that take up to 50 hours and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing disposable cartridges with a centrifuge, pipette tips, and an optical cuvette for rapid analysis, which includes a tapered optics cup for enhanced UV light analysis, a thermal controller, and a spectrometer for efficient sample processing and diagnosis, reducing the need for reagents and manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional microbiology lab methods are used for identifying and quantifying microorganisms, then comprehensive analysis can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming (up to 50 hours), and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential optical analysis function from the complex traditional microbiology workflow. By using an optical cuvette that directly measures light absorption and scattering properties of urine samples, the system eliminates the need for complex incubation, staining, and manual microscopy procedures, achieving rapid analysis within 2 hours
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, mixing, incubation, microscopy) with an automated optical analysis system. The optical reader automatically measures sample properties using light interaction, substituting the entire mechanical workflow with a streamlined optical measurement process
2Measurement precision
If traditional multi-step processing with reagents is used, then accurate identification can be achieved, but reagent costs and manual handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cuvette system is self-sufficient, requiring no external reagents for analysis. The cuvette itself, through its optical properties and design, enables direct measurement of microbial characteristics in the sample, eliminating the need for chemical reagents and their associated costs and handling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable optical cuvettes that are inexpensive and single-use. Each cuvette is discarded after one analysis, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable equipment that requires complex cleaning and sterilization protocols, while maintaining measurement precision
3Productivity
If multiple samples are processed sequentially using traditional methods, then each sample receives thorough analysis, but total processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into independent, rapid optical measurements that can be performed sequentially or in parallel. The optical reader can quickly process multiple cuvettes in succession, and the system design allows for efficient batch processing of multiple samples without the time-consuming incubation steps required in traditional methods
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
The system streamlines the process to deliver results in under 2 hours for 42 samples, reducing labor and costs while maintaining accuracy and consistency, with the ability to analyze multiple samples efficiently and minimize contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The optics cup or cuvette includes a lower tapered area in order to assist with the optical analysis. That is, the ultraviolet (UV) light source used in the optical analysis can be directed into the optics cup or cuvette.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; wherein the walls are angled to allow for better coating and better striations of the light, an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.