Handheld Fluorescence Imaging for Real-Time Wound Bacteria Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound care methods lack a non-invasive, real-time imaging technology to detect biological and molecular changes in wounds, particularly bacterial infections, which are often delayed and inaccurate, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence-based imaging device for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of wounds that utilizes excitation light to make bacteria and other biological markers visible, allowing for high-resolution imaging and guided collection of swab/biopsy samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional visual assessment and bacteriological tests are used, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but the detection sensitivity and timing are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical visual assessment with fluorescence-based optical detection. The system uses excitation light sources and optical filters to detect fluorescent signals from bacteria and biological markers, substituting the mechanical/swab-based approach with an optical field-based detection method that achieves higher sensitivity without significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits fluorescence emission (color change) of bacteria and biological markers when excited by specific wavelengths of light. The system detects changes in color/fluorescence signals to identify bacterial presence, infection status, and wound healing progress, transforming invisible biological processes into visible optical signals for enhanced detection sensitivity.
2Loss of time
If invasive bacteriological tests (swabs and biopsies) are performed, then bacterial identification can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and delays treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes invasive mechanical sampling (swabs and biopsies) with non-invasive optical detection. The fluorescence imaging system detects bacteria and biological markers directly in the wound environment using excitation light, eliminating the need for tissue removal and reducing detection time while avoiding further tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection of bacterial presence and infection status before traditional culture results are available. By using fluorescence imaging to detect bacterial autofluorescence and targeted fluorescent markers in real-time, the system provides immediate diagnostic information that can guide timely treatment decisions without waiting for lengthy laboratory cultures.
3Loss of information
If qualitative visual assessment is used, then the assessment is rapid and non-invasive, but it provides only gross view without molecular information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescence emission (color change) to reveal biological and molecular information that is invisible under conventional white light. The system detects fluorescent signals from bacteria, biological markers, and wound tissues, transforming hidden molecular processes into detectable optical signals that provide detailed biological information about infection status and healing progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluorescent markers and contrast agents as intermediaries to enhance the detection of biological and molecular structures. These fluorescent tracers bind to specific biological targets (bacteria, cells, molecules) and emit fluorescent signals that can be detected by the imaging system, serving as mediators that make invisible biological processes visible and quantifiable.
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 early detection of bacterial contamination and infection, facilitates precise wound assessment, and guides therapeutic interventions, reducing morbidity and mortality by providing real-time biological information.
Implementation Method 1
at least one excitation light source of a handheld device, the at least one excitation light source emitting at least one wavelength or wavelength band causing at least one biomarker on and/or in the illuminated target to fluoresce
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fluorescence-based imaging of a target to detect contamination and/or pollutants is disclosed. The method includes labelling a pre-selected biomarker at the target, illuminating the target with excitation light emitted by an excitation light source and having at least one wavelength or wavelength band causing at least the pre-selected biomarker to fluoresce, detecting fluorescence emissions of at least the pre-selected biomarker with an image detector of a handheld imaging device, and determining the presence, location, and/or quantity of contamination and/or pollutants on and/or in the illuminated target based on the detected fluorescence emissions of at least the pre-selected biomarker.