Wound Pathogen Detection via Gas Sensor Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pathogen detection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often inaccessible in resource-limited settings, making it challenging to detect pathogens in a timely and non-invasive manner, especially in wound infections.

Innovation Solution

A pathogen detection and wound infection monitoring system that employs a sensor device with a sensor array to analyze gaseous emissions from microorganisms in wounds, utilizing advanced AI algorithms for real-time monitoring and early infection identification, integrated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) or wound dressings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If culture-based techniques are used for pathogen detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection of pathogen metabolic byproducts (gases) from the complex process of traditional culture-based pathogen detection. By focusing specifically on gaseous emissions rather than requiring full microbial culture and identification, the system achieves rapid detection without sacrificing accuracy for common pathogens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/biological process of culture-based detection with electronic sensor-based detection. Gas sensors detect metabolic byproducts electronically, eliminating the need for incubation, staining, and manual analysis associated with traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If PCR methods are used for faster pathogen detection, then detection speed is improved, but accessibility and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidaccessibility in resource-limited settings

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive, disposable gas sensor elements that can be integrated into simple wound dressings. These sensors detect pathogen metabolic gases without requiring expensive laboratory equipment, making the technology accessible in resource-limited settings while maintaining rapid detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the natural metabolic activity of pathogens to produce detectable gaseous byproducts. The pathogens essentially perform the detection work for us by emitting characteristic gases, eliminating the need for complex external detection equipment or specialized laboratory facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If invasive sample processing is used for pathogen detection, then detection reliability is improved, but patient comfort and ease of monitoring worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidnon-invasive monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses gaseous metabolic byproducts as an intermediary between the pathogen and the detection system. These gases diffuse through the wound dressing and are detected by sensors without requiring direct contact with or sampling of the wound tissue, enabling reliable detection through a non-invasive intermediate medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides real-time, non-invasive, and portable pathogen detection, enabling clinicians to identify infections early, optimize treatment outcomes, and improve patient safety by analyzing metabolically active pathogens through their gaseous chemical signatures.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device having an array of sensors configured to detect a gaseous emission from one or more pathogens present in a wound by generating signals upon exposure to one or more compounds in the gas phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas phase analysis:

Implementation Method 2

The system further includes Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) or wound dressings to enhance pathogen detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250135093A1Method and System for Wound Monitoring and Pathogen Detection

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 TAO TREASURES LLC DBA NANOBIOFAB

AI summary

A system for wound monitoring and pathogen detection includes a sensor device having an inlet connected to a NPTW dressing and an outlet connected to a NPTW pump. The sensor device includes a sensor array configured to detect a gaseous emission from one or more pathogens present in a wound by generating signals upon exposure to one or more compounds in the gas phase; a microcontroller (MCU) operatively coupled with the sensor array, the MCU configured to process signals from the sensor array to identify the one or more compounds; a wireless communication component for transmitting data from the MCU to one or more external devices; and one or more visual indicators that presents information comprising an operational mode of the sensor device and a presence or absence of pathogen in the gaseous emission. A method for wound monitoring and pathogen detection is also provided.