Apparatus and method for the detection of bioaerosols
Inventors
Youngbull, Aaron Cody • Burgin, Timothy
Assignees
University of Montana Missoula
Publication Number
US-11639934-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-02
Expiration Date
2039-08-30
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
An autonomous bioaerosol sampling and detection system and method adapted to provide real-time detection and identification of bio-organisms in aerosols without human intervention.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an autonomous bioaerosol sampling and detection system that enables real-time detection and identification of bio-organisms in aerosols without human intervention. The system uses a combination of aerodynamic lens focusing, centrifugal particle trapping, refreshable hydrogel-based sensor platforms, and upconverting nanocrystal antibody probes for the rapid and sensitive capture, identification, and quantification of targeted bio-organisms.
The system addresses the need for a field-deployable, fast, and accurate bioaerosol detection and identification method. Existing solutions require multiple, separate steps including chemical amplification and typically involve significant human intervention, are time-consuming, and can be complicated by sample inhibitors. Furthermore, current devices often lack the sensitivity to detect low concentrations such as a single organism, and require preprocessing that delays response times in threat or hazard scenarios.
Through autonomous operation, the described apparatus and method offer multiplexed capability to identify single or multiple target organisms via multiple epitopes, use upconverting nanocrystal probes to enable low-background, highly sensitive optical detection, and streamline detection workflow with refreshable hydrogel sensor materials. The system can operate in continuous or on-demand modes, facilitating both real-time detection and remote communication of analysis results.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each introducing a set of key inventive features for both a system and a method for the autonomous detection of bio-organisms in aerosols.
Autonomous bioaerosol detection system with aerodynamic lens and microfluidic chip
The system features: - An aerodynamic lens with an inlet for receiving air samples and focusing them into a spatially-confined particle beam containing bio-organisms in a preselected size range. - A focusing mechanism that concentrates these samples and discharges particles outside the target size range. - A particle trap assembly or microfluidic chip, having a microfluidic channel with a U-shaped centrifugal particle trap section for receiving and further downselecting the particle beam. - A cross channel with movable sensor material, such as a fiber-based hydrogel matrix containing capture/sensing antibodies adapted to bind target bio-organisms. - Upconverting antibody nanocrystal (UNC) sensing probes or markers that bind the target bio-organisms and, upon excitation, release detectable energy. - A source of UNC excitation energy (such as laser or LED) and a detection device for sensing the energy released, enabling optical interrogation of bound bio-organisms.
Method for selective autonomous detection of target bio-organisms in aerosols
The method involves: 1. Identifying a size range for the target bio-organism particles. 2. Removing unwanted particles outside this size using preselection and focusing mechanisms. 3. Concentrating the sample into a spatially-confined particle beam. 4. Directing the beam into a microfluidic channel within a particle trap assembly. 5. Impinging the beam on refreshable sensor material (e.g., hydrogel with capture antibodies) to immobilize target organisms. 6. Introducing upconverting antibody nanocrystal probes which bind to the captured targets. 7. Exposing these probes to an excitation source and detecting the released energy to confirm the presence of the target.
In summary, the inventive features center on an autonomous, real-time bioaerosol detection system and method employing aerodynamic focusing, microfluidic particle trapping, hydrogel-based sensing with antibody and nanocrystal probes, and optical detection for rapid and sensitive identification of target bio-organisms.
Stated Advantages
Provides autonomous, real-time detection and identification of bio-organisms in aerosols without human intervention.
Achieves high sensitivity, including the capability for single organism detection through upconverting nanocrystal probes with zero background autofluorescence.
Enables rapid and accurate detection, identification, and quantification of bioaerosols in the field.
Allows for multiplexed and parallel or serial analyses through use of multiple unique antibodies and detection channels.
Operates in both continuous and on-demand sample analysis modes to suit various deployment requirements.
Permits remote wireless communication of results and system status without manual intervention.
Minimizes reagent consumption by using refillable or refreshable hydrogel matrices, allowing repeated analysis with small volumes.
Documented Applications
Field-deployable detection and identification of hazardous bio-organisms and biohazards in aerosols to support rapid response in biochemical or pathogenic threat scenarios.
Interested in licensing this patent?