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Publication Number
US-11859233-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices and methods are provided to detect the presence of bacteria and small microorganisms, and to identify various microbial attributes rapidly.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a detection system for identifying microorganisms within a sample comprising a fluid and including non-microbial cells and microorganisms. The system includes a microfluidic separation stage and a detection stage, where the microfluidic separation stage selectively lyses non-microbial cells while maintaining intact microorganisms in the sample.
The microfluidic separation stage comprises a lysis structure having an inlet, an outlet, and microporous surfaces disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The microporous surfaces receive the sample and selectively lyse non-microbial cells while maintaining intact microorganisms when the sample flows between the inlet and the outlet and through the microporous surfaces, including physical separation to remove debris while preferentially maintaining intact microorganisms.
After the microfluidic separation stage, the detection stage receives the sample and performs detection analysis of microorganisms in the sample. The document describes infrared spectrometric measurement of concentrated microbes on IR-compatible filters and spectral analysis, including chemometric/spectral processing with reference spectral databases for microorganism identification, background subtraction, and probability or confidence reporting.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is supported by multiple inventive features centered on a microfluidic separation stage with a lysis structure and a separate detection stage. Dependent claims add refinements to pore size, passage behavior, size-based separation around lysis, target microorganism selection, and an optional waste collection stage.
Microfluidic lysis structure with microporous surfaces for selective lysis
A microfluidic separation stage comprising a lysis structure with an inlet, an outlet, and microporous surfaces disposed between the inlet and the outlet to selectively lyse non-microbial cells while maintaining intact microorganisms in the sample.
Separate detection stage for microorganism detection analysis
A detection stage configured to receive the sample from the microfluidic separation stage and perform detection analysis of microorganisms in the sample.
Microporous surfaces with pore diameters in a defined range
The microporous surfaces have pores with diameters ranging from 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers.
Microporous surfaces configured to allow intact microorganism passage
The microporous surfaces allow intact microorganisms to pass through while lysing non-microbial cells in the sample.
Two-stage size-based separation around lysis
The microfluidic separation stage includes a first size-based separation before lysis and a second separation after lysis to separate lysed cells and cellular debris from microorganisms for detection.
Target microorganism restriction to specific genera
Microorganisms selected from the genera Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Listeria, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, and Campylobacter.
Optional waste collection stage
The system further includes a waste collection stage.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a microfluidic separation stage that selectively lyses non-microbial cells while maintaining intact microorganisms, followed by a separate detection stage. Dependent claims further refine pore size, passage behavior, size-based separation, target microorganism selection, and an optional waste collection stage.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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