Devices, systems, and methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Inventors
PONTE, Elizabeth Botbol • BUIE, CREIGHTON T. • RAJAN, Nitin K. • THEISS, Andrew H. • PUTNEY, Suzanne • DEAK, Eszter • Herget, Meike • KNOPFMACHER, Oren S.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12596089-B2
Publication Date
2026-04-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
Various apparatus, systems, and methods for determining a susceptibility of an infectious agent to an anti-infective are disclosed. In one aspect, a system comprises a well plate, a sensor array lid configured to cover the well plate, and a reader for receiving the well plate covered by the sensor array lid. The well plate comprises wells including test wells comprising an anti-infective and at least one control well devoid of the anti-infective. Each of the wells is configured to receive and contain a sample. The sensor array lid comprises a plurality of sensor units. Each of the sensor units is configured to extend into a well of the well plate. Each of the sensor units comprises an active electrode and a reference electrode used by the reader to detect any changes in the solution characteristics within the wells to determine the susceptibility of the infectious agent to the anti-infective.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system that uses a microwell plate having test wells containing an anti-infective and control wells lacking the anti-infective, capped by a sensor array lid. The sensor array lid includes a flexible substrate with partially cut strips or segments that curl or bend vertically downward into the wells. Each downward-curling or downward-bending substrate strip or segment carries a sensor unit having an active electrode and a (pseudo) reference electrode.
A reader contacts the electrodes and incubates the samples to enable detection of solution characteristic changes over time, including oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The system multiplexes signals across wells, and susceptibility of the infectious agent to the anti-infective is determined by comparing signal changes in test wells versus control wells, including determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Electrode signal characterization is based on the sensor unit detecting changes in solution properties over time while the test and control conditions differ by the presence or absence of the anti-infective.
The disclosure further specifies materials and structures for the sensor array lid, including redox-active materials for the active electrode and reference electrode materials including Ag/AgCl or carbon, optionally with ion exchange membranes. Ion exchange membrane options are described, including sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer-copolymer such as Nafion and polyaromatic polymer anion exchange membranes such as Fumion. Fabrication approaches for the electrodes are described, including screen printing, sputtering, and electroplating, including variants in which active electrodes are provided by pins.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim (clm-00001). It covers a sensor array lid structure in which a flexible substrate forms downward-curling or downward-bending strips or segments, each carrying an active electrode and a reference electrode.
Downward-curling flexible substrate strips or segments in a sensor array lid
A flexible substrate coupled to an underside of a lid top, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a plurality of substrate strips or segments partially cut out from a remainder, and wherein at least one substrate strip or segment curls or bends vertically downward relative to a surrounding portion.
Active electrode on each downward-curling or downward-bending substrate strip or segment
An active electrode disposed on each substrate strip or segment that curls or bends vertically downward.
Reference electrode on each downward-curling or downward-bending substrate strip or segment
A reference electrode disposed on each substrate strip or segment that curls or bends vertically downward.
Across the provided claim text, the core claim coverage is directed to a sensor array lid with a flexible substrate that creates downward-curling or vertically bending strip or segment geometries, with both an active electrode and a reference electrode disposed on each downward-curling or descending strip or segment.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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