Detecting harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli on food or surfaces typically takes 24 to 48 hours using lab tests or kits. These tests are time-consuming, require skilled technicians, and often only tell you whether bacteria are present—not how many or what kind.
The Solution
This invention introduces a portable, suitcase-sized device that can detect, classify, and measure bacteria and fungi in real time. It works by scanning a sponge that’s been wiped across a surface (like meat, countertops, or equipment), then analyzing the sponge’s spectral signature using a combination of advanced imaging and AI.
What’s New and Different
Unlike older methods that rely on growing cultures or pixel-by-pixel image analysis, this system uses a Bayesian-based “stochastic spectroscopy” method. Instead of needing detailed, labeled data or perfect conditions, it builds smart models that can learn and improve over time—even in messy, real-world environments. It skips the slow lab work and provides results in minutes, not days.
Why It Matters
- Saves time and money: Immediate results mean quicker decisions and fewer costly delays.
- More precise: It doesn’t just say if bacteria are present—it tells you which kind and how much.
- Broad use: From food safety and healthcare to pharmaceuticals and construction, it helps monitor cleanliness and contamination risks.
- Scalable and compact: It’s small enough to move around and powerful enough to handle complex analysis on-site.
The Big Picture
This device has the potential to transform safety standards in industries that depend on cleanliness, offering faster, smarter, and more affordable ways to prevent contamination and protect public health.