Description:

Rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to portable diagnostic devices, more particularly, to rapid on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water using integrated filtration, biosensing, and portable analysis.
Background
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health, yet microbial contamination remains a significant challenge in both developed and developing regions. Escherichia coli is a critical indicator organism for faecal contamination and is directly associated with gastrointestinal diseases, cholera-like outbreaks, and public health emergencies. Current laboratory-based detection methods include culture techniques, polymerase chain reaction assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. While effective, these methods are time-consuming, require skilled personnel, and are unsuitable for immediate field deployment.
[0004] Conventional field-testing approaches often rely on chemical indicators or simple strip-based assays. However, these techniques suffer from limited specificity, low sensitivity, and inability to differentiate live from dead organisms. Moreover, many existing portable kits require extended incubation periods of 18–24 hours, thereby defeating the purpose of rapid on-site detection. Challenges are compounded by resource-limited environments where laboratory access and cold-chain logistics are not feasible.
[0005] Recent developments in biosensors and nanotechnology have enabled miniaturized diagnostic systems. Colorimetric assays using nanoparticle-labeled antibodies and electrochemical biosensors have demonstrated feasibility for rapid bacterial detection. However, such systems are often standalone laboratory prototypes, lacking integration with sample preparation units or portable power management. Furthermore, absence of robust calibration frameworks and field durability restricts their widespread adoption.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a rapid, portable diagnostic device capable of integrating sample concentration, selective biosensing, reliable signal transduction, and digital analysis within a handheld platform. The disclosed system addresses these unmet needs by combining antibody–nanoparticle conjugates, microfiltration units, and portable sensing modules into a single device capable of delivering reliable results within minutes, enabling proactive water safety interventions.
Summary
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[0008] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
[0009] The disclosure pertains to a rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water is disclosed. The device comprises a sample collection chamber for standardized water input, a microfiltration unit configured to concentrate bacterial cells, and a biochemical detection cartridge incorporating antibodies conjugated with nanoparticles. Upon interaction with E. coli, the antibodies generate colorimetric or fluorescent signals. A signal transduction module incorporating optical or electrochemical sensors quantifies the intensity of such signals. A data processing unit applies calibration algorithms to interpret results against contamination thresholds, presenting outputs to users in real time.
[00010] The device further incorporates a portable housing with integrated power supply, enabling robust field operation. In certain embodiments, wireless communication modules transmit contamination data to mobile applications or centralized water quality monitoring databases. In other embodiments, calibration cartridges containing synthetic E. coli antigens enable validation of device accuracy before field deployment. The portable architecture ensures usability in remote areas, disaster zones, and routine municipal monitoring.
[00011] The disclosed method of operation comprises collecting a defined water sample, concentrating bacterial cells through microfiltration, exposing the sample to antibody–nanoparticle reagents, generating measurable signals upon antigen binding, quantifying signal intensities through sensors, and analyzing results via data processing algorithms. Integration of modular components within a handheld platform provides rapid, reliable, and accessible detection of E. coli contamination.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00012] The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[00013] FIG. 1 illustrates a system architecture diagram of the portable diagnostic device showing integration of sample collection, microfiltration, biochemical detection, signal transduction, data processing, and reporting subsystems within a unified housing, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] FIG. 2 illustrates a sequence diagram showing the chronological workflow beginning from drinking water collection, progressing through bacterial concentration, antigen–antibody binding, signal measurement, data analysis, and presentation of results, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] FIG. 3 illustrates a data flow diagram showing how raw environmental and analytical data flows from sensors, biochemical assays, and filtration units into computational models to generate stability-validated contamination profiles, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[00016] In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[00017] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[00018] Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
[00019] The disclosed rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water integrates sampling, concentration, biosensing, signal quantification, and digital analysis into a compact platform. The system is designed to deliver reliable results in minutes under diverse field conditions.
[00020] Operation begins with the sample collection chamber, which receives a defined volume of drinking water. The chamber includes calibration markers to ensure accurate sampling. The collected water is transferred to the microfiltration unit, which incorporates membrane filters with pore sizes optimized between 0.1 µm and 0.45 µm. The unit concentrates bacterial cells while allowing water and smaller molecules to pass through. Concentrated bacterial suspensions are directed toward the biochemical detection cartridge.
[00021] The detection cartridge contains immobilized antibodies specific to E. coli surface antigens. These antibodies are conjugated with nanoparticles such as gold colloids or quantum dots. When E. coli antigens bind to the immobilized antibodies, the nanoparticles produce visual color changes or fluorescence signals. The reaction occurs rapidly and does not require extended incubation.
[00022] The signal transduction module comprises optical or electrochemical sensors. In one configuration, photodiodes and spectrophotometers detect changes in absorbance or fluorescence. In another configuration, impedance sensors measure variations in electrical conductivity caused by antigen binding. These signals are captured in real time and transmitted to the data processing unit.
[00023] The data processing unit incorporates microcontrollers and statistical algorithms. Calibration curves are preloaded into memory, enabling correlation between signal intensity and bacterial concentration. The unit applies thresholds defined by international drinking water standards to classify contamination levels. Results are displayed through indicators, numerical readouts, or wireless transmission to external devices.
[00024] The portable housing is fabricated from impact-resistant polymers with water-resistant sealing, ensuring durability during field deployment. A rechargeable battery provides energy to sensors, processors, and wireless modules. Power optimization circuits extend operational duration, supporting repeated testing in remote locations.
[00025] In a first embodiment, the device operates as a fully standalone handheld analyzer. All sample collection, concentration, detection, and analysis functions are integrated within a single enclosure. Results are displayed through an onboard screen or LED indicator, enabling immediate interpretation by field operators. This embodiment provides simplicity and rapid usability.
[00026] In a second embodiment, the device incorporates wireless communication modules. After analysis, results are transmitted via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to paired smartphones. A mobile application presents detailed contamination reports, historical trends, and geotagged water quality data. Cloud-based integration allows centralized monitoring of water safety across communities. The technical benefit of this embodiment lies in real-time aggregation of distributed field data for policy and intervention.
[00027] In a third embodiment, the device incorporates calibration cartridges. Prior to deployment, operators insert a cartridge containing synthetic E. coli antigens. The device runs a validation cycle, confirming antibody reactivity and sensor accuracy. This embodiment enhances quality assurance and regulatory compliance in field testing campaigns.
[00028] Data processing flows are reiterated across contexts. In municipal water monitoring, large numbers of samples are processed sequentially, with results logged centrally. In emergency disaster zones, the device is deployed to rapidly screen available water sources, ensuring safety for displaced populations. In individual consumer scenarios, the device provides immediate confirmation of water safety at the household level.
[00029] Technical benefits include rapid turnaround time, portability, and accuracy under variable conditions. The integration of sample concentration with biosensing eliminates dependence on extended incubation. Nanoparticle-based amplification enhances sensitivity, while

modular design ensures flexibility across use cases. Computational modeling enables standardized interpretation, reducing operator error.
[00030] Thus, the disclosed diagnostic device provides a comprehensive, portable solution for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water. By uniting multi-parametric biosensing, durable design, and digital integration, the system enhances public health surveillance and empowers communities to ensure safe drinking water in diverse environments.
[00031] Figure 1 provides a system architecture diagram of the disclosed rapid, portable diagnostic device for E. coli detection in drinking water. The architecture begins with the sample collection chamber, which introduces the raw water sample into the system. The microfiltration unit follows, concentrating bacterial cells for improved sensitivity. Downstream, the biochemical detection cartridge houses antibody–nanoparticle conjugates configured for selective binding with E. coli antigens. The signal transduction module receives outputs from the detection cartridge and quantifies visual, fluorescent, or electrochemical signals. These signals are forwarded to the data processing unit, which applies calibration algorithms and thresholds. The final results are presented to the user via reporting interfaces, which may include a display, indicator lights, or wireless transmission to external devices. The diagram demonstrates logical integration of subsystems into a portable housing. Each module is functionally distinct yet interconnected, ensuring that sample preparation, biosensing, and analysis occur seamlessly within minutes. The technical benefit of this configuration lies in its ability to consolidate traditionally laboratory-based functions into a handheld format for immediate water safety evaluation.
[00032] Figure 2 illustrates a sequence diagram depicting the operational workflow of the device in real time. The sequence begins when a water sample is introduced into the sample collection chamber. The sample is transferred to the microfiltration unit, where bacteria are concentrated. The concentrated sample is directed into the biochemical detection cartridge, where immobilized antibodies bind to E. coli antigens. This reaction produces measurable optical or electrochemical signals, which are detected by the signal transduction module. The data are then processed by the computational unit, which applies calibration curves and compares results with contamination thresholds. Finally, the analyzed results are presented to the user as a contamination alert or safe water indication. The sequential representation highlights the dependency of each stage upon completion of the previous step, ensuring clarity of process. The benefit of this arrangement lies in demonstrating that rapid detection can be accomplished through a linear workflow optimized for minimal operator intervention.
[00033] Figure 3 provides a data flow diagram representing how various forms of raw and processed data converge into a contamination profile. Environmental data from sensors monitoring temperature and humidity enters the computational core. Simultaneously, raw data from physical concentration in the microfiltration unit, biochemical antigen–antibody binding signals, and optical or electrochemical readings flow into the central data processor. The computational models apply algorithms to integrate these diverse data streams, producing outputs that define bacterial concentration, contamination status, and threshold compliance. These validated profiles are then exported to display interfaces or wireless modules for user interpretation and central monitoring. The diagram illustrates how heterogeneous data streams are harmonized into actionable results. The technical benefit of this approach lies in its ability to combine environmental metadata, analytical sensor readings, and biochemical interactions into a coherent contamination assessment, thereby enhancing reliability under varying field conditions.
[00034] Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
[00035] While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.
 

Claims
I/We Claim:
1. A rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water, comprising: a sample collection chamber configured to receive a defined volume of drinking water; a microfiltration unit configured to concentrate bacterial cells within said collected water; a biochemical detection cartridge comprising immobilized antibodies specific to E. coli surface antigens and functionalized nanoparticles configured to produce detectable colorimetric or fluorescent signals upon antigen–antibody interaction; a signal transduction module comprising optical or electrochemical sensors configured to measure intensity of said signals; a data processing unit configured to analyze sensor outputs against predefined contamination thresholds; and a portable housing configured to contain all subsystems in a handheld form factor, wherein the device enables rapid and accurate on-site detection of E. coli.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sample collection chamber comprises a detachable sterile container configured with volume calibration markers to ensure standardized sample input.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the microfiltration unit comprises membrane filters with pore sizes between 0.1 µm and 0.45 µm, thereby enabling efficient bacterial concentration without chemical interference.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the biochemical detection cartridge comprises gold nanoparticle-labeled antibodies or quantum dot conjugates, thereby enhancing sensitivity of E. coli detection through visible or fluorescence-based amplification.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the signal transduction module comprises photodiodes, spectrophotometers, or impedance sensors, thereby enabling multi-modal quantification of E. coli presence across a wide concentration range.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the data processing unit comprises microcontrollers or integrated circuits configured to apply calibration curves, statistical thresholds, and digital signal processing algorithms, thereby ensuring accuracy under variable environmental conditions.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises a water-resistant, impact-resistant shell with integrated power supply comprising rechargeable batteries and energy optimization circuits, thereby ensuring usability in field conditions.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a wireless communication module configured to transmit contamination data to external mobile devices, cloud platforms, or centralized water quality monitoring systems.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a calibration cartridge containing synthetic E. coli antigens, thereby enabling periodic validation of device performance and quality assurance in field deployments.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein integration of sample concentration, antibody–nanoparticle-based detection, optical or electrochemical sensing, data analysis, and portable housing establishes a comprehensive platform for rapid, on-site E. coli detection in drinking water.

Rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water
Abstract
A rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water is disclosed. The device comprises a sample collection chamber, a microfiltration unit for bacterial concentration, and a biochemical detection cartridge comprising antibody–nanoparticle conjugates configured to generate colorimetric or fluorescent signals upon antigen binding. A signal transduction module incorporating optical or electrochemical sensors quantifies said signals. A data processing unit applies calibration algorithms to determine contamination thresholds. The device is housed in a portable, water-resistant enclosure with integrated power management and optional wireless communication. In certain embodiments, calibration cartridges containing synthetic antigens enable device validation. Integration of sample preparation, biosensing, and digital analysis within a handheld platform provides rapid, reliable, and on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water.
Fig. 1

  , Claims:Claims
I/We Claim:
1. A rapid, portable diagnostic device for on-site detection of E. coli contamination in drinking water, comprising: a sample collection chamber configured to receive a defined volume of drinking water; a microfiltration unit configured to concentrate bacterial cells within said collected water; a biochemical detection cartridge comprising immobilized antibodies specific to E. coli surface antigens and functionalized nanoparticles configured to produce detectable colorimetric or fluorescent signals upon antigen–antibody interaction; a signal transduction module comprising optical or electrochemical sensors configured to measure intensity of said signals; a data processing unit configured to analyze sensor outputs against predefined contamination thresholds; and a portable housing configured to contain all subsystems in a handheld form factor, wherein the device enables rapid and accurate on-site detection of E. coli.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sample collection chamber comprises a detachable sterile container configured with volume calibration markers to ensure standardized sample input.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the microfiltration unit comprises membrane filters with pore sizes between 0.1 µm and 0.45 µm, thereby enabling efficient bacterial concentration without chemical interference.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the biochemical detection cartridge comprises gold nanoparticle-labeled antibodies or quantum dot conjugates, thereby enhancing sensitivity of E. coli detection through visible or fluorescence-based amplification.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the signal transduction module comprises photodiodes, spectrophotometers, or impedance sensors, thereby enabling multi-modal quantification of E. coli presence across a wide concentration range.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the data processing unit comprises microcontrollers or integrated circuits configured to apply calibration curves, statistical thresholds, and digital signal processing algorithms, thereby ensuring accuracy under variable environmental conditions.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the portable housing comprises a water-resistant, impact-resistant shell with integrated power supply comprising rechargeable batteries and energy optimization circuits, thereby ensuring usability in field conditions.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a wireless communication module configured to transmit contamination data to external mobile devices, cloud platforms, or centralized water quality monitoring systems.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a calibration cartridge containing synthetic E. coli antigens, thereby enabling periodic validation of device performance and quality assurance in field deployments.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein integration of sample concentration, antibody–nanoparticle-based detection, optical or electrochemical sensing, data analysis, and portable housing establishes a comprehensive platform for rapid, on-site E. coli detection in drinking water.