System and methods for discriminating an agent

a system and agent technology, applied in the field of system and method for discriminating agents, can solve the problems of insufficient sup>5 , insufficient sup>5 , insufficient sup>5 for a complete model

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-07-14
VANDERBILT UNIV
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a method and system for discriminating an agent. The method involves constructing a decision tree with multiple branches, each branch corresponding to a defined action. The method involves obtaining data from the response of the agent to a conditioned environment, extracting features from the data, selecting a branch from the decision tree that corresponds to the features, performing the defined action on the features, and iteratively repeating these steps until the agent is discriminated. The system includes a controller performing these steps and a conditioned environment with cells and reagents. The invention can be used to identify and classify different types of agents based on their physical characteristics and biological interactions.

Problems solved by technology

The complexity of these computers is evidenced by the attempts to model ongoing biochemical processes based on Mycoplasma genitalium, a microbe with the smallest known gene set of any self-replicating organism (http:\\www.e-cell.org).
However, even this simplest model requires hundreds of variables and reaction rules, and a complete model even for a mammalian cell would be much more complex, requiring in excess of 105 variables and equations.
Historically, a limited set of interventions has allowed physiologists and engineers to study living cells and characterize the feedback control systems that govern cell function.
However, there has been little efforts and progress for inserting man-made devices into the control system of a single living cell so as to convert the cell into a programmable computational engine.
However, wide-spectrum detection is expensive, requiring a priori threat knowledge and a large quantity of specific cells.
Assays are susceptible to overload from multiple threats and false detection and from non-pathogenic “spoof”organisms.
Furthermore, addressing new threats involves a lengthy, costly design process.
In addition, conventional assays lack cellular machinery to increase sensitivity.

Method used

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  • System and methods for discriminating an agent
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  • System and methods for discriminating an agent

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
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example 1

Biosignatures Matrix

[0194] In one aspect of the present invention, a wide-spectrum, activity-detection technology is developed that employs several novel cell and membrane-based sensing technologies, in order to provide a complete bio-functional signature of a CBW agent, unknown drug, or other threat. The bio-functional signatures can be used with advanced algorithms to discriminate between different agents. The system and devices are extraordinarily versatile and general; because one unique feature of the present invention, among other things, is that the biological impact of the toxins is detected and measured, rather than the toxins themselves.

[0195] Today, biosensors use biological molecules (antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, etc.) for specific agent detection via specific binding reactions. Wide-spectrum detection is expensive, requiring a priori threat knowledge and a large quantity of specific cells. Assays are susceptible to overload from multiple threats and false detec...

example 2

Nanophyiometer and Bioreactor

[0220] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the status of a cell, more particularly, for screening physiological and biochemical effects of one or more cells on the nanoliter to picoliter scale. Such an apparatus according to the present invention may be termed as a Nanophysiometer, which in no way should limit the scope of the invention.

[0221]FIG. 7 schematically shows a first embodiment of a Nanophysiometer according to the present invention. In FIG. 7, device 700 has a sensing volume 704 filled with a solution of media containing a single or multiple cells 701. The solution of media in the volume 704 can be modified or changed using an inflow channel 708 and an outflow channel 707, which are parts of a channel 721 that is in fluid communication with a supply or reservoir of media (not shown). The flow in each of the channels 707, 708 can be controlled by valves 703, individually or in cooperation.

[0222] The vo...

example 3

Improved Sensor Head

[0241] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device as shown in FIGS. 11(A)-(C) for detecting at least one analyte of interest either produced or consumed by at least one cell or cells 1107, wherein the at least one cell or cells 1107 is placed in a chamber 1128. In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 11(A)-(C), a device or a sensor head 1100 includes a body portion 1151 and a substrate 1153 defining a chamber 1128. The body portion 1151 can be circular, oval, square, or any other geometric shape cross-sectionally. In the embodiment shown, the body portion 1151 has a circular cross section. The substrate 1153 has a first surface 1155 and an opposite, second surface 1157. A membrane 1127 is positioned on the first surface 1155 of the substrate 1153. The membrane 1127 is partially transparent to allow optical signals passing through. For instance, in one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11(A)-(C), the membrane 1127 comprises a Si / SiN ...

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Abstract

A system and methods for discriminating an agent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of (a) constructing a decision tree having a plurality of branches, each branch corresponding to at least one defined action, wherein each branch includes a plurality of successive branches, each successive branch corresponding to at least one defined action, (b) providing a conditioned environment sensitive to the agent, (c) obtaining data from response of the agent to the conditioned environment, (d) extracting features from the obtained data, (e) selecting a branch from the decision tree corresponding to the features, (f) performing on the features at least one defined action corresponding to the branch, (g) producing a classification of the agent, and (g) iteratively repeating steps of (d)-(g) until the agent is discriminated.

Description

[0001] The present invention was made with Government support under Grant No. N66001-01-C-8064 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration. The United States Government may have certain rights to this invention pursuant to these grants.[0002] This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent application in the name of Vanderbilt University, a U.S. national corporation, Applicant for all designated countries except the US, and John P. Wikswo, a U.S. citizen and resident, Applicant for the designation of the US only, on 6 Aug. 2002. [0003] Some references, which may include patents, patent applications and various publications, are cited and discussed in the description of this invention. The citation and / or discussion of such references is provided merely to clarify the description of the present invention and is not an admission that any such reference is “prior art” to the invention described herein. All references cited and discussed in this specif...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): C12M1/34C12Q1/00C12Q1/68C12Q1/70G01F1/64G01N15/10G01N33/48G01N33/50G06F19/00
CPCG01N33/5005G01N33/5023G01N33/5038Y10T436/115831G01N2015/1006C12M41/32G01N33/5041
InventorWIKSWO, JOHN P.BAPTY, THEODOREBAUDENBACHER, FRANZ J.MCGUINNESS, OWENPROKOP, ALESBALCARCEL, R. ROBERT
OwnerVANDERBILT UNIV