Virus Detection via ACE2 Receptor Binding and Enzymatic Signal Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2, such as RT-PCR and antigen tests, face limitations in sensitivity and practicality, particularly in identifying infectious virus particles beyond the first week of infection and in large-scale testing, due to the need for trained personnel and the presence of sufficient antigen material.
Innovation Solution
A virus entry receptor binding test (VERB test) using ACE2 as a virus-binding molecule immobilized on a solid phase, which captures and detects infectious virus particles by measuring enzymatic activity, offering a high-throughput, point-of-care solution less sensitive to viral mutations and requiring no extensive biosafety measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR assay is used to detect viral genome, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and need for trained personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex RT-PCR system by using a simplified antigen-antibody binding assay that detects viral proteins directly, eliminating the need for nucleic acid amplification and complex instrumentation while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses viral antigen proteins as a copy or representation of the virus itself, allowing detection of viral presence through protein markers rather than requiring full viral genome analysis, thereby simplifying the detection system
2Ease of operation
If viral antigen tests are used to detect viral proteins, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient antigen material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration and purification of viral antigens from patient samples before the detection step, ensuring sufficient antigen material is available for reliable detection while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes detection parameters including antibody concentration, incubation time, and signal amplification methods to enhance detection sensitivity while keeping the assay format simple and easy to perform
3Measurement precision
If rRT-PCR test is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive incubation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from the time-consuming RT-PCR process by using direct antigen detection with optimized signal amplification, eliminating prolonged incubation and amplification cycles while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical amplification process of PCR with a biochemical signal amplification system using enzyme-linked antibodies that produce detectable signals directly from antigen-antibody binding, significantly reducing assay time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The VERB test effectively discriminates between intact and non-infectious virus fragments, providing results comparable to classical plaque assays and RT-PCR, while enabling rapid and accurate detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 without the need for extensive incubation or specialized personnel, thus aiding in pandemic control.
Implementation Method 1
incubating the sample with at least one virus-binding molecule bound to a solid phase; and detecting binding of virus particles to the at least one virus-binding molecule bound to the solid phase
Implementation Method 2
measuring enzymatic activity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for detecting virus particles in a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) incubating the sample with at least one virus-binding molecule bound to a solid phase; and (b) detecting binding of virus particles to the at least one virus-binding molecule bound to the solid phase. Also disclosed is a kit for use in this method.