Activated Carbon Pathogen Purification via Blocking Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional activated carbon methods fail to effectively extract pathogen genomes without degradation and/or loss due to binding to the carbon surface.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a carbon-pathogen complex, treatment with a blocking solution to prevent degradation, and subsequent release of pathogen particles using a lysis reagent, followed by purification of the released pathogen genomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If activated carbon is used to concentrate pathogen genomes, then concentration efficiency is improved, but genome degradation and binding loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration efficiencyVSAvoidgenome integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (protein or peptide blocking agent) that mediates between the activated carbon surface and the pathogen genomes. This blocking agent occupies binding sites on the carbon surface, preventing direct interaction between carbon and genomic DNA/RNA, thereby eliminating degradation and binding loss while preserving concentration efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-treating the activated carbon with a blocking solution containing proteins or peptides before exposing it to pathogen genomes. This preliminary step creates a protective layer on the carbon surface that prevents subsequent harmful interactions with the genetic material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If conventional PEG method is used to concentrate viruses, then genome stability is maintained, but concentration capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenome stabilityVSAvoidconcentration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of two different methods: it combines the high concentration capability of activated carbon adsorption with the genome stability protection of PEG precipitation. By using blocking agents, the method enables carbon-based concentration to achieve both high productivity and reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This method significantly reduces viral genome loss and achieves higher concentrations of pathogen genomes compared to conventional PEG methods, while maintaining the stability of the viral genetic signal.

Implementation Method 1

Activated carbon has been long known to adsorb viruses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the activated carbon is treated with a blocking solution that prevents the activated carbon from degrading and/or binding the released pathogen nucleic acids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlocking:

Implementation Method 3

the pathogen particles are released from the activated carbon with a lysis reagent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLysis:

Data Source

PatentUS20250171763A1Method for purifying a pathogen genome sample

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 RES FOUND THE CITY UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A method for concentrating a liquid sample containing pathogens. The method traps pathogens on the surface of activated carbon. Prior to release of the pathogens, the activated carbon is treated with a blocking solution that prevents the activated carbon from degrading and/or binding the released pathogen nucleic acids. After treatment with the blocking solution, the pathogens are released from the activated carbon with a lysis reagent.