Analyte Detection Using Dual-Magnitude Electric Field Responses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting COVID-19, particularly SARS-CoV-2, are time-consuming, costly, and prone to false negatives or positives due to rapid development without proper testing, lacking reliable quantification and flexibility, necessitating a more efficient and accurate detection system.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing electrical and optical responses to an electric field for detecting and quantifying viral nucleocapsid protein and anti-N antibody interactions in nasal swab samples, allowing for rapid differentiation between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative samples with a cost-effective approach.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current detection methods (RT PCR, immunological assays) are used, then detection capability is achieved, but detection time is excessive and cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems (RT PCR, ELISA) with an electrical field-based detection system that measures electrical properties (impedance, capacitance, conductance) of virus-reagent complexes, enabling rapid detection without time-consuming chemical reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from chemical/optical signals to electrical property signals by applying electric fields and measuring electrical responses, allowing for faster and simpler detection while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If rapid detection methods are developed quickly, then detection speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to lack of proper testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where electrical responses are measured and analyzed to determine analyte presence, with the system adjusting and optimizing detection parameters based on measured signals to ensure both speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance, conductance) and analyzes changes in these parameters to reliably detect analytes, providing multiple verification points that enhance reliability while maintaining rapid detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional detection systems are used, then detection capability is maintained, but device complexity and cost are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical, optical, and chemical detection systems with a simplified electrical field-based system that uses basic electrical measurements, dramatically reducing device complexity and cost while preserving detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential detection function by using simple electrical property measurements rather than implementing entire complex detection systems, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining core detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 within five minutes, providing accurate and cost-effective results, significantly improving the speed and reliability of COVID-19 diagnosis while reducing costs compared to existing tests.

Implementation Method 1

electrical and/or optical response to an electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical response to electric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

electrical and/or optical response to an electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical response to electric field: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11619589B2Method and system for detection, quantification and/or identification of an analyte in a specimen based on electrical and/or optical response to an electric field

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method and a system of detecting, identifying and quantifying an analyte, for example coronavirus, in a specimen comprising, comprising: apportioning the suspended specimen into one or more test samples; optionally adding a reagent to the test samples; and applying an electric field with a first magnitude and with a second magnitude over the test samples for a selected period of time. The second magnitude should be higher than the first magnitude. The method and system further comprises: measuring electrical properties of said one or more test samples in response to said applied electric field for said first magnitude and for said second magnitude over said period of time; identifying characteristics of said electrical properties responses; and determining the presence, the identification and/or the quantity of coronavirus based on the characteristics of said electrical properties responses to said first magnitude and to said second magnitude of the applied electric field.