Antibody-Coated Filter for Direct Streptococcus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing fluids for particulates such as bacteria and viruses are inefficient and require complex procedures, particularly in identifying Streptococcus bacteria, which often involve culturing and swabbing processes.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a tube and plunger with a filter that allows for the collection, filtration, and testing of gargled fluid for particulates, using a lateral flow immunoassay test strip and extraction solutions to detect antigens, enabling direct detection without prior culturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional culturing and swabbing procedures are used to identify Streptococcus bacteria, then detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for diagnosis increases and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the filter with specific antibodies against Streptococcus bacteria before the filtration process. This allows the bacteria to be captured and detected directly during the filtration step, eliminating the need for time-consuming culturing procedures while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the culturing step from the traditional diagnostic procedure by using a filter that directly captures and concentrates bacteria from the gargle sample. The bacteria are extracted and concentrated on the filter surface, allowing for immediate detection without requiring separate culturing operations.
2Measurement precision
If traditional culturing and swabbing procedures are used to identify Streptococcus bacteria, then detection accuracy is improved, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple steps (filtration, concentration, and detection preparation) into a single integrated filter device. The filter combines the sampling, concentration, and antibody-coating functions, allowing the entire diagnostic process to be performed in one straightforward procedure rather than through multiple separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-prepared with antibodies before use, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation and culturing procedures. This preliminary preparation of the detection surface simplifies the overall procedure while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If filtration and direct testing methods are used to detect particulates in gargled fluid, then diagnostic time is reduced and procedural complexity is simplified, but detection sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating specific regions of the filter with high concentrations of antibodies at the exact locations where bacteria are captured. This localized concentration of detection reagents ensures high sensitivity in the critical detection zones while maintaining rapid processing throughout the entire filter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antibody-coated filter acts as an intermediary that concentrates and pre-processes the bacteria from the large volume of gargle fluid. This intermediary step enhances detection sensitivity by concentrating the target bacteria before the actual detection occurs, without requiring time-consuming culturing.
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 simplifies the detection process by allowing direct filtration and testing of gargled fluids, reducing the complexity and time required for identifying particulates like Streptococcus bacteria, improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pushing the fluid through a filter
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-pressure source, such as a plunger, which is arranged to apply pressure to drive the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The extraction solution extracts strep A carbohydrate antigen from the bacteria
Implementation Method 4
A dipstick containing an antibody specific to strep A carbohydrate antigen is inserted into the mixture containing the antigen. The mixture migrates up the dipstick and reacts with the antibody, thus generating a line on the dipstick
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes collecting, from a patient, gargled fluid that potentially contains a particulate selected from the group consisting of: a bacterium and a virus; passing the gargled fluid through a filter; and subsequently, testing for the presence of the particulate trapped by the filter. Other embodiments are also described.