Antigen Biosensor Using Protein M Competitive Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies for detecting antigens in bodily fluids are slow, sensitive to minor perturbations, and require extensive sample preparation, limiting their effectiveness in rapid and accurate detection of medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cartridge device with an addressable array of antibodies specific to target antigens and Protein M, which competes with antigens for binding sites, and a reader device that detects optically-detectable changes to determine antigen presence and concentration, enabling rapid and multiplexed antigen detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If nucleic acid based technology is used for antigen detection, then detection capability is achieved, but detection speed is slow and sample preparation is extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes only the essential binding function of nucleic acid-based probes by employing antibody-antigen binding, which naturally occurs without extensive sample preparation. This removes the time-consuming preparation steps while retaining the core detection capability through the specific binding interaction between antibodies and antigens.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces detectable labels (such as fluorescent labels) as intermediaries that mediate between the antibody-antigen binding event and the detection system. This allows rapid detection without requiring complex sample preparation, as the labels provide direct optical signals that can be quickly read by the detection device.
2Reliability
If aptamers are used for detection, then antigen binding is achieved, but aptamer affinity is sensitive to minor perturbations in solute concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental binding parameter from nucleic acid hybridization (aptamer) to protein-antigen binding (antibody). Antibody-antigen interactions are inherently more stable and less sensitive to variations in solute concentrations such as metal ions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If biotin conjugation is required for antigen detection, then detection is possible, but detection is restricted to antigens that can be conjugated to biotin
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs antibodies that can bind to a wide variety of antigen types without requiring specific conjugation to biotin. This universal binding capability allows detection of diverse antigens directly in their native form, greatly expanding versatility while simplifying sample preparation by eliminating the need for biotin conjugation steps.
4Productivity
If antibody arrays with different detectable labels are used, then multiplexed detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses spatial positioning (addressable array locations) as an additional dimension to differentiate between multiple antigens, rather than relying solely on different detectable labels. Each antibody is assigned to a specific location on the array, and the reader device detects signals based on both location and label, enabling multiplexed detection while managing complexity through spatial organization.
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 system allows for rapid, accurate, and portable detection of antigens in bodily fluids, improving early disease detection and monitoring, reducing the need for extensive sample preparation and enhancing sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
Protein M for competitively displacement of the target antigen in the complex
Implementation Method 2
a reader device, wherein the reader device is configured to detect the target antigen via interaction with the cartridge device
Implementation Method 3
The optically-detectable change may involve a change in at least one of optical absorption, reflectivity, or fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for detecting an antigen present in a sample is provided. The system includes a cartridge and a reader device. The cartridge includes a solid support having an addressable array of at least one type of antibody that is specific for a target antigen and forms a complex in the presence of the target antigen, a substrate having a mounting surface for the solid support, Protein M for competitively displacing the target antigen from the complex, and a housing for protecting the substrate. The reader device is configured to detect the antigen in a liquid sample via interaction with the cartridge.