Aptamer-Based SARS-CoV-2 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current COVID-19 diagnosis methods, particularly quantitative PCR testing, are not rapid or cost-effective enough for mass-testing during pandemics, necessitating the development of more efficient detection solutions.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel polynucleotide sequences that selectively bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleocapsid and spike proteins, integrated into test kits and assay methods for rapid detection in various samples, including saliva, blood, and wastewater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quantitative PCR testing is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but testing speed and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the molecular PCR amplification system with a direct aptamer-protein binding system. The aptamers (single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules) bind directly to viral proteins (nucleocapsid or spike proteins) without requiring DNA amplification, thereby eliminating the time-consuming PCR cycles while maintaining detection capability through binding affinity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from DNA sequence amplification (qPCR) to protein-binding affinity (Kd values). By measuring the dissociation constant of aptamer-protein complexes, the system achieves rapid detection without the need for thermal cycling and amplification steps, thus increasing testing speed while preserving accuracy through direct target interaction.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative PCR testing is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but testing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable aptamer probes that can be easily synthesized and discarded after use. These aptamers are simpler and cheaper to produce than PCR reagents, eliminating the need for expensive PCR kits, thermocyclers, and complex laboratory infrastructure, thereby reducing testing costs while maintaining detection accuracy through direct protein binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex PCR system with a simpler aptamer binding system that requires minimal equipment. By replacing DNA amplification with direct protein-aptamer interaction, the system eliminates costly PCR reagents, machinery, and laboratory infrastructure, achieving cost-effective testing without sacrificing detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If mass-testing is implemented rapidly, then pandemic management effectiveness improves, but detection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the binding affinity parameters of the aptamers to ensure reliable detection at various viral loads. By carefully selecting and characterizing aptamers with appropriate Kd values, the system maintains high detection reliability across different sample types and viral concentrations, enabling rapid mass-testing without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control samples and positive/negative controls in the testing protocol to provide feedback on detection reliability. This allows real-time monitoring of test performance and ensures that rapid testing maintains high reliability through continuous quality control and validation.
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 polynucleotide sequences enable rapid, cost-effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus antigens with high specificity, facilitating accelerated pandemic management through mass-testing in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
novel polynucleotide sequences which adopt a specific conformation to selectively bind the nucleocapsid protein (N) and spike protein (S) of SARS-Cov2 virus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with the detection of a SARS-Cov-2 vims antigen including, for example, a SARS-Cov-2 virus nucleocapsid protein and/or a SARS-Cov-2 virus spike protein. The present invention provides novel polynucleotide sequences which spontaneously fold to form aptamers having secondary structure features that promote selective binding to a SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen. The present invention further provides test kits and assay methods which employ the polynucleotides described herein, to achieve a more accurate, lower cost, rapid diagnosis COVID-19 test intended to accelerate contact tracing and testing of individuals and the community in the management of the ongoing global pandemic caused by various strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus.