Arrayed Sensor Chip for Label-Free Anti-Viral Antibody Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting immune responses to pathogens, particularly viruses, face challenges in achieving high sensitivity, robustness in biological fluids, and cost-effectiveness while being able to distinguish between different strains, especially in complex solutions like human serum.
Innovation Solution
A sensor chip with immobilized virus-like particles (VLPs) or capsid fragments that present conformational epitopes of viruses, combined with a detection system using Arrayed Imaging Reflectometry (AIR) to detect antibodies, achieving near-perfect destructive interference and significant changes in reflectivity upon antibody binding, allowing for rapid, label-free detection of anti-viral antibodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to detect immune responses to viruses, then the detection can be performed with standard equipment, but the sensitivity is insufficient and the ability to distinguish between different strains is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the virus into multiple distinct antigens that are immobilized in an array format on the sensor surface. Each antigen position can specifically bind to different viral strains, allowing simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple viral variants in a single assay, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity and strain discrimination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system employs a universal detection platform that can detect multiple viral antigens simultaneously using a single sensor chip with arrayed immobilized antigens. This multi-functional approach allows the system to detect various viral strains and types without requiring separate detection systems for each pathogen, improving both sensitivity and versatility
2Ease of manufacture
If label-free detection is implemented to reduce costs and simplify the assay, then the detection process becomes more cost-effective and simpler, but achieving high sensitivity in complex biological fluids becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex labeling mechanisms (fluorescent, enzymatic, or radioactive labels) with a label-free optical detection system based on interferometry. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive labeling reagents and complex labeling procedures while maintaining high sensitivity through the use of arrayed immobilized antigens that enhance signal detection in complex biological fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from labeled signal detection to label-free optical property detection. By monitoring changes in optical properties (refractive index, interference patterns) at each antigen position in the array, the system achieves high sensitivity in complex fluids without requiring labels, thereby reducing costs while maintaining measurement precision
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 solution enables high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities, effectively detecting anti-viral antibodies in complex biological fluids with low costs, and demonstrates enhanced sensitivity by amplifying the immune response signal, suitable for vaccine efficacy screening and epidemiological surveys.
Implementation Method 1
directing light at a surface of the sensor chip under conditions effective to produce near perfect destructive interference
Implementation Method 2
detecting light reflected from the chip under conditions effective to identify VLPs or capsid fragment bound by an antibody of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against a virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of virus-like particles or capsid fragments bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting anti-viral immune responses are also described herein.