Aspergillus DNA and Mycotoxin Detection via PCR-Immuno Assay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing fungal infections caused by Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus niger are often late and unreliable, due to difficulties in differentiating invasive mold infections and the lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for detecting DNA and mycotoxins in patient tissues and body fluids.
Innovation Solution
Development of methods and compositions for detecting Aspergillus terreus DNA and mycotoxins, and Aspergillus niger DNA and mycotoxins, using PCR-based amplification and antibody-based identification, with specific primers and probes to amplify and identify the fungal species and toxins in patient samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional diagnostic methods are used for fungal infections, then the diagnostic process is simple, but the diagnosis is often late and unreliable with low sensitivity and specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PCR-based DNA detection with antibody-based mycotoxin detection into a single comprehensive diagnostic system. This merging of molecular biology techniques (PCR amplification with specific primers and probes) and immunological techniques (antibody identification) creates a unified diagnostic approach that simultaneously detects fungal DNA and mycotoxins, thereby improving diagnostic reliability while managing complexity through integrated methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific primers and probes as intermediaries in the PCR amplification process. These specially designed nucleic acid sequences act as mediators that selectively bind to and amplify target fungal DNA sequences, enabling specific identification of Aspergillus species. The antibodies also serve as intermediaries that specifically recognize and bind to mycotoxins, facilitating their detection through signal amplification mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If PCR-based amplification and antibody-based identification are used, then detection sensitivity and specificity are improved, but the device and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct functional modules: DNA extraction from clinical specimens, PCR amplification using specific primers, probe hybridization for species identification, and parallel antibody-based mycotoxin detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the PCR process, including specific temperature cycling conditions, primer concentrations, and probe labeling parameters, to optimize detection precision. The use of fluorescently labeled probes and antibodies with specific binding affinities represents parameter optimization that enhances measurement precision while controlling the complexity of the detection system
3Loss of time
If early diagnosis is achieved through sensitive detection methods, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of sample analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action through the design of specific primers and probes that are pre-configured to target conserved regions of Aspergillus DNA. This preliminary preparation of detection reagents with known specificities allows for rapid amplification and identification without requiring complex real-time decision-making during analysis, thereby reducing diagnosis time while managing analytical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can identify multiple Aspergillus species (including A. terreus and A. niger) and detect their mycotoxins using a common PCR platform and antibody-based detection methodology. This multi-functional approach allows simultaneous detection of different fungal targets and toxins in a single diagnostic workflow, reducing overall diagnosis time while consolidating analytical complexity into a unified system
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
Provides reliable, sensitive, and specific detection of Aspergillus species in patient tissues and body fluids, enabling early diagnosis and effective treatment of fungal infections.
Implementation Method 1
PCR-based amplification and antibody-based identification, with specific primers and probes to amplify and identify the fungal species and toxins in patient samples
Implementation Method 2
antibody-based identification, with specific primers and probes to amplify and identify the fungal species and toxins in patient samples
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of identifying an Aspergillus terreus or an Aspergillus niger fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid and to primers and probes for use in such a method.