Recombinant Bacteriophage HAI Detection via Optical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and monitoring hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are inadequate, particularly in outpatient settings, leading to delayed detection and treatment, and existing technologies have limited success in preventing the spread of nosocomial infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A portable device and method using recombinant bacteriophages that deliver genetic material encoding optically detectable markers to pathogenic bacteria, allowing for early detection of HAIs through optically detectable signals transmitted via fiber optic cables, enabling continuous monitoring and timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional HAI monitoring methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bacteriophage as an intermediary biological agent that specifically binds to pathogenic bacteria and delivers genetic material encoding optically detectable markers. This mediator approach enables sensitive detection of HAIs without requiring complex analytical equipment, as the bacteriophage-natural marker system provides built-in signal amplification and specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs bacteria's own biological machinery to produce optically detectable markers after bacteriophage infection. The bacteria self-express the foreign genetic material and generate detectable signals autonomously, eliminating the need for complex external detection systems while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Loss of time
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then early detection is enabled, but loss of time for treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bacteriophage is administered to the patient in advance as a prophylactic measure before HAI develops. The phage continuously monitors for pathogenic bacteria by binding and transferring genetic material, enabling early detection at the onset of infection rather than waiting for symptoms to manifest, thus reducing detection time without compromising treatment timing.
3Ease of operation
If portable detection device is used, then outpatient monitoring is enabled, but measurement precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a biological detection system based on bacteriophage-bacteria interaction and optical signal emission. This substitution enables portable, outpatient-friendly device design while maintaining high measurement precision through the inherent sensitivity of the biological marker system and optical detection.
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
Enables early detection and monitoring of pathogenic bacteria, facilitating earlier intervention and improved recovery rates by providing a portable solution for detecting HAIs in both in vivo and in vitro settings, including outpatient environments.
Implementation Method 1
The recombinant bacteriophage carries exogenous genetic material encoding a protein that is capable of directly or indirectly producing an optically detectable signal
Implementation Method 2
Upon emission, the optically detectable signal may be transmitted through a fiber optic cable to a detector
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of bacterial HAI. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods include utilization of recombinant bacteriophage to deliver to pathogenic bacteria a translatable genetic sequence encoding an optically detectable marker or an enzyme capable of producing an optically detectable marker. Upon detection of the optical signal produced by the marker, medical personnel may be alerted to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at the site of inquiry. Any bacterial causative agent of HAI may be detected according to disclosed methods.