Bead-Based Fluorescence Assay for Rapid Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ELISA methods for detecting analytes are costly due to the need for expensive capture and detection agents and require extensive time and multiple incubation and washing steps, limiting their efficiency and sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing donor and acceptor beads with photosensitizers and photoactive indicators that emit different wavelengths of fluorescence upon interaction, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes with reduced antibody requirements and shorter assay times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ELISA methods are used to detect analytes, then detection sensitivity can be maintained, but the cost increases due to expensive capture and detection agents and the assay time increases due to multiple incubation and washing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidassay time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single bead-based platform. Donor beads and acceptor beads are used simultaneously to detect multiple analytes in one assay, eliminating the need for separate ELISA procedures and reducing total assay time while maintaining sensitivity through the bead-enhanced signal transduction mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional ELISA mechanical workflow (multiple incubation and washing steps) with a bead-based chemical/optical system. The donor-acceptor bead interaction creates a direct signal transduction pathway that eliminates the need for repeated mechanical manipulation steps, reducing assay time while preserving detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional ELISA methods are used to detect analytes, then detection sensitivity can be maintained, but the cost increases due to expensive capture and detection agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable bead-based detection systems that replace expensive antibodies as capture and detection agents. The beads serve as reusable platforms that can be functionalized with various binding agents, eliminating the need for costly antibody reagents while maintaining detection sensitivity through the enhanced optical signal transduction of the bead system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The bead platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both a capture surface and a signal amplification device. The same bead technology can detect multiple different analytes by changing the binding agents, providing a universal, cost-effective platform that replaces expensive analyte-specific antibodies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional ELISA methods are used to detect analytes, then detection sensitivity can be maintained, but the assay complexity increases due to multiple incubation and washing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple assay steps into a single bead-based detection event. The donor and acceptor beads are introduced together and their interaction produces the detection signal in one step, eliminating the need for multiple separate incubation and washing operations while maintaining sensitivity through the bead-enhanced optical coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enables rapid and cost-effective detection of multiple analytes with improved sensitivity, reducing the need for expensive antibodies and minimizing assay duration while maintaining or enhancing detection sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

the donor bead comprises a photosensitizer capable in its excited state of generating singlet oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotosensitization: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

each acceptor bead comprises a photoactive indicator capable of fluorescing upon reaction with singlet oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3356822B1Analyte detection with multiple substrates
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 TGR BIOSCI
  • EP3356822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3356822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3356822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods and/or kits for detecting an analyte in a sample. Some embodiments provide an analyte detection system, kit, and method of using the same, comprising: a first agent comprising at least one tag and capable of binding to the analyte; a second agent covalently bound to a plurality of peptide tags and capable of binding to the analyte; a first bead comprising a binder capable of binding with the tagged first agent; and a second bead comprising an anti-peptide agent capable of binding with at least one of the plurality of covalently bound peptide tags.