Immunochromatographic Strip for Rapid Beta-Lactamase Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, are either time-consuming, require expensive equipment, or have subjective interpretation, limiting their effectiveness in providing quick and reliable results for guiding antibiotic therapy.
Innovation Solution
Development of a rapid immunochromatographic test using a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the intact form of β-lactam antibiotics, allowing for the detection of β-lactamase activity in less than an hour without the need for expensive equipment, by measuring the disappearance of the intact antibiotic substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but detection time is excessive and equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex laboratory equipment to a simple immunochromatographic strip that can be used point-of-care. The strip contains pre-immobilized antibodies and substrates, extracting the essential detection capability while removing the need for expensive equipment like chromatosomes or mass spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection reagents (antibodies against intact β-lactam rings and hydrolyzed products, along with substrates) are pre-immobilized on the strip during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the test to proceed directly with sample application, eliminating time-consuming preparation steps and enabling results in under an hour.
2Ease of operation
If simple detection methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional zones on the strip: a sample application zone, a reaction zone with immobilized antibodies and substrates, and a detection zone. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs colorimetric detection where hydrolysis of the substrate by β-lactamase produces a visible color change. This simple optical readout provides high measurement precision without requiring complex instrumentation, as the color intensity correlates with enzyme activity and can be quantified or assessed visually.
3Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single integrated strip: the antibody against intact β-lactam rings, the antibody against hydrolyzed products, and the substrate are all immobilized on the same platform. This merging enables simultaneous detection of multiple parameters (intact substrate remaining, hydrolyzed product formed) in a single operation, achieving rapid detection without requiring multiple separate tests or complex equipment.
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 test achieves 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting cephalosporinase activity within 40 minutes, facilitating the identification of bacteria capable of hydrolyzing β-lactams and reducing the time required for detection, while being simple, cost-effective, and adaptable for field use.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is based on detecting the enzyme activity of β-lactam hydrolysis using an antibody capable of discriminating between the intact form of the β-lactam ring of a β-lactam and its hydrolysis product
Implementation Method 2
detecting the enzyme activity of β-lactam hydrolysis
Implementation Method 3
the presence of bacteria producing penicillin-type, plasmid-mediated or hyper-produced AmpC enzymes, ESBL or carbapenemase
Data Source
AI summary
It is essential to have efficient, simple, quick and transportable tools for reliably identifying bacteria that are multiresistant to antibiotics, more specifically extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which are the most widespread among Enterobacteriaceae. The present invention meets this requirement through its ease of use and its speed. The invention is based on detecting the enzyme activity of β-lactam hydrolysis using an antibody capable of discriminating between the intact form of the β-lactam ring of a β-lactam and its hydrolysis product. This antibody can be used in kits and methods enabling for rapidly detecting (in less than one hour), without using expensive equipment (a small strip visible to the naked eye), the presence of bacteria producing penicillin-type, plasmid-mediated or hyper-produced AmpC enzymes, of ESBL or carbapenemase from colonies or in a sample.