Bio-nanosensor Detection Device for Infectious Disease
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease and salmonellosis, are not sufficiently rapid, sensitive, or cost-effective, and lack portability and ease of use for early diagnosis and prevention.
Innovation Solution
A bio-nanosensor detection device utilizing single-stranded nucleic acid primed carbon nanotubes that measures changes in electrical properties to detect hybridization of pathogen-specific DNA, allowing for rapid and sensitive detection of infectious disease-causing bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi and Salmonella enterica.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection can be performed with standard equipment, but the detection is not sufficiently rapid or sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical detection systems with a nanoscale electrical detection system. Carbon nanotubes functionalized with nucleic acid probes detect pathogen DNA through electrical conductance changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assays while achieving both high sensitivity and rapid detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical conductance parameters of carbon nanotubes upon binding with target DNA. The electrical properties of the nanotube-transistor system change detectably when pathogen-specific nucleic acids hybridize to the functionalized probes, enabling sensitive and rapid detection
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated detection devices are used to improve sensitivity, then detection precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential detection function into a single carbon nanotube-based sensor element. By focusing on the core transduction mechanism (electrical conductance change upon DNA binding) and eliminating unnecessary components, the device achieves high sensitivity with minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies functionalization locally to specific regions of the carbon nanotube structure. Nucleic acid probes are attached to specific sites on the nanotube surface, creating localized sensing zones that maintain overall device simplicity while achieving high detection precision at the molecular level
3Ease of operation
If portable detection devices are developed for field use, then ease of operation improves, but detection sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon nanotube sensor performs self-detection through its intrinsic electrical properties. The nanotube-transistor system automatically transduces DNA binding events into measurable electrical signals without requiring external complex instrumentation or skilled operators, enabling portable deployment while maintaining sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical detection systems with a compact electrical sensing system based on carbon nanotubes. This substitution enables miniaturization and portability while the electrical transduction mechanism maintains high detection sensitivity through direct measurement of conductance changes at the nanoscale
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 device provides a portable, inexpensive, and biodegradable solution for early detection of infectious diseases, capable of detecting pathogens at low concentrations, suitable for both clinical and field settings, preventing the spread of diseases and enabling timely treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor measures changes in electrical properties, such as conductance, in response to hybridization of the single-stranded DNA with complementary DNA
Implementation Method 2
heating the sensor for a sufficient time to denature the DNA of the bacteria and to facilitate the hybridization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a nucleic acid detection device and method that incorporates bio-nanosensor technology to detect duplex DNA. The device is particularly applicable in detecting the presence or absence of duplex DNA and its correlation to the diagnosis of infectious diseases. In one embodiment, the infectious disease is Lyme disease or a bacterial or viral infection. The device comprises a bio-nanosensor element comprising ssDNA primed nanotubes, either single walled or multi-walled. The method comprises contacting the bio-nanosensor element with a test solution potentially containing DNA of interest. DNA of interest that hybridizes to the ssDNA results in a measurable change in the electrical properties of the bio-nanosensor. Correlations between the results provided by the device and the presence of disease states can result in rapid diagnosis of diseases such as Lyme disease or foodborne infections such as salmonellosis.