Biochip Probe Pattern Learning for Low-Cost Microorganism Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nucleic acid detection methods require unique base sequences for each probe, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in identifying microorganisms, particularly in food and beverage contamination detection.

Innovation Solution

A biochip with probes having varying base sequences detects hybridization patterns using a learning model to identify microorganisms based on probe positions, reducing the need for unique sequences and lowering costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If unique base sequences are assigned to each probe for microorganism identification, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single probe structure that serves multiple functions: the same probe type can detect multiple different microorganisms by varying only the base sequence, rather than requiring unique probe structures for each organism. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through sequence-specific hybridization

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of base sequence while keeping the probe structure constant. By modifying only the nucleotide sequence parameter rather than the physical probe structure, the system achieves high detection accuracy for different microorganisms without increasing device complexity or manufacturing difficulty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If unique base sequences are assigned to each probe for microorganism identification, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies only the base sequence parameter of the probe while maintaining the same physical probe structure and manufacturing process. This approach preserves detection accuracy through sequence-specificity while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce different probe structures for each microorganism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the same probe design template (copy) for multiple microorganisms, varying only the base sequence information. This copying approach allows rapid, low-cost production of probes for different organisms using identical manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple probes with different base sequences are used, then microorganism identification capability is improved, but probe design and synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidprobe design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal probe platform where a single probe design can identify multiple microorganisms by changing only the base sequence. This universal approach enhances identification capability across different organisms while simplifying probe design through standardization of the probe structure

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the probe functionality into two parts: a constant structural component and a variable base sequence component. This segmentation allows the structural design to be done once and reused, while only the sequence parameter needs to be customized for each target microorganism, reducing overall design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system efficiently identifies microorganisms by analyzing probe position patterns, reducing costs and improving accuracy in microbe detection without requiring unique probes for each organism.

Implementation Method 1

a detection unit which detects a position of a probe hybridized with a nucleic acid included in a specimen among a plurality of probes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4579671A1Apparatus, method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4579671A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4579671A1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

[Solution] Provided is an apparatus including: a detection unit which detects a position of a probe hybridized with a nucleic acid included in a specimen among a plurality of probes each of which being provided at a unique position within a biochip and at least some probes of which each having a base sequence different from one another; and a learning processing unit which performs a learning processing of a model which outputs a type of an organism having the nucleic acid included in the specimen in response to a pattern of the position of the probe hybridized with the nucleic acid included in the specimen being newly input, by using learning data including the pattern of the position of the probe hybridized with the nucleic acid included in the specimen and detected by the detection unit, and the type of the organism having the nucleic acid included in the specimen.