Solid Support with Borrelia Antigens for Tick-Borne Microbe Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, face challenges in accurately detecting acute, chronic, and persistent stages due to limitations in detecting pleomorphic round bodies of Borrelia species and polymicrobial infections, leading to inadequate treatment and increased healthcare burden.
Innovation Solution
A novel solid support with immobilized antigens from pleomorphic round bodies of Borrelia genus is used to detect antibodies in biological samples, enabling the detection of tick-borne microbes by forming complexes with antibodies, thereby indicating the presence of tick-borne pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (ELISA, PCR) are used to detect tick-borne diseases, then the diagnostic process is simple and widely available, but the detection accuracy is low and fails to detect up to 80% of first-stage infections
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic platform is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each targeting specific Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) or co-infections. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens including Borrelia, Babesia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and other tick-borne microbes through separate but integrated assay modules, thereby improving comprehensive detection accuracy without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic platform achieves multi-functionality by integrating detection capabilities for multiple TBDs and co-infections into a single system. The platform can simultaneously perform serological, molecular, and cellular detections across different disease stages (acute, chronic, persistent), eliminating the need for multiple separate tests while maintaining manageable operational complexity
2Reliability
If direct detection methods (culturing, PCR) are used to detect viable pathogens, then the detection can identify active infections, but the methods are difficult to conduct due to low numbers of viable pathogens in patient biopsies
Solution Approach 1:
The platform performs preliminary enrichment and concentration of viable pathogens from patient biopsies before detection. This preliminary action increases the detectable pathogen load by pre-concentrating low-abundance organisms and removing inhibitors, making subsequent PCR and culturing operations feasible and reliable without requiring complex sample processing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary steps including specialized extraction buffers, concentration matrices, and pre-amplification controls that facilitate the detection of low-abundance viable pathogens. These intermediaries bridge the gap between low pathogen input and reliable detection output, making the process easier to conduct while maintaining high reliability
3Ease of operation
If indirect antibody detection methods (ELISA) are used, then the tests are easy to perform, but they produce false positive results due to cross-reactivity and cannot distinguish between acute and chronic infections
Solution Approach 1:
The platform applies local quality by using disease-stage-specific antigens and antibodies in different detection modules. Acute stage detection uses IgM-specific reagents and early-stage pathogen antigens, while chronic stage detection employs IgG-specific reagents and different antigen targets. This localized differentiation within the unified platform eliminates cross-reactivity false positives while maintaining ease of operation through automated reagent selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts detection parameters based on clinical presentation and timing. The platform can switch between IgM and IgG detection modes, adjust antigen targets, and modify interpretation algorithms based on the suspected disease stage. This dynamic adjustment maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving detection specificity across different infection phases
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing diagnostic tools are used to detect Borrelia species, then the tools are widely available, but they do not detect pleomorphic round bodies which are important in persistent and chronic stages of Lyme disease
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic platform achieves universality by incorporating detection capabilities for multiple Borrelia morphological forms including spirochetes, round bodies, and other pleomorphic structures within a single assay system. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous detection of different Borrelia forms using a comprehensive antigen panel without requiring separate specialized tests for each morphological type
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 allows for the simultaneous detection of acute, chronic, and persistent stages of Lyme disease, as well as polymicrobial and immune dysfunction aspects, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing misdiagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a biological sample with a solid support comprising microbial antigens immobilized on said solid support in order to form a complex comprising a microbial antigen immobilized to said solid support and an antibody originating from said biological sample bound to said microbial antigen
Data Source
AI summary
A solid support for detecting the presence of antibodies in a biological sample, where the solid support includes microbial antigens immobilized on the solid support, wherein the microbial antigens include at least one antigen prepared from the group consisting of pleomorphic round bodies of Borrelia genus, for example Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Also, a method of detecting a tick-borne microbe in a biological sample, wherein the solid support is contacted with a biological sample.