Buccal Cell Histamine Assay for Universal Food Allergy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting food allergies are invasive, expensive, and limited in their ability to quickly and accurately identify allergic reactions, particularly outside of a laboratory setting, and often require multiple tests for each allergen, which is impractical for individuals with multiple allergies.
Innovation Solution
A rapid, non-invasive test that measures histamine response from buccal cells exposed to dietary antigens using a fluorescent probe, allowing for the detection of allergic reactions to any food substance without prior identification of specific allergens, using a method that is inexpensive and can be performed in-office or at-home.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If skin-prick tests or blood tests are used to detect food allergies, then IgE-mediated allergies can be detected, but other types of allergic reactions cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal assay platform that can detect multiple types of allergic reactions (IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and mixed mechanisms) through a single test system. The method measures mast cell activation and histamine release, which are common pathways across different allergen types, making the test versatile for detecting various allergic responses without requiring separate specialized tests for each allergen category.
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual tests are performed for each allergen, then specific allergen identification is achieved, but the testing process becomes impractical and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple allergen detection capabilities into a single integrated assay. By measuring the universal response of mast cells to various allergens through histamine release and cellular activation markers, the method simultaneously evaluates sensitivity to multiple potential allergens in one test, eliminating the need for sequential individual allergen challenges while maintaining diagnostic specificity.
3Measurement precision
If food challenges are performed under hospital supervision, then accurate allergen detection is achieved, but the procedure becomes expensive and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and procedural system of supervised food challenges with a simplified in vitro assay system. Instead of requiring hospitalized supervision, invasive allergen administration, and extended observation periods, the invention uses cultured mast cells that can be exposed to allergens in a controlled laboratory setting, with results obtained through measurable cellular responses, making the test less invasive and more accessible.
4Productivity
If conventional allergy tests are administered to multiple subjects, then diagnostic data is collected, but the subjects cannot receive many different tests in a short period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the allergy testing process by using immortalized mast cell lines that can be cultured and maintained independently for each subject. This allows parallel processing of multiple samples without requiring sequential administration of multiple invasive tests to each subject. The segmented approach enables high-throughput screening where multiple allergens can be tested against each subject's mast cells simultaneously in the laboratory, dramatically increasing productivity while reducing subject burden.
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 provides a quick, accurate, and sensitive means to diagnose food allergies or intolerance by detecting histamine release from mast cells, enabling the identification of allergic components in food compositions without the need for multiple tests, thus aiding in the avoidance of allergenic foods.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a fluorescent probe or dye to monitor the release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for detecting the presence of a food allergy or food intolerance in a subject. In one aspect, the present invention provides for methods and compositions for detecting the presence of a food allergy or food intolerance in a subject without risk of adverse reactions in the test subject. Furthermore, if a subject has multiple allergies, a single test can determine if there is any allergic component in a food composition or mixture, as opposed to doing multiple individual test for each allergen. In an additional aspect, the present invention provides for methods that do not require identification of any particular allergen of interest. In one or more embodiments, a single test can determine if there is any allergic component in a food composition or mixture without needed to identify the particular allergen itself.