Colorimetric Saliva Sensor for Rapid COVID-19 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting COVID-19 infection using saliva samples are either invasive, costly, or provide inaccurate results due to limitations in PCR techniques and complexity of existing sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric sensor system comprising an array of chemical receptors on hydrophilic paper, with an injection zone and detection zone separated by a hydrophobic barrier, captures images before and after saliva sample interaction to analyze color changes, using functionalized nanoparticles, pH-sensitive dyes, Lewis donors/acceptors, and metal ion complexes to determine infection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rRT-PCR method is used for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical PCR amplification systems with a simpler colorimetric detection system using chemical receptors that directly interact with saliva metabolites. The detection mechanism shifts from enzymatic amplification to direct chemical binding with color change, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers and complex reagents while maintaining detection capability through alternative biochemical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable colorimetric sensor strips with pre-loaded chemical receptors that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable PCR equipment and complex sterilization protocols, reducing both device complexity and operational cost while maintaining detection accuracy through standardized, pre-calibrated receptor arrays.
2Measurement precision
If instrumental methods are used for chemical marker analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The colorimetric sensor system performs self-diagnosis through automatic color change when chemical receptors bind to target metabolites in saliva. The visual color output serves as its own signal, eliminating the need for external instrumental analysis, skilled technicians, or complex data processing. The system is inherently user-friendly as results are immediately visible to non-experts without requiring laboratory equipment or specialized training.
3Measurement precision
If bioreceptor-based sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using complex biological receptors (enzymes, antibodies, cells) to simpler chemical receptors with well-defined molecular structures and binding properties. This parameter change from biological to chemical recognition elements maintains sensitivity and selectivity through optimized molecular interactions while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating expensive bioreceptor production, storage, and handling requirements.
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 system provides a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method for detecting COVID-19 infection by analyzing color changes in saliva samples, distinguishing between infected, healthy, and cured individuals with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic barrier comprising a hydrophobic material filled within texture of the hydrophilic paper except the injection zone and the array of individual areas
Implementation Method 2
an array of chemical receptors coated on a respective array of individual areas... configured to interact with a saliva sample... analyzing color changes of the array of chemical receptors
Implementation Method 3
Colorimetric system for detection of COVID-19 using salivary metabolites... analyzing color changes of the array of chemical receptors
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting COVID-19 infection, including a colorimetric sensor, an image-capturing device, and a processing unit connected to the image-capturing device. The colorimetric sensor includes an injection zone and a detection zone patterned on a paper, where the injection zone covers the detection zone by folding the paper. The injection zone is configured to inject a saliva sample acquired from a person thereon. The detection zone includes an array of chemical receptors configured to interact with the injected saliva penetrating into the detection zone. The processing unit is configured to perform a method of capturing a first image from the detection zone before injection of the saliva sample, capturing a second image from the detection zone after injection of the saliva sample, and detecting COVID-19 infection status of the person by analyzing color changes of the array of chemical receptors in the second image respective to the first image.