CRISPR-Based Nucleic Acid Detection for Pathogenic Mutants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting pathogenic mutants, such as SARS-CoV-2, are limited by low applicability, sensitivity, long time consumption, high cost, and dependence on equipment and instruments, making them inefficient for rapid and accurate detection.

Innovation Solution

An instant nucleic acid detection method using the CRISPR process combined with colloidal gold test paper or fluorescence signal detection, which involves sample nucleic acid extraction, crRNA design for specific Cas proteins, and subsequent amplification using RPA or LAMP reactions to enhance sensitivity and specificity, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic mutants without requiring complex equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If whole genome sequencing is used to detect pathogenic mutants, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and detects only specific mutation points of interest from the pathogen genome using targeted primers and probes, rather than sequencing the entire genome. This selective extraction approach maintains detection accuracy for specific mutants while dramatically reducing time and resource requirements compared to whole genome sequencing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection method segments the pathogen genome into specific regions of interest (mutation points) and designs targeted detection reactions for each. By dividing the detection task into focused segments rather than analyzing the complete genome, the method achieves rapid and accurate detection of specific mutants without the time burden of comprehensive sequencing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If RT-qPCR is used for pathogen detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but applicability to genetic typing of mutants is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidapplicability to genetic typing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic probe design where fluorescent probes are specifically tailored to match different mutant sequences. The detection system can be dynamically reconfigured by changing the probe sequences to detect various mutants, maintaining high detection sensitivity while achieving broad applicability to genetic typing through flexible, adaptable reagent design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method applies local quality by designing detection primers and probes with specific sequences that match particular mutation points. Each detection reaction is optimized for its specific target region, enabling sensitive detection of specific mutants while the overall system achieves versatility through multiple specialized detection assays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiplex qPCR is used to distinguish SARS-CoV-2 mutants, then detection speed is improved, but sensitivity to unit point mutation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsensitivity to unit point mutation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary amplification of the target region using RPA or LAMP reactions before detection. This pre-amplification step enriches the target DNA sequences, including those with single point mutations, to sufficient levels for sensitive detection. The preliminary action ensures that even unit point mutations are adequately represented and detectable in the subsequent CRISPR-based detection step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method significantly increases detection sensitivity and specificity, enabling rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic mutants, including SARS-CoV-2 variants, and allows for visual reading of results without relying on instruments, making it suitable for self-inspection and use in hospitals.

Implementation Method 1

designing crRNA for a CRISPR process, selecting Cas9 nuclease, Cas13 nuclease or Cas12a nuclease as a Cas protein used in the CRISPR process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCRISPR-Cas system:

Implementation Method 2

crRNA (guide RNA), which is capable of guiding the Cas protein specifically binding to a target DNA fragment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecific binding:

Implementation Method 3

detecting the sample nucleic acids by using the CRISPR process combined with a colloidal gold test paper method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColloidal gold detection:

Implementation Method 4

detecting the sample nucleic acids by using the CRISPR process combined with a fluorescence signal detection method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence detection: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 5

subsequent amplification using RPA or LAMP reactions to enhance sensitivity and specificity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS20240002958A1Instant nucleic acid test method and test kit for pathogenic mutants
Publication Date: 2024.01.04 SHENZHEN INST OF ADVANCED TECH CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • US20240002958A1 patent drawing
  • US20240002958A1 patent drawing
  • US20240002958A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses an instant nucleic acid detection method and detection kit for detecting pathogenic mutants, belongs to the technical field of biological detection, includes the following steps: Step 1): collecting samples, and extracting sample nucleic acids; Step 2): designing crRNA used in a CRISPR process, selecting Cas9 nuclease, Cas13 nuclease or Cas12a nuclease; and Step 3): detecting the sample nucleic acids by using the CRISPR process combined with a colloidal gold test paper method or a fluorescence signal detection method.