Dengue NS1 Antibody Lateral Flow Assay Early Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for dengue virus infection are inadequate for early detection, particularly in resource-limited settings, as they require expensive equipment and trained personnel, and existing tests often detect antibodies or viral RNA later in the infection process, making timely treatment challenging.

Innovation Solution

Development of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies specific for monomeric and oligomeric forms of the dengue virus NS1 protein, integrated into ELISA and lateral flow assays, allowing for early detection of dengue virus infection using biological samples such as blood, serum, or saliva.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If antibody-based diagnostic assays are used to detect dengue infection, then detection can be performed later in the infection course (7-10 days post infection), but early detection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection timingVSAvoidtime to diagnosis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and detects the NS1 protein, a specific antigen present early in dengue infection, separate from antibody-based methods. By targeting this specific early marker rather than relying on host antibody response, the assay achieves detection capability during the acute phase (day 1-5) rather than waiting for antibody production (day 7-10).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The NS1 protein is produced and secreted by infected cells during the early replicative phase of dengue infection, before the host immune system generates detectable antibodies. The patent utilizes this preliminary presence of viral antigen to enable earlier diagnosis, capturing the infection signal before the conventional antibody response develops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then detection capability exists, but expensive equipment and trained personnel are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable lateral flow assay format where antibodies are pre-immobilized on a test strip. The entire assay can be performed with simple reagents and visual inspection, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment. The test strip is a single-use, low-cost device that provides diagnostic capability in resource-limited settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic detection systems with a simple visual colorimetric readout. The lateral flow assay uses capillary action for fluid movement and optical detection of colored lines, substituting sophisticated instrumentation with passive physical phenomena and human visual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If early detection methods are developed, then timely treatment becomes possible, but sensitivity and ease of use in field settings must be improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to treatmentVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral flow assay is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, requiring minimal training. The test strip automatically performs fluid transport via capillary action, and results are interpreted through simple visual comparison of colored lines. This self-service design enables field deployment by non-specialist personnel while maintaining high sensitivity for early detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 described antibodies enable rapid and effective detection of dengue virus infection, facilitating early treatment and control of disease outbreaks, with improved sensitivity and ease of use in field settings.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS9989530B2Methods and materials for the detection of dengue virus infection

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 INBIOS INT

AI summary

The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that are specific for the Dengue non-structural glycoprotein NS1 in monomeric and/or oligomeric (primarily dimeric) form, together with methods, including ELISA and lateral flow assays, that employ the disclosed antibodies for the early detection of Dengue virus infection. Diagnostic kits for the detection of Dengue infection are also provided, such kits including the disclosed monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies.