Universal DNA Profiling for Biodiversity-Based Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA analysis methods focus primarily on single-species targeting, failing to leverage the full breadth of DNA biodiversity present in a sample, which limits their ability to provide comprehensive intelligence for geolocation and identity purposes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves enriching DNA samples for eukaryotic DNA using sequence-specific purification methods and next-generation DNA sequencing to obtain DNA sequence data, which is then analyzed against databases to identify organisms and determine their geographic distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-species targeting is used for DNA analysis, then the analysis process is simplified and focused, but the full breadth of DNA biodiversity information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal eukaryotic DNA enrichment methods that can simultaneously capture and analyze DNA from multiple species (humans, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals) within a single analytical framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform comprehensive biodiversity analysis without requiring separate single-species targeting protocols for each organism type, thereby preserving full DNA biodiversity information while maintaining analytical focus
2Loss of information
If full DNA biodiversity analysis is performed, then comprehensive geolocation and identity intelligence is obtained, but the analysis complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by selectively enriching for eukaryotic DNA sequences using specific probes and capture methods that isolate target DNA from complex environmental samples. This extraction step removes unnecessary prokaryotic and environmental DNA background, concentrating the analysis on relevant eukaryotic biodiversity signals. The enriched DNA is then subjected to streamlined sequencing and analysis protocols that reduce computational complexity while preserving comprehensive biodiversity information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex DNA analysis problem into distinct manageable components: (1) eukaryotic DNA enrichment and purification, (2) targeted sequencing of specific genomic regions, (3) computational classification of sequences to taxonomic groups, and (4) integration of results for geolocation and identity determination. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall analysis complexity while maintaining comprehensive biodiversity characterization
3Ease of operation
If single-species DNA analysis is used, then the method is easier to implement, but geolocation precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal eukaryotic DNA enrichment platform that simultaneously analyzes DNA from multiple species including humans, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive biodiversity signatures that serve as highly precise geolocation indicators, overcoming the limitations of single-species methods while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized enrichment and sequencing protocols
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 enables high-confidence geolocation and origin determination by characterizing the full DNA biodiversity, providing more precise and informative results compared to single-species methods.
Implementation Method 1
sequence-specific purification methods that enable an increased ability to obtain discriminatory and thus highly informative DNAs relative to the rest of the DNA sequences present
Implementation Method 2
purified using Streptavidin-bound magnetic beads
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing at least a portion of the biodiversity of a sample. The method includes the steps of: (i) obtaining a sample having nucleic acid from a plurality of different organisms; (ii) extracting at least a portion of the nucleic acid from the sample; (iii) optionally performing a whole-genome amplification of the extracted nucleic acid; (iv) optionally performing a second, targeted amplification; (v) sequencing the amplified nucleic acid to obtain sequence data comprising a nucleic acid sequence for at least some of the plurality of different organisms; (vi) querying, using the obtained sequence data, a sequence database, where querying the sequence database identifies one or more of the plurality of different organisms; and (vii) determining, using the identified one or more of the plurality of different organisms, a characteristic of the sample.