DNA SERS Tags for Product Authenticity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for product authenticity verification using DNA tagging face challenges in rapidity, simplicity, and mobility, particularly due to limitations in molecular biology techniques and the need for specificity and reliability in detecting low concentrations of DNA fragments, while also being susceptible to falsification and interference from chemical compositions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two complementary DNA strands with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) active molecules, where one strand (the 'key') is added to the product and a second strand (the 'lock') with a functional group binding to noble metal nanoparticles is used for hybridization, allowing for specific detection through changes in Raman signal intensity, facilitated by magnetic separation and SERS spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If molecular biology methods (PCR, PAGE) are used for DNA detection, then detection reliability is improved, but rapidity and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex molecular biology methods (PCR, PAGE) with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, which uses light-matter interaction instead of mechanical/biological processes. This substitution enables rapid detection within minutes while maintaining reliability through the unique spectral fingerprints of DNA fragments tagged with SERS-active molecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from bulk DNA analysis to single-fragment SERS signal detection. By tagging individual DNA fragments with SERS-active molecules and detecting their characteristic Raman spectra, the method achieves both high sensitivity for low-concentration detection and rapid results without requiring amplification or separation steps.
2Reliability
If DNA tagging is used for authenticity control, then verification capability is improved, but susceptibility to falsification is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tagging specific regions of DNA fragments with SERS-active molecules at defined positions. This creates unique spectral signatures that are difficult to replicate, as the spatial arrangement and orientation of the SERS tags on the DNA backbone provide localized structural information that enhances verification security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining DNA fragments with SERS-active molecules (such as metal nanoparticles or Raman-reporter-conjugated oligonucleotides). This composite material provides both the biological specificity of DNA and the optical detectability of SERS tags, making the authentication system more robust against falsification.
3Measurement precision
If SERS detection is used for low concentration DNA detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false positive results are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses SERS spectral shifts and intensity changes as optical signals to indicate DNA detection. By monitoring characteristic Raman peak positions, intensities, and patterns of the SERS-active molecules bound to DNA, the method achieves high sensitivity while maintaining reliability through multiple spectral parameters that reduce false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SERS signal characteristics are compared against reference spectra or expected patterns. This allows for real-time validation of detection results, enabling the system to distinguish true positive signals from background noise or interference, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining high sensitivity.
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 rapid, specific, and reliable verification of product authenticity by distinguishing authentic from counterfeit products through distinct Raman signal changes, reducing false positives and interference from chemical compositions, and allowing for low concentration detection.
Implementation Method 1
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) active molecules, where one strand (the 'key') is added to the product and a second strand (the 'lock') with a functional group binding to noble metal nanoparticles is used for hybridization, allowing for specific detection through changes in Raman signal intensity
Implementation Method 2
The noble metal nanoparticles are in the form of a composite containing at least one magnetic particle (preferably a nanoparticle) and at least one noble metal nanoparticle. The presence of the magnetic particle enables to easily separate the composite with bound groups by methods of magnetic separation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a system for verification of product authenticity, containing: - a first DNA strand containing a first molecule active in Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering, bound in a region of one of the ends of the DNA strand, and - a second DNA strand comprising in a region of a first end of the DNA strand a functional group containing sulphur or nitrogen atom, and in a region of a second end of the DNA strand a second molecule active in Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering, whereas the second DNA strand is bound to the surface of a noble metal nanoparticle via its functional group containing sulphur or nitrogen atom, and whereas the second molecule active in Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering is different from the first molecule active in Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering, and whereas the first DNA strand and the second DNA strand are, in at least a part of their length, mutually complementary. The invention further relates to a method for verification of product authenticity, based on the above described system.