DTNB Reagent for Rapid Thiol Detection in Oral Fluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

The diagnosis of periodontitis is a laborious and time-consuming process, often deterring patients due to discomfort and leading to underdiagnosis, and existing methods for measuring thiol compounds in oral fluids are complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A reagent solution and detection device that uses 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with a humectant, applied to a solid substrate, allowing for quick and convenient detection of thiol compounds in oral fluids, indicating halitosis, gingivitis, or periodontitis through color change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional diagnostic procedures for periodontitis are used, then diagnosis accuracy can be achieved, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex traditional procedures by focusing specifically on thiol compound detection in oral fluids. This selective extraction allows rapid diagnosis through simple fluid sampling and colorimetric analysis, eliminating the need for lengthy traditional diagnostic protocols while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for periodontitis detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical and electronic measurement systems with a chemical-based colorimetric detection system. Instead of using complex apparatus with electrical circuitry, the system uses DTNB reagent that reacts with thiol compounds to produce visible color changes, enabling rapid diagnosis without sophisticated equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional thiol measurement methods are used, then thiol concentration can be determined, but the methods are complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethiol concentration measurementVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical and electronic measurement systems with a simple chemical colorimetric assay. The DTNB reagent reacts with thiol compounds to produce a yellow color whose intensity can be visually or spectrophotometrically measured, eliminating the need for complicated apparatus with electrical circuitry while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from electrical or electronic signals to optical color intensity. By using the colorimetric reaction of DTNB with thiol compounds, the system measures thiol concentration through color change intensity, which can be assessed visually or with simple spectrophotometry, greatly simplifying the measurement system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If simple detection methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection convenienceVSAvoidthiol level accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex measurement systems with a simple colorimetric chemical reaction that produces visible color changes. This substitution maintains measurement precision because the color intensity directly correlates with thiol concentration, allowing accurate measurement through simple visual assessment or basic spectrophotometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses color changes as the detection mechanism, where DTNB reagent reacts with thiol compounds to produce a yellow color whose intensity is proportional to thiol concentration. This colorimetric approach provides both ease of operation through visual detection and measurement precision through quantifiable color intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Provides a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for assessing thiol levels in oral fluids, facilitating early detection and monitoring of periodontal diseases, and potentially related systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Implementation Method 1

uses 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with a humectant, applied to a solid substrate, allowing for quick and convenient detection of thiol compounds in oral fluids, indicating halitosis, gingivitis, or periodontitis through color change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP2687846B1Device for rapid determination of disease-associated thiol compounds
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 ALT BIOSCIENCE LLC
  • EP2687846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2687846B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2687846B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is a single-use disposable article for determining the concentration of thiol compounds in a sample of fluid, and a description of how to make and use the article.