Electrochemical Sensor Array for Isothermal RNA Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid-based diagnostic methods for infectious or inflammatory diseases are expensive, require large and costly equipment, are not portable, and lack the ability to provide quantitative results suitable for point-of-care diagnostics due to the need for precise temperature control and optical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method using an array of electro-chemical sensors for label-free detection of RNA host-response through isothermal amplification reactions, which can be performed on a scalable microchip semiconductor platform, enabling cost-effective and portable quantitative detection without the need for extensive lab equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nucleic acid-based detection methods use optical mechanisms with fluorescence labelling, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device size and cost increase making them unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection mechanisms with electrochemical sensing. Instead of using fluorescence labelling and optical instruments, the invention employs electrochemical sensors that detect amplification reactions through electrical signals, eliminating the need for costly and bulky optical equipment while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection method by using electrochemical sensors as a mediator between the nucleic acid amplification reaction and the final detection signal. This intermediary approach allows translation of biochemical reactions into electrical signals that can be detected without complex optical systems
2Measurement precision
If PCR is used for nucleic acid detection, then quantitative measurement capability is improved, but temperature control requirements increase device complexity and reduce portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from variable (as in PCR) to constant (isothermal conditions). By using isothermal amplification methods, the system eliminates the need for complex temperature cycling while maintaining quantitative measurement capability through electrochemical detection of amplification kinetics
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using temperature variation to drive amplification (PCR), the patent inverts the approach by using constant temperature with modified enzymatic reactions (isothermal amplification). This inversion allows quantitative detection without thermocyclers, reducing device complexity
3Loss of information
If whole genome sequencing is used for nucleic acid analysis, then comprehensive genetic information is obtained, but analysis time increases making it unsuitable for point-of-care testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific genetic information needed for diagnosis rather than sequencing the entire genome. By targeting specific genes or genomic regions associated with infectious diseases, the system obtains sufficient diagnostic information much faster than whole genome sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete whole genome sequencing, the patent applies partial sequencing or targeted amplification of specific genomic regions. This partial action provides adequate diagnostic information for point-of-care applications while dramatically reducing analysis time and resource requirements
4Measurement precision
If traditional nucleic acid-based detection methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable electrochemical sensors and microfluidic devices that can be manufactured at low cost using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. These single-use devices eliminate the need for expensive, reusable laboratory equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can detect multiple different pathogens and genetic sequences using the same electrochemical sensor array and amplification chemistry. This multi-functional system replaces multiple specialized instruments, reducing overall cost and improving portability
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 allows for rapid, affordable, and quantitative differentiation between various diagnostic outcomes, such as bacterial and viral infections, at the point-of-care, reducing the need for expensive equipment and enabling timely diagnostic decisions.
Implementation Method 1
The array of electro-chemical sensors is placed in solution with a biological sample from a subject. Each sensor of the array is configured to generate a signal in response to one or more amplification reactions occurring in the solution, the one or more amplification reactions being indicative of the presence of an RNA host-response
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to processor-implemented methods for determining a diagnostic outcome comprising receiving signals generated by an array of electro-chemical sensors in solution with a biological sample from a subject, each sensor of the array of electro-chemical sensors configured to generate a signal in response to one or more amplification reactions occurring in the solution, the one or more amplification reactions being indicative of the presence of an RNA host-response; processing the signals received from the array of electro-chemical sensors; based on the processing, assigning at least one value to the sample, the at least one value being indicative of a likelihood of the diagnostic outcome; based on the at least one assigned value, determining the diagnostic outcome. The application also relates to a method for determining a diagnostic outcome, a system comprising an array of electro-chemical sensors and a processor, and a computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions which cause the processor to implement the method.