Engineered Microbial Cells for Alcohol and Opioid Detection and Detoxification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an inexpensive, safe, and easy-to-use system for detecting and detoxifying alcohol and opioids in biological samples, particularly in emergency situations where patients may not be able to communicate, to facilitate timely and effective treatment.

Innovation Solution

Biological devices comprising microbial cells transformed with DNA constructs encoding sulfotransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450, which can detect and metabolize alcohol and opioids, optionally with enhanced green fluorescent protein for visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy may be maintained, but cost and ease of use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The biological device uses self-assembling peptide structures that automatically organize into detection complexes without requiring complex instrumentation or skilled operators. The peptides self-organize around target molecules, enabling simple point-of-care testing while maintaining high detection accuracy through inherent molecular recognition mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical detection systems with biochemical recognition systems. Instead of using sophisticated instruments and mechanical processes, the device uses peptide-molecule interactions and fluorescent signaling, which are simpler to implement and operate while providing equivalent or superior detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive patient assessment is performed, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidassessment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The biological device performs preliminary detection of alcohol and opioids before treatment decisions are made. By quickly identifying the presence and type of substances in emergency situations, the system enables healthcare providers to immediately administer appropriate treatments such as naloxone for opioids, saving critical time while ensuring treatment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device detects multiple substance types simultaneously by measuring different fluorescent parameters emitted by peptide-substrate complexes. This multi-parameter detection approach provides comprehensive assessment data in a single rapid test, improving treatment reliability without increasing assessment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple substances are detected simultaneously, then comprehensive assessment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biological device uses a universal peptide-based detection platform that can identify multiple substances including alcohol, opioids, and other drugs through a single assay system. Different peptide substrates with specific molecular recognition properties enable the same basic device structure to detect various targets, providing versatility without increasing mechanical or operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 devices effectively detect and detoxify alcohol and opioids, providing rapid assessment and treatment options, enhancing patient care in emergency scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

genes for producing sulfotransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

genes for producing sulfotransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250230420A1Biological devices for the detection and catabolism of alcohol and opioids and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 BIOCAPITAL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Described herein are biological devices and extracts useful for detecting alcohol and/or opioids in a biological sample from a subject; the biological devices and extracts can also be useful for detoxifying alcohol and/or opioids in a subject in need thereof. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing sulfotransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein. Methods for using the devices are also provided herein.