Enzyme Inactivation for Antimicrobial Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing samples for vaccine efficacy are hindered by the presence of antimicrobial substances, which can interfere with microbial viability assays and lead to incorrect results or the discard of usable samples.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an enzyme, specifically a New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) polypeptide, to inactivate antimicrobial substances in samples, allowing for the preparation of samples for analysis without interference from these substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples from vaccinated subjects are analyzed for vaccine efficacy, then vaccine protective effect can be determined, but antimicrobial substances in the sample may interfere with the analysis and lead to incorrect results or sample discard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the sample with an enzyme (such as beta-lactamase) before the actual analysis to inactivate antimicrobial substances. This pre-treatment step ensures that the harmful substances are neutralized prior to the assay, preventing interference with the analysis of vaccine efficacy while maintaining the integrity of the original sample for its intended purpose.
2Measurement precision
If samples containing antimicrobial substances are discarded to ensure analysis accuracy, then correct analysis results can be obtained, but usable samples are lost and clinical study costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful presence of antimicrobial substances in samples into a beneficial situation by using these substances as indicators to trigger the enzyme treatment. Instead of discarding samples containing antibiotics, the method recognizes their presence and applies targeted enzymatic inactivation, thereby turning what would be a disqualifying factor into a cue for sample preparation, increasing overall sample utilization and reducing study costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If enzyme treatment is applied to inactivate antimicrobial substances, then sample usability is improved, but additional treatment steps and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enzyme (such as beta-lactamase or other antimicrobial inactivating enzymes) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the harmful antimicrobial agents and the analysis process. The enzyme specifically targets and inactivates the antimicrobial substances through enzymatic reaction, providing a selective and efficient means of neutralization that adds minimal complexity compared to alternative methods such as extensive filtration or chemical neutralization 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
The method enables the use of samples that would otherwise be unusable due to antimicrobial contamination, ensuring accurate analysis results and reducing the need for additional samples or subject removal from clinical studies.
Implementation Method 1
The enzyme used in the method is preferably a beta-lactamase, more preferably a carbapenemase, even more preferably a class B carbapenemase. Beta-lactamases are a group of enzymes that provide bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics by breaking the antibiotic's structure by hydrolysis.
Implementation Method 2
treating said sample with an enzyme to inactivate said antimicrobial substance
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology proposed herein relates to a method for preparing a sample for analysis, said method comprising: a) providing a sample potentially containing an antimicrobial substance, such as an antibiotic; and b) treating said sample with an enzyme to inactivate said antimicrobial substance. A method comprising a microbial viability assay of a sample, a New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) construct for recombinant expression thereof, a method for recombinantly producing a New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) protein, and a use of an antimicrobial inactivating enzyme for preparing a sample for an analysis are also disclosed.