Fiber Optic Biosensor for Cannabinoid Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Δ9-THC in oral saliva face challenges such as false positives from passive exposure, limited sensitivity, and high false positive and false negative rates, making them unsuitable for on-site detection and compliance with regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A method using nanoparticle conjugated bioreceptors immobilized on or in solution phase with a fiber optic sensor to detect Δ9-THC, involving a change in optical properties in response to binding, with a test kit including sample collection and dilution solutions, and an instruction manual for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, microplate ELISA, radial immunoassay, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy) are used to detect THC, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity, requirement of personnel with significant expertise, elaborate sample processing protocols, and longer processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems (chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy) with a fiber optic sensor-based detection system that uses optical properties to detect THC metabolites, thereby reducing device complexity and personnel expertise requirements while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensor system enables rapid self-contained detection without requiring elaborate sample processing protocols or highly skilled personnel, allowing the system to perform detection autonomously with minimal operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If commercial devices (Draeger Drug test 5000, Securetec Drugwipe, DDS, RapidSTAT) are used for on-site THC detection, then ease of operation is improved, but sensitivity for THC concentrations less than 5 ng/ml deteriorates along with high false positive and false negative rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional optical methods to fiber optic sensor-based optical detection, enabling the system to achieve both ease of operation for on-site detection and high sensitivity for low THC concentrations while reducing false positive and false negative rates
3Measurement precision
If lateral flow assay based technique is used to detect THC, then sensitivity (LoD of about 2 ng/ml) is improved, but device complexity increases due to bulkier read-out unit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky read-out units required by lateral flow assays with a compact fiber optic sensor system that uses optical detection principles to achieve high sensitivity without requiring large external reading devices, thereby maintaining low limit of detection while reducing device complexity
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 provides accurate and rapid detection of Δ9-THC with improved sensitivity and reduced false positives, enabling effective on-site testing and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change in optical property of the fiber optic sensor in response to binding of the nanoparticle conjugated bioreceptor(s) to the cannabinoid or metabolite thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides methods of detecting a cannabinoid or metabolite thereof in a sample and test kits for the same. For example, the cannabinoid such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) bound to bovine serum albumin (BSA) may induce changes in optical properties of an optical biosensor employed for the said detection wherein the optical biosensor is immobilized with a suitable bioreceptor or through interactions with a bioreceptor-nanoparticle conjugate.