Fluorescence Probe Aptamer Optical Sectioning for Aflatoxin B1 Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in food samples are limited by their inability to achieve precise and controlled detection due to the complexity of samples and the passive nature of target recognition units.

Innovation Solution

A fluorescence analysis method based on optical sectioning is developed, using a fluorescence probe combination consisting of a fluorescence probe aptamer and a PC-strand. This method involves real-time operation and remote triggering of light to selectively activate the target recognition unit, allowing for precise detection of AFB1.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a target probe is always active to detect AFB1, then the detection response is immediate, but the specificity and controllability are reduced due to passive detection in complex samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The target probe is pre-prepared in an inactive state (blocked by the blocking strand), and the detection is triggered by light activation at the appropriate time. This preliminary preparation allows the system to switch from passive to active detection state, improving both specificity and controllability while maintaining rapid response when activated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system transitions from a static passive probe to a dynamic controllable system. The probe's activity state is dynamically switched between inactive (blocked) and active (light-activated) states, allowing precise control over when detection occurs, thereby improving both specificity and response timing in complex food samples

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If light is used to activate the target recognition unit, then the detection precision is improved through optical sectioning, but the detection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A photocleavable blocking strand serves as an intermediary that mediates between the light signal and the target probe activation. The blocking strand contains a photocleavable group that specifically absorbs light at a certain wavelength, and upon light irradiation, it decomposes to release the target probe. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by using a straightforward photochemical reaction rather than complex optical sectioning apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical sectioning systems with a photochemical mechanism. Instead of using physical optical sectioning apparatus to achieve spatial and temporal control, the system uses light-induced decomposition of the photocleavable blocking strand to activate detection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision

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

3Measurement precision

If a fluorescence probe combination with photocleavable group is used, then the detection sensitivity is enhanced through optical sectioning, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the target probe with fluorescent label, the blocking strand with photocleavable group, and the quenching strand. This segmentation allows each component to be independently synthesized and optimized, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling high detection sensitivity through the coordinated action of these separate elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorescence probe combination is pre-assembled with the photocleavable blocking strand in an inactive state during manufacturing. The target probe, blocking strand, and quenching strand are combined in specific ratios and stored as a ready-to-use reagent system. This preliminary assembly simplifies manufacturing by avoiding the need for complex on-site assembly procedures while maintaining high detection sensitivity when activated by light

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 achieves high sensitivity and specificity in detecting AFB1, with the ability to distinguish AFB1 from structurally similar molecules like ochratoxin and zearalenone, and is applicable to food samples such as rice, corn, and soybeans.

Implementation Method 1

a photocleavable (PC) group is located between 10th base pair (bp) and 11th bp of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodissociation: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

a carboxyfluorescein (FAM) group is located at a 3′ end of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12209963B1Method for detecting aflatoxin B1 content using fluorescence analysis based on optical sectioning
Publication Date: 2025.01.28
  • US12209963B1 patent drawing
  • US12209963B1 patent drawing
  • US12209963B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting an AFB1 content using fluorescence analysis based on optical sectioning is provided, which relates to the field of biological detection technologies. The method includes steps for detecting the AFB1 content by using a fluorescence probe combination, which includes fluorescence probes aptamer and PC-strand. The nucleotide sequence of the aptamer is shown as SEQ ID NO: 1, and a FAM group is labeled at a 3′ end of the nucleotide sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. The nucleotide sequence of the PC-strand is shown as SEQ ID NO: 2, a TAMRA group is labeled at a 5′ end of the nucleotide sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 2, and a PC group is labeled between 10th bp and 11th bp of the nucleotide sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 2. The method can achieve photosensitive detection of AFB1, with high detection sensitivity and strong specificity.