FRET Immunosensor for Rapid Foodborne Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food safety monitoring methods are inadequate for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of foodborne pathogens in food packaging, as they require complex instrumentation and secondary biomarkers, limiting their application in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A FRET-based immunosensor developed on a nanofiber platform using carboxylated bacterial cellulose impregnated with gold nanoparticles and conjugated with quantum dots or fluorescent dyes, allowing for in-situ detection of pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter without the need for additional biomarkers or complex instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods for detecting foodborne bacteria are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but processing time is long and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/lab-based detection systems with a portable optical sensing system that uses fluorescence microscopy. The immunosensor detects bacteria through fluorescent signal emission from FRET donor-acceptor pairs, eliminating the need for complex laboratory instrumentation and reducing processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional bacterial counting methods to fluorescence intensity measurement. By using FRET-based fluorescent probes that emit light when bound to bacteria, the system converts bacterial presence into an optical signal that can be rapidly quantified, significantly reducing detection time and cost.
2Measurement precision
If solution-based sensors with secondary biomarkers are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recognition element (antibody) and the transducer element (fluorescent probe) into a single integrated immunosensor unit. The FRET donor-acceptor pair is directly conjugated to the antibody, eliminating the need for separate secondary biomarkers and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The immunosensor performs self-detection through the FRET mechanism built into the probe itself. When the fluorescent probe binds to the target bacteria, the FRET process automatically generates the detection signal without requiring external labeling or complex signal processing systems, reducing instrumentation complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complex instrumentation is required for signal reading, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable, pre-formed immunosensor strip that can be easily handled and operated by users without specialized training. The sensor uses conventional fluorescent microscopy equipment that is widely available in laboratories and clinics, making the system accessible and easy to operate while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 sensor provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and sensitive method for detecting foodborne pathogens directly in food packaging, reducing the risk of contamination and food waste, and can be integrated into smart packaging for real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The first FRET chromophore and the second FRET chromophore are selected to provide an energy transfer from one to another when located within a Förster distance with respect to each other, thereby forming a FRET donor-acceptor chromophore pair
Implementation Method 2
energy transfer from the FRET donor to the FRET acceptor is triggered due to the reduction in the distance between the donor and acceptor as the result of the conformational change in the antibody structure
Data Source
AI summary
An assay device is provided for use in determining the presence of a target analyte in a sample. The assay device comprises a solid platform comprising a fibrous mat, the solid platform impregnated with a first FRET chromophore. An antibody-FRET chromophore conjugate is immobilized on a surface of the solid platform, wherein the antibody-FRET chromophore conjugate comprises an antibody affixed to a second FRET chromophore. The first FRET chromophore and the second FRET chromophore are selected to provide an energy transfer from one to another when located within a Förster distance with respect to each other, thereby forming a FRET donor-acceptor chromophore pair. In a further aspect, a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample is provided. In yet a further aspect, packaging sheet materials and packaging articles employing the assay device under certain conditions are provided.