Integrated Genomic-Proteomic Assay Workflows for Lung Cancer Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is an unmet clinical need for non-invasive diagnostic approaches that integrate genomic and proteomic information to improve disease screening, particularly for high-risk individuals, to enable earlier and more accurate disease detection and treatment.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic assay system combining genomic and proteomic components, utilizing a liquid handling robot, LIMS, and software classifier to analyze DNA and protein data, with a machine learning model to generate a risk score for diseases like lung cancer, allowing for efficient and modular deployment of protein-based panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If genomic and proteomic analysis are integrated to improve diagnostic accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines genomic and proteomic analysis into a single integrated diagnostic system. The liquid handling robot automatically processes both DNA and protein samples through coordinated workflows, merging two separate analytical disciplines into one unified platform that delivers comprehensive diagnostic information simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple sample types (DNA, protein, cell-free DNA) and perform various analytical functions through a single platform. The liquid handling robot and associated instrumentation can be configured for different assay types, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized equipment for each analytical modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protein reagents are used to expand detection capability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidreagent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal liquid handling platform that can accommodate multiple protein reagents and assay configurations through software control. Rather than requiring separate physical equipment for each protein panel, the same robot and instrumentation can be programmed to handle different reagent sets, enabling the system to adapt to various detection needs while maintaining a consistent hardware foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters (software configurations, protocol settings, reagent selection) rather than physically reconfiguring the hardware. The liquid handling robot can be programmed with different protocols for various protein panels, allowing the same physical system to perform diverse functions through parameter modification rather than structural change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated liquid handling is implemented to improve processing efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidautomation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid handling robot merges multiple manual operations (sample transfer, reagent addition, plate handling) into a single automated instrument. By combining these functions into one coordinated system, the platform achieves high processing efficiency while consolidating rather than multiplying the number of separate devices required, thus managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive biomarker panels are analyzed to improve diagnostic sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic sensitivityVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated liquid handling system enables continuous processing of samples through coordinated robotic operations. Multiple assay steps are performed in continuous sequence without manual intervention between steps, eliminating idle time and ensuring that the comprehensive biomarker analysis proceeds without interruption, thus reducing total analysis time despite the complexity of the panels being evaluated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated preparations (sample thawing, reagent equilibration, plate setup) before the actual analysis begins. By completing these preparatory steps in advance through automation, the system ensures that when the comprehensive biomarker panel analysis commences, all components are ready to be processed continuously, minimizing the active analysis time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250329467A1Workflows for discovery and deployment of diagnostic assays combining proteomic and genomic information

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 DELFI DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

This present disclosure provides an integrated workflow and systems for the efficient deployment of integrated genomic and proteomic diagnostic assays. The diagnostic assays include a proteomic component, a genetic component, liquid handling robots, a LIMS system, and a software classifier component. Also provided herein are systems and diagnostic assays for the detection of lung cancer.