Gold Nanoparticle Gene Detection Device for Isothermal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gene detection methods, such as PCR and next-generation sequencing, are limited by long analysis times, high costs, and a propensity for false results, particularly when detecting small numbers of target genes or genetic mutations, which is a challenge in cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A gene detection device and method utilizing gold nanoparticles with probe DNAs, sensing DNAs, and a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) that allows for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis by hybridizing target capture DNAs with gold nanoparticles, degrading non-complementary ends, and using probe linker DNAs to generate detection signals without the need for thermal cyclers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional PCR technique is used to amplify genes, then gene amplification is achieved, but analysis time becomes long (2-2.5 hours) due to high heat capacity of thermal cycler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal cycler mechanism with a isothermal reaction system using gold nanoparticles. Instead of mechanical temperature cycling, the system uses chemical probes that bind to target genes at constant temperature, eliminating the need for thermal cycling and its associated time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reaction condition from temperature-variable (PCR) to temperature-constant (isothermal). By using gold nanoparticles with surface probes that function at a single optimal temperature, the system achieves gene detection without repeated heating and cooling cycles, significantly reducing analysis time.
2Measurement precision
If real-time PCR with fluorescent reagents is used, then quantitative analysis is enabled, but diagnostic cost increases due to very high price of fluorescent reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive gold nanoparticles with synthetic DNA probes instead of expensive fluorescent reagents. The gold nanoparticles can be functionalized with various probes and are relatively stable, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive fluorescent dyes while maintaining quantitative detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the detection mechanism. Instead of using complex fluorescent reagents, the system uses gold nanoparticles with DNA probes that provide signal amplification through the high surface area of the nanoparticles, achieving similar quantitative detection at lower cost.
3Quantity of substance
If PCR-based techniques are used for gene detection, then target gene amplification is achieved, but false results increase due to error amplification from initial reaction stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification step from the detection process. Instead of amplifying genes and then detecting them (which allows errors to propagate), the system directly detects target genes using gold nanoparticles with probes, eliminating the amplification step that causes error propagation while still enabling detection of small numbers of target genes.
4Measurement precision
If next generation sequencing is used for direct analysis of genetic mutations, then comprehensive mutation detection is achieved, but procedure becomes complicated and limited number of samples can be measured at one time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into simple, discrete steps: gold nanoparticle preparation, probe hybridization, and signal detection. This modular approach simplifies the overall procedure compared to NGS while maintaining the ability to detect multiple genes and mutations simultaneously through the multiplexing capability of gold nanoparticles.
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
Enables rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of multiple target genes and genetic mutations, reducing analysis time and costs while minimizing false positives, making it suitable for cancer diagnosis and other disease diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
probe DNAs, each of which is composed of a target capture DNA having a base sequence complementary to and binding to a target gene
Implementation Method 2
a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) cleaving double strands from the 3′ ends of the target capture DNAs
Implementation Method 3
probe linker DNAs having a base sequence complementary to and binding to the sensing DNAs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a gene detection device including gold nanoparticles and a gene detection method using gold nanoparticles. The use of the gene detection device and the gene detection method avoids the need for special equipment, such as a thermal cycler, which is essential for 3-stage heating in conventional PCR-based gene amplification techniques. In addition, the gene detection device and the gene detection method enable rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis and multiple detection.