HAV Detection Primers Enhance Specificity and Sensitivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in biological samples, such as blood and plasma, require alternative compositions and methods due to limitations in existing primer and probe sequences, which may not provide sufficient specificity and sensitivity for accurate detection.

Innovation Solution

The use of specific nucleotide sequences, including forward and reverse primers (5'-GCG CCC GGC GGG GTC AAC TCC AT-3' and 5'-AGC CAA GTT AAC ACT GCA AGG-3') and a probe (5'-TTA GCA TGG AGC TGT AGG AGT CTA AAT TGG GG-3') for PCR amplification and detection, enabling accurate identification of HAV in samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing primer and probe sequences are used for HAV detection, then the detection method can be implemented, but the specificity and sensitivity are insufficient for accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the nucleotide sequences of primers and probes to improve their binding specificity to HAV RNA. The modified sequences enhance the detection accuracy by ensuring more precise matching with the target virus genome, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating multiple copies of the HAV RNA target through PCR amplification using the optimized primers. This amplification process generates sufficient copies of the target sequence for reliable detection, addressing the sensitivity and accuracy limitations of direct detection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If PCR amplification is performed to enhance detection sensitivity, then more HAV can be detected, but the complexity of the detection method increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reverse transcription step and PCR amplification step into a unified one-step RT-PCR process. This integration reduces the number of separate operations and reagent changes required, thereby maintaining high detection sensitivity while reducing overall method complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If alternative primer sequences are developed to improve detection accuracy, then HAV detection becomes more reliable, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidprimer synthesis difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies primer sequences to optimize binding characteristics while maintaining compatibility with standard PCR and probe synthesis protocols. The designed sequences avoid complex secondary structures and use common nucleotide compositions, ensuring that improved detection reliability does not come at the cost of manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These sequences enhance the specificity and sensitivity of HAV detection, allowing for reliable identification of the virus in samples, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of blood products and biological therapies.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of primers are capable of annealing to a target sequence under a PCR condition to amplify the target sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnealing: Annealing

Implementation Method 2

performing a PCR with a nucleic acid template in the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal cycling: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2643461B1Methods, compositions, and kits for determining hepatitis a virus
Publication Date: 2016.06.15 GRIFOLS THERAPEUTICS INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for determining the presence or absence of HAV in a sample.