Epitope-Specific hCG Aptamers for Accurate Variant Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hCG detection methods, primarily antibody-based immunoassays, face challenges in accurately measuring diverse hCG variants due to their complex molecular structure, leading to inaccuracies and limitations in urine samples, especially for hCGβcf detection, and suffer from high production costs and thermosensitivity.

Innovation Solution

Development of aptamers with specific nucleotide sequences (SEQ ID NOs: 7-9 or complementary sequences) that selectively bind to the β-subunit and β1 epitope of hCG, enabling accurate detection in a biosensor device, and a method involving a novel SELEX strategy with antibody-blocked target molecules for epitope-specific enrichment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If antibody-based immunoassays are used for hCG detection, then detection capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure diverse hCG variants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of hCG variant detectionVSAvoidability to detect diverse hCG variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the detection reagent from antibodies to aptamers (nucleic acid-based molecules). This parameter change enables detection of diverse hCG variants including hCGβcf with high precision because aptamers can be designed to recognize specific structural features that are conserved across variants, while maintaining high binding affinity and specificity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs aptamers which are chemically synthesized nucleic acid molecules that are more stable and less expensive to produce than antibodies. These aptamers can be mass-produced through in vitro selection (SELEX) and are not subject to thermosensitivity or batch-to-batch variability issues that affect antibodies, thereby improving both precision and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If antibody-based immunoassays are used for hCG detection, then detection capability is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive antibody reagents with chemically synthesized aptamers that can be produced through automated DNA/RNA synthesis. This eliminates the need for complex antibody production processes including immunization, cell culture, and purification, thereby significantly reducing production costs while maintaining or improving detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the biological production system (antibody generation in living organisms) with a chemical synthesis system (in vitro aptamer selection and synthesis). This replacement eliminates the need for animal immunization and complex biological manufacturing processes, reducing both cost and time while improving reagent stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If antibody-based immunoassays are used for hCG detection, then detection capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to thermosensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of detection reagentVSAvoidthermosensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses aptamers which are chemically stable nucleic acid molecules that resist thermal denaturation and degradation better than proteins. Aptamers maintain their binding activity across a wider temperature range and are more stable during storage, thereby improving reliability while reducing thermosensitivity concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs chemically modified aptamers that may include synthetic nucleotides, fluorescent labels, or other modifications to enhance stability. These composite nucleic acid structures provide improved thermal stability and resistance to degradation compared to natural antibodies, thereby improving reliability in various storage and measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 aptamers provide superior specificity and stability for hCG detection, allowing recognition of hCGβcf in urine samples and enabling accurate quantification, overcoming the limitations of existing immunoassays.

Implementation Method 1

aptamers with specific nucleotide sequences (SEQ ID NOs: 7-9 or complementary sequences) that selectively bind to the β-subunit and β1 epitope of hCG

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular recognition and binding:

Data Source

PatentUS20250347705A1Epitope-Specific hCG Binding Aptamers and Applications Thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 RHODES UNIVERSITY

AI summary

This invention relates to aptamers having selectivity and/or specificity for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Also provided for are a biosensor comprising the aptamers having selectivity and/or specificity for hCG and a method for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample using the aptamers or biosensor of the invention, comprising detecting binding of the aptamers to hCG. The invention also relates to a method of identifying aptamers, from a candidate mixture of nucleic acids, that bind to a distinct site of a target molecule, as opposed to another site on the target molecule.