Herpesvirus Microarray Detection Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting herpesviruses are inefficient and slow, particularly in simultaneously detecting multiple herpesviruses from the same biological sample, and often fail to distinguish between HHV-6A and HHV-6B viruses.

Innovation Solution

A microarray-based method that involves DNA extraction, amplification, translation to ssRNA, hybridization with oligonucleotide sequences on a microarray, and primer extension to detect multiple herpesviruses simultaneously, including differentiation between HHV-6A and HHV-6B, using specific primers and oligonucleotides designed for herpesviruses such as HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, HHV-6, and HHV-7.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional PCR methods are used for herpesvirus detection, then the detection process is simple and well-established, but the speed and efficiency of detecting multiple herpesviruses simultaneously is slow and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple herpesvirus detection capabilities into a single microarray system. The microarray contains multiple oligonucleotide probes specific to different herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-7) that can simultaneously detect multiple viruses from one sample, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate PCR assays into one integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microarray system serves multiple functions: it detects various herpesviruses, differentiates between HHV-6A and HHV-6B genotypes, and provides genotype information all through a single platform. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized tests with one universal detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional PCR methods are used, then the methodology is well-established, but the ability to simultaneously detect and differentiate multiple herpesviruses including HHV-6A and HHV-6B is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirus differentiation precisionVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The microarray employs locally optimized probe sequences for each herpesvirus target. Each oligonucleotide probe is specifically designed to bind to unique regions of different herpesviruses, including distinct sequences that differentiate HHV-6A from HHV-6B. This local specificity at each probe location enables precise virus identification while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system segments the detection of different herpesviruses into distinct probe regions on the microarray. Each virus target has its own dedicated probe or set of probes, allowing simultaneous independent detection and differentiation of multiple viruses including the closely related HHV-6A and HHV-6B genotypes through their specific genetic markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple separate PCR assays are performed for each herpesvirus, then each virus can be detected with high specificity, but the overall detection time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate PCR detection steps into a single hybridization-based detection step. Instead of performing individual PCRs for each herpesvirus sequentially, the system uses a single microarray hybridization assay that can detect all herpesviruses simultaneously, dramatically reducing detection time while maintaining the reliability of specific virus identification through targeted probe binding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microarray probes are pre-designed and immobilized on the array surface before sample analysis. The oligonucleotide sequences specific to each herpesvirus are prepared in advance and positioned for immediate hybridization with target DNA from the sample, eliminating the need for sequential setup and execution of multiple separate PCR assays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method achieves rapid and efficient detection of multiple herpesviruses with high specificity, capable of identifying double and triple infections, and provides a convenient protocol for both diagnostic and research purposes, with a specificity of up to 100% and the ability to detect eight different herpesviruses from a single biological sample.

Implementation Method 1

hybridizing ssRNAs to oligonucleotide sequences on a microarray plate, said oligonucleotide sequences corresponding to each of the herpesviruses to be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP2007910B1Method and microarray for detecting herpesviruses
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 MOBIDIAG OY
  • EP2007910B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and to a microarray for detecting herpesviruses. The invention provides new primers and oligonucleotides for detecting herpesviruses, in particular herpesviruses selected from the group comprising HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7. By using the method of the invention several different herpesviruses can be detected simultaneously from the same biological sample.