HPV Primers for Sensitive Nucleic Acid Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting HPV infection in cervical samples are not sufficiently rapid, sensitive, or quantitative, limiting their effectiveness in identifying high-risk strains and preventing cervical cancer.

Innovation Solution

Development of HPV primers, specifically designed to be used in nucleic acid detection assays, which are 70 bases or less in length and comprise sequences selected from a group of nucleotide sequences (SEQ ID NOs:1-123 and 142-154), enabling the detection and typing of HPV sequences through amplification and sequencing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional Pap smear testing is used, then the method is simple and widely available, but the sensitivity is only 50-60% and fails to detect many precancerous cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidtesting method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses PCR amplification as an intermediary step between sample collection and detection. Primers specific to HPV DNA sequences amplify the viral genetic material, creating detectable signals that greatly enhance sensitivity compared to direct Pap smear examination of cellular material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/cytological examination method of Pap smears with a molecular biological approach using PCR amplification and sequence-specific detection. This substitution enables detection of HPV DNA at levels far below what can be detected by visual examination of cervical cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If HPV DNA screening is implemented, then detection sensitivity improves, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHPV detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting procedure simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs primers that have been pre-designed and optimized to specifically bind to conserved regions of HPV DNA across multiple high-risk types. This preliminary preparation of type-specific primers allows the assay to detect multiple HPV variants in a single reaction without requiring complex post-amplification analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal PCR assay using primers that can detect multiple high-risk HPV types (including 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) simultaneously. This multi-functional primer design eliminates the need for separate assays for each HPV type, simplifying the overall testing procedure while maintaining high detection accuracy.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple HPV types are detected using traditional methods, then comprehensive typing is achieved, but the number of primers and assay complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHPV type coverageVSAvoidnumber of primers required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection strategy by designing primers that target highly conserved regions of the HPV genome that are common across multiple high-risk types. This segmentation approach allows a single primer pair to amplify DNA from multiple HPV variants, which are then distinguished by sequence analysis or typing-specific secondary reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the detection capability for multiple HPV types into a single PCR assay using universally binding primers. By combining type-specific detection capabilities into one unified assay, the patent reduces the total number of separate primers and reactions needed compared to using individual type-specific assays for each HPV variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 HPV primers provide a rapid, sensitive, and highly quantitative method for detecting HPV infection, expanding the capability to identify multiple HPV types with a reduced number of primers, thereby improving the detection of high-risk strains and enhancing cervical cancer prevention.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) primers, which may be used, for example, in nucleic acid detection assays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentUS8080643B2HPV primers
Publication Date: 2011.12.20 GEN PROBE INC

AI summary

The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) primers, which may be used, for example, in nucleic acid detection assays for use in basic research, clinical research, and for the development of clinical detection assays.