Non-Invasive IBD Diagnosis via Colonic Biomarker Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are invasive, expensive, and lack reliable non-invasive alternatives, with existing biomarker-based tests showing limited diagnostic efficiency and clinical applicability.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method involving the collection and analysis of the colonic mucocellular layer from the anal area following defecation for IBD-specific biomarkers such as EDN, calprotectin, and ICAM1, using antibodies to detect these biomarkers and determine their concentration levels relative to established thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colonoscopy is used for IBD diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to invasiveness and potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diagnostic function from the invasive colonoscopy procedure by identifying and measuring specific biomarkers (calprotectin, lactoferrin, S100A12, ICAM-1, EDN) that can be detected in non-invasive samples such as stool or rectal swabs, thereby separating the diagnostic accuracy requirement from the harmful invasive procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biomarkers as intermediary substances that mediate between the disease state and diagnostic detection. These biomarkers serve as proxies for direct mucosal assessment, allowing diagnosis through non-invasive sample analysis while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
2Measurement precision
If repeated colonoscopies are performed for IBD monitoring, then disease activity assessment is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to cumulative risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from repeated invasive colonoscopies by utilizing biomarkers detectable in stool or rectal swabs, enabling frequent disease activity assessment without exposing patients to cumulative procedural risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables patients to self-collect stool or rectal swab samples for monitoring, eliminating the need for repeated clinical procedures while allowing continuous disease activity assessment through biomarker measurement
3Ease of operation
If existing biomarker-based tests are used for IBD diagnosis, then non-invasiveness is improved, but diagnostic efficiency deteriorates due to limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple biomarker detection capabilities into a single diagnostic system, simultaneously measuring calprotectin, lactoferrin, S100A12, ICAM-1, and EDN to achieve high diagnostic accuracy while maintaining non-invasiveness through stool or rectal swab analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite diagnostic approach by combining multiple biomarker measurements rather than relying on a single marker, creating a synergistic diagnostic system that achieves superior accuracy comparable to colonoscopy while maintaining non-invasive sampling
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 approach provides a reliable, non-invasive means for diagnosing IBD, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and predicting disease relapse, with improved sensitivity and specificity compared to existing methods, facilitating more effective management of IBD.
Implementation Method 1
using antibodies to detect these biomarkers and determine their concentration levels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the method comprising determining the concentration of at least one IBD-specific biomarker in a sample of the colonic mucocellular layer obtained from a subject.