Immuno-chromatographic Virus Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and systems capable of detecting and quantifying pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses like SARS-CoV-2, in the air and water, particularly in closed environments with air circulation and recirculation systems, due to the virus's stability and transmission via aerosols and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body with a filter and a nitrocellulose membrane support, where antibodies are adsorbed to recognize and bind specific epitopes of the virus, utilizing an immuno-chromatographic process for detection, and a colorimetric reaction to display the presence and concentration of microorganisms, with a filter made of porous regenerated cellulose capturing contaminants and allowing them to migrate through the membrane for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection capability are insufficient for detecting viral contaminants in air and water
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a sampling module with filters for air and water, an immuno-chromatographic module with nitrocellulose membranes containing antibodies, and a detection module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system precision for detecting viral contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antibodies immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes as intermediaries that specifically bind to viral antigens. This intermediary layer enables highly specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens, significantly improving measurement precision without requiring complex instrumentation.
2Productivity
If real-time detection of microorganisms is implemented, then productivity and response time are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Antibodies are pre-immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes during manufacturing, creating ready-to-use detection cartridges. This preliminary action allows the device to perform rapid real-time detection when deployed, as the immunological reagents are already in place and optimized for immediate use in field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs disposable immunochromatographic cartridges containing antibodies and reagents. These single-use components are manufactured independently and can be mass-produced using conventional techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling rapid detection. Each cartridge is designed for one-time use to ensure detection accuracy and simplify disposal.
3Measurement precision
If quantification of microorganism concentration is achieved, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses colorimetric detection where the intensity of color development on the nitrocellulose membrane correlates with the concentration of viral antigens detected. This visual color change provides quantitative information about pathogen load in air and water samples without requiring complex electronic sensors or data processing systems.
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 device effectively detects and quantifies the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in air and water samples, providing real-time monitoring and quantification of microorganisms, especially in environments with air recirculation, enhancing safety in pandemic situations by identifying infectious aerosol-transmitted pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
a filter made of porous regenerated cellulose capturing contaminants and allowing them to migrate through the membrane for analysis
Implementation Method 2
antibodies are adsorbed to recognize and bind specific epitopes of the virus
Implementation Method 3
antibodies are adsorbed to recognize and bind specific epitopes of the virus, utilizing an immuno-chromatographic process for detection
Implementation Method 4
utilizing an immuno-chromatographic process for detection
Implementation Method 5
allowing them to migrate through the membrane for analysis
Implementation Method 6
a colorimetric reaction to display the presence and concentration of microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for identifying and monitoring possible environmental contamination by pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, e.g., viruses. The present invention further relates to a system comprising said device.