Labeling Particle Aggregates for Rapid Biological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms and biologicals in fluids and on surfaces are time-consuming, laborious, and often indirect, lacking rapid and accurate detection capabilities, especially for unknown pathogens and hazardous microorganisms, which poses a significant health risk due to the delay in initiating antibiotic treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of labeling particles and aggregating particles that bind to target biologicals, forming visible aggregates through light scattering, absorption, or reflection, allowing for visual detection and quantification without the need for pre-enrichment, using techniques like magnetic separation or filtration, enabling rapid and accurate detection of a broad spectrum of microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional culture-based or molecular-based detection methods are used, then specific detection of known microorganisms is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and detects specific biological targets directly from complex samples using labeled particles that bind to microbial antigens or nucleic acids, eliminating the need for time-consuming culture enrichment steps while maintaining detection accuracy for known and unknown pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs labeled particles as intermediaries that facilitate direct binding to biological targets, enabling rapid detection without requiring direct observation or culture of the microorganisms themselves, thus reducing detection time while maintaining reliability
2Productivity
If indirect detection methods (urinalysis, chemical testing) are used, then some microbial indicators can be detected, but the methods are misleading and do not provide rapid results for immediate action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect chemical testing mechanisms with direct physical binding mechanisms using labeled particles that specifically attach to biological targets, enabling both rapid and accurate detection that provides immediate actionable information
3Reliability
If pre-enrichment steps are included in detection protocols, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming (one-to-three days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary binding of labeled particles to potential targets during the sample processing step itself, eliminating the need for separate pre-enrichment phases and reducing overall protocol complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through direct binding
4Measurement precision
If culture-based methods are used for diagnosis, then microbial identification is achieved, but the methods are laborious and too slow for rapid diagnosis of infections like bacterial meningitis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses labeled particles as copies or proxies that bind to microbial targets and provide detection signals, allowing rapid identification without requiring actual culture growth or direct observation of the microorganisms, thus achieving both accuracy and speed
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 provides a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-employ detection system capable of identifying and quantifying biologicals, including unknown pathogens, at the point-of-use, reducing the risk of microbial contamination and enabling immediate action, thereby improving public health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the biological by adsorbing the biological to the labeling particle
Implementation Method 2
forming visible aggregates through light scattering, absorption, or reflection
Implementation Method 3
forming visible aggregates through light scattering, absorption, or reflection
Implementation Method 4
forming visible aggregates through light scattering, absorption, or reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of detecting biologicals in samples is provided herein. The detection is based on the formation of aggregates. The disclosed compositions include labeling particles and/or aggregating particles. The labeling particles and the aggregating particles may each include a receptor bound to the particle. The receptor can be either directly attached to the particle or indirectly attached to the particle through a linker. One method of detection may be visual and another may include advanced quantification of the formed aggregates.