LFA Device Using HcAbs-Gold Nanoparticles for Rapid Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pathogens, particularly viruses, are often slow, costly, and require the use of animals, which raises ethical concerns and is not suitable for rapid diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flow assay (LFA) device utilizing heavy chain antibodies (HcAbs) conjugated to gold nanoparticles, which are specifically designed to bind to target antigens such as viral spike glycoprotein or nucleocapsid protein, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional infectivity-based assays are used to detect pathogens, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases and animal usage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex traditional assays by using affinity domains that specifically bind to pathogen markers. This allows direct detection without requiring full infectivity assays or animal models, thereby reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy for specific pathogen identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces affinity domains as intermediary elements that mediate between the sample and detection system. These domains specifically bind to pathogen markers and enable detection through their binding activity, replacing the need for time-consuming culturing and infectivity assays while preserving detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If serology assays are used to detect pathogens, then detection capability is maintained, but multiple individual tests are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection platform where a single affinity domain array can detect multiple different pathogen markers simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple separate serology tests, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability across various pathogens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple specific affinity domains, each targeting a particular pathogen marker. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple pathogens in a single test, simplifying the overall testing process while maintaining reliable detection capability for each specific pathogen.
3Measurement precision
If standard microbiological approaches are used to detect bacterial pathogens, then identification precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-preparing specific affinity domains that are ready to bind to pathogen markers immediately upon sample application. This eliminates the need for time-consuming bacterial culturing steps while maintaining identification precision through specific marker binding, thereby significantly increasing detection speed.
4Measurement precision
If viral amplification in animals is used to identify viruses, then verification accuracy is improved, but cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and ethically problematic animal-based amplification systems with inexpensive, disposable affinity domains that can be mass-produced and used in single-use test devices. This maintains verification accuracy through specific marker binding while dramatically reducing cost and eliminating animal usage.
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 LFA device provides a rapid, cost-effective, and ethically sound method for detecting pathogens, with results available within 10-25 minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care testing and resource-limited settings.
Implementation Method 1
heavy chain antibodies (HcAbs), which are specifically designed to bind to the target antigen
Implementation Method 2
a lateral flow assay (LFA) device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for pathogen detection employing a lateral flow assay (LFA) device or ELISA assay, e.g. for detecting SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a sample. The LFA device includes a nitrocellulose membrane mounted on a solid support, a sample pad for receiving a sample, a conjugate pad containing gold nanoparticles conjugated to heavy chain antibodies (HcAbs), and an absorbent pad at the end of the device.