Living Biosensor Cells for Rapid Multiplex Analyte Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensor systems for detecting analytes in biological samples lack the sensitivity and versatility for rapid, real-time detection of infectious agents and toxins, particularly in field-portable devices, and are not easily adaptable for multiplex detection of multiple analytes.
Innovation Solution
Development of a biosensor system using living, engineered cells from the mammalian immune system that express reporter proteins and non-antibody signal transducing elements, which emit detectable signals upon binding of specific analytes, enabling rapid and versatile detection of various infectious agents and toxins through a combination of genetic manipulation and specific detector molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biosensor systems are used, then detection of analytes is possible, but sensitivity and versatility for rapid real-time detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system is segmented into distinct functional modules: detector molecules (antibodies/aptamers) for specific analyte binding, signal transducing elements for signal generation, and reporter proteins for detectable signal output. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both sensitivity and rapid response, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and detection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor system employs universal signal transduction pathways and reporter proteins that can be paired with various detector molecules targeting different analytes. This multi-functional design enables the same core detection platform to rapidly detect multiple different analytes with high sensitivity, simultaneously achieving both detection speed and sensitivity across diverse targets
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biosensor systems are used, then detection of single analytes is possible, but adaptability for multiplex detection of multiple analytes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal set of signal transducing elements and reporter proteins that can work with multiple different detector molecules. By maintaining a library of detector molecules with different specificities that all interface with the same signal transduction platform, the system achieves multiplex detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is divided into separable detector molecules and signal transduction components. This segmentation allows different detector molecules targeting different analytes to be combined in the same system, enabling multiplex detection while keeping each individual detection pathway relatively simple and manageable
3Productivity
If field-portable detection is implemented, then rapid detection is possible, but detection reliability and sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system uses living cells that inherently maintain their own metabolic functions and signal transduction pathways. These self-sustaining cells provide reliable, consistent detection responses without requiring complex external support systems, enabling field-portable operation while maintaining high detection reliability and sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex instrumental systems that require stable environmental conditions for reliable operation, the invention inverts the approach by using simple, robust living cells that can perform reliable detection under varied field conditions. The biological system's natural resilience provides reliability without compromising rapid detection capability
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 system provides sensitive and rapid detection of multiple analytes in real-time, allowing for flexible adaptation to different targets and enabling multiplex assays, enhancing the capability for field-portable detection of infectious agents and toxins in biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
a reporter protein that is engineered into and produced by the living, engineered biosensor cell and that emits a detectable signal in response to certain predetermined changes in the cytosol of the living, engineered biosensor cell
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device, and method for rapid detection of analytes that includes a living, engineered biosensor cell that is typically a component of the mammalian immune system; a reporter protein that is engineered into and expressed by the living, engineered biosensor cell, wherein the reporter protein emits a detectable signal in response to certain predetermined changes in the cytosol of the living, engineered cell; a signal transduction pathway expressed by the living, engineered biosensor cell, wherein the signal transduction pathway controls a biological process within the cytosol of the living, engineered biosensor cell, and wherein the biochemical process, when it occurs, causes the reporter protein to emit a detectable signal; at least one type of detector molecule that is adapted to bind to a specific analyte; at least one analyte that binds to the detector molecule that is specific to that analyte; a plurality of non-antibody signal transducing elements that are either expressed by the living, engineered biosensor cell or that actively bind to a receptor or a receptor component expressed by the living, engineered biosensor cell, wherein each signal transducing element is adapted to receive a detector molecule.