Magnetic Bead NMR Pathogen Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for tick-transmitted diseases, such as Lyme disease, are time-consuming and have low sensitivity, particularly in detecting tick-borne pathogens present in low titers, and often require extensive sample preparation, which can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the amplification and detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species and other tick-borne pathogens in biological samples using magnetic particles with specific binding moieties, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens with minimal sample preparation and high sensitivity, even at low concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current diagnostic methods (serological tests, PCR) are used to detect tick-borne pathogens, then pathogen detection is possible, but the detection sensitivity is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddiagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the diagnostic process into two distinct phases: (1) a rapid screening phase using a sandwich ELISA assay that provides quick results within 2 hours, and (2) a confirmatory phase using conventional serological or nucleic acid tests. This segmentation allows the high-sensitivity screening assay to quickly identify suspicious samples, which then undergo further confirmation, thereby reducing overall diagnosis time while maintaining high detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary enrichment of tick-borne pathogens from clinical samples using specific antibodies and magnetic beads before detection. This preliminary action concentrates the pathogens present in low titers, significantly enhancing detection sensitivity for subsequent rapid testing and allowing diagnosis to proceed without time-consuming sample preparation in later stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If extensive sample preparation is performed to detect low titer pathogens, then detection sensitivity may improve, but the time required for diagnosis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsample preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical sample preparation procedures (such as extensive centrifugation, filtration, and purification steps) with a simplified magnetic bead-based enrichment system. This substitution maintains high detection sensitivity by effectively concentrating pathogens while reducing sample preparation time from hours to minutes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional diagnostic tests are used, then single pathogen detection is achieved, but comprehensive detection of multiple tick-borne pathogens is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-pathogen detection capabilityVSAvoiddiagnosis delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a universal sandwich ELISA screening assay that can detect multiple different tick-borne pathogens (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis) simultaneously using a single test platform. This multi-functional assay eliminates the need to perform separate tests for each suspected pathogen, providing comprehensive pathogen detection in one step and preventing diagnosis delays associated with sequential testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables rapid and sensitive detection of tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia species, in biological samples, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the time to diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic particles have binding moieties on their surfaces, the binding moieties operative to alter the specific aggregation of the magnetic particles in the presence of an analyte associated with a first Bbsl species

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic particle aggregation:

Implementation Method 2

having an RF coil configured to detect a signal produced by exposing the assay sample to a bias magnetic field created using one or more magnets and an RF pulse sequence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS11326213B2NMR methods and systems for the rapid detection of tick-borne pathogens

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 T2 BIOSYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The invention features methods, systems, and panels for rapid detection of tick-borne pathogens in a sample (including Borrelia spp. such as B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, and B. garinii) and for diagnosis and monitoring of tick-transmitted diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q-fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and anaplasmosis.