Magnetic Bead Spore Trap for Onsite Fungal Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing and detecting fungal plant pathogens, such as spore traps and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), are inefficient, costly, and unsuitable for onsite field applications due to issues like contamination, weather sensitivity, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that uses biological components, like antibodies conjugated to magnetic beads, to capture and concentrate fungal spores, followed by impedance measurement and imaging for detection, which reduces contamination and increases accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional spore traps are used to capture fungal spores, then the method is economical and simple, but the positioning is altered by external factors like wind or rain and contaminants are attracted which interfere with spore quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (sticky coating or liquid medium) between the spore collection surface and the environment. This intermediary captures spores while preventing contaminants like leaves from adhering, and the liquid medium allows for easier sample processing and reduces interference from environmental factors such as wind and rain.
2Measurement precision
If qPCR is used to detect fungal spores, then the sensitivity and selectivity can detect the presence of pathogens to a level as low as a single spore, but the cost and complexity increase due to simultaneous requirements of thermal cycling and fluorescence detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the detection function from the complex qPCR system. By using immunoassay methods with labeled antibodies, the detection is simplified to a single-step or few-step process that maintains high sensitivity without requiring thermal cycling equipment, fluorescence detectors, or complex data analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable labeled antibodies or immunoreagents that can be used in simple, rapid tests. These single-use reagents provide high sensitivity detection without the need for expensive, complex instrumentation, making the system suitable for field applications where equipment simplicity is crucial.
3Reliability
If protectant fungicides are applied to control fungal infections, then they kill fungal spores upon contact and prevent infection, but they naturally decrease over time due to weathering and redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing rapid, sensitive detection of fungal spores in the environment. This early detection allows for timely application of fungicides before infection occurs, optimizing the timing and reducing the need for repeated applications. The detection system monitors spore presence and triggers fungicide application only when needed, creating a responsive management system.
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 method and device provide a more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective means of detecting fungal plant pathogens by concentrating spores and using magnetic beads to enhance detection sensitivity and reduce contamination, making them suitable for onsite field applications.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the at least one fungal plant pathogen with at least one biological component that specifically binds to the at least one fungal plant pathogen in a liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
detecting, such as imaging and/or measuring the impedance of, at least a portion of the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of detecting the presence of and/or the amount of at least one fungal plant pathogen in a sample. The method comprises contacting the at least one fungal plant pathogen with at least one biological component that specifically binds to the at least one fungal plant pathogen in a liquid sample, detecting, such as imaging and/or measuring the impedance of, at least a portion of the liquid sample, and correlating the detection with the presence and/or the amount of the at least one fungal plant pathogen in the liquid sample. The present disclosure also provides a sample trap device for performing the method.