Magnetic Pathogen Detection Assay with Fluorescent Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting blood-borne pathogens are time-consuming and prone to false negatives due to the need for incubation and enrichment steps, which can compromise test sensitivity and fail to distinguish between successful and failed assays.
Innovation Solution
The use of detectable markers in assays that are similar to the target pathogens allows for the differentiation between positive and negative results, ensuring that the assay is functioning properly and reducing false negatives by determining the presence or absence of the marker alongside the pathogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If incubation and enrichment steps are used to detect low levels of pathogens, then the sensitivity of pathogen detection is improved, but the time required for the assay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating magnetic particles with antibodies specific to target pathogens before the assay is performed. This pre-preparation of the detection reagents allows the actual pathogen isolation and detection steps to be completed rapidly without requiring time-consuming incubation or enrichment periods, thus reducing assay duration while maintaining detection sensitivity
2Speed
If multiple separation steps are used to isolate pathogens rapidly, then the assay speed is improved, but the reliability of pathogen isolation decreases due to potential failures at any step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single magnetic separation step. The magnetic particles are engineered to simultaneously perform pathogen binding, magnetic actuation for separation, and fluorescent signaling. This consolidation of functions into one robust step eliminates the need for multiple sequential separation operations, thereby maintaining rapid isolation speed while improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through fluorescently labeled magnetic particles that provide real-time signals about the status of pathogen binding and separation. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor assay progress and detect potential failures immediately, enabling corrective actions and ensuring reliable pathogen isolation throughout the rapid assay process
3Device complexity
If conventional detection methods are used without detectable markers, then the assay simplicity is maintained, but the ability to distinguish between positive and failed assays is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using fluorescently labeled magnetic particles that emit detectable signals when bound to pathogens. The fluorescent signal provides clear visual and instrumental detection of pathogen presence, enabling unambiguous distinction between positive results and failed assays. This additive fluorescent component does not significantly complicate the overall assay procedure, thus maintaining simplicity while gaining critical diagnostic information
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 approach increases the accuracy of pathogen detection by confirming the proper functioning of the assay and reducing the risk of false negatives, thereby improving the reliability of pathogen identification in blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic particles is introduced into the sample suspected of containing a target. The plurality of magnetic particles includes a first set and a second set
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.