Microfluidic Device for Periodontitis Bacteria Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacteria associated with periodontitis are often complex, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment, making them impractical for quick and efficient diagnosis in dental settings.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device and kit using oligonucleotides (SEQ ID no. 4 or 5) bound to a carrier, with optional complementary or mutated sequences, and a universal solution containing chaotropic reagents for rapid hybridization and detection of periodontitis-associated bacteria, allowing for quick and sensitive identification without the need for amplification or specialized laboratory equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bacterial detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: a microfluidic chip with integrated chambers for sample preparation, hybridization, and detection; separate reagent cartridges; and a portable reader. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables rapid parallel processing of multiple samples, reducing overall detection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Oligonucleotide probes specific to periodontitis-associated bacteria are pre-immobilized on the microfluidic chip surface before patient use. The chip is pre-loaded with necessary buffers and reagents in sterile conditions. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming setup steps during actual detection, allowing immediate processing of clinical samples while preserving detection accuracy
2Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then reliable bacterial identification is achieved, but specialized equipment and expertise are required
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip performs self-diagnosis through integrated control mechanisms: pH-sensitive indicators automatically signal hybridization completion; flow resistance changes indicate sample preparation status; and colorimetric readouts provide immediate results without requiring external specialized equipment. The system guides operators through the process automatically, reducing the need for specialized training while maintaining reliable bacterial identification
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical and laboratory-based detection systems are replaced with a portable microfluidic device that uses micro-scale fluid dynamics, electrochemical sensing, and optical detection integrated into a handheld format. This substitution eliminates the need for large laboratory equipment while preserving identification reliability through engineered sensor arrays and reference databases
3Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then detection time is reduced, but sensitivity and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature-controlled hybridization chambers that rapidly heat and cool samples through programmed temperature cycles, accelerating DNA denaturation and probe binding kinetics. Chemical parameters are optimized with catalytic enzymes and concentrated buffers that speed up reactions without compromising specificity. These parameter changes enable rapid detection within minutes while maintaining high sensitivity through controlled reaction conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions are nested within the single microfluidic chip: sample lysis, DNA extraction, amplification, hybridization, and detection are all integrated in a nested sequence of micro-chambers. This nesting allows sequential processing without transferring samples between devices, maintaining sensitivity through continuous enclosed processing while achieving rapid results through streamlined workflow
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 detection of periodontitis-associated bacteria in under 15 minutes, with high sensitivity and ease of use, suitable for dental surgeries, and provides immediate results without requiring additional equipment or expertise, allowing for early detection and prevention of periodontitis.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the oligonucleotides SEQ ID no. 4 or SEQ ID no. 5 is bound and optionally at least one further oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of: i) oligonucleotide SEQ ID no. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 8, ii) oligonucleotide which is opposite to one of the oligonucleotides SEQ ID no. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 8 mutated nucleotide sequence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the detection and/or for the determination of bacteria associated with periodontitis from a biological sample with at least one of the oligonucleotides SEQ ID No. 1 to SEQ ID No. 5, and to a microfluid device for the detection and/or determination of at least one germ associated with periodontitis from a biological sample, comprising a carrier made of at least one bottom part with a surface and at least one oligonucleotide or nucleic acid molecule bound to the carrier surface, wherein the oligonucleotide represents at least one sequence of the SEQ ID No. 1 to SEQ ID No. 5.