Mass Spectrometry Quantification of Microorganisms Using Peptide Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for quantifying microorganisms are time-consuming, require specialized personnel, and are not suitable for routine clinical use, particularly in the context of bacterial quantification and protein expression analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method using mass spectrometry for quantifying microorganisms through separation and fragmentation steps, involving the measurement of representative peptides or proteins as quantification markers, allowing simultaneous identification and quantification of microorganism groups in a sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional quantification methods (microscopy, chemical analyses, quantitative cultures) are used, then microorganism quantification can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and fastidious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantification accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical and chemical methods (microscopy, culturing, chemical analyses) with mass spectrometry technology. The mass spectrometer detects and quantifies microorganisms by analyzing their mass-to-charge ratio, eliminating the need for time-consuming cultural methods and complex chemical procedures while maintaining quantification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from optical properties (microscopy) or growth characteristics (culturing) to mass-to-charge ratio detection. By measuring the mass spectrum of microorganisms and their components, the system achieves rapid quantification without requiring the microorganisms to be cultured or visually observed, thus dramatically reducing analysis time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If specialized methods like FAME or MALDI-TOF are used, then identification accuracy improves, but the methods are limited to specialist laboratories or specific applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidlaboratory accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a mass spectrometry-based method that can identify and quantify various microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, molds) using a single platform. The system analyzes mass spectra of microorganisms and their components, providing universal identification capability across different microorganism types without requiring specialized procedures for each organism, thus making the method accessible to broader laboratories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and analyzes specific mass spectral features and biomarkers from microorganisms that are characteristic of different species and groups. By identifying these distinctive mass spectral patterns, the system achieves accurate identification without requiring the complex saponification, hydrolysis, and derivation steps needed in FAME methods, simplifying the procedure for general laboratory use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If MALDI-TOF is used for protein detection, then species identification is possible, but quantification of microorganisms cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecies identification capabilityVSAvoidquantification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static identification capability of MALDI-TOF into a dynamic quantification system. By analyzing the intensity and pattern of mass spectral peaks corresponding to specific biomarkers and proteins, the system can both identify species and quantify microorganism load. The method dynamically adjusts detection parameters to measure both qualitative and quantitative aspects of microorganisms in the same analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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, cost-effective, and accurate quantification of microorganisms and protein expression levels without the need for specialized reagents or personnel, suitable for routine clinical and industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

mass spectrometry for quantifying microorganisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Implementation Method 2

MALDI ionization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

separation and fragmentation step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeparation:

Implementation Method 4

separation and fragmentation step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFragmentation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260015648A1Method for quantifying at least one microorganism group via mass spectrometry

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 BIOMERIEUX SA

AI summary

A method for quantifying at least one microorganism group via at least one mass spectrometry analysis is described. The method includes at least one separation and fragmentation step. The method moreover includes a step that involves measuring the amount of at least one representative peptide or at least one protein representing the microorganism group. The at least one representative peptide or the at least one protein is obtained after the at least one separation and fragmentation step and serves as a quantification marker(s). The amount of the quantification marker(s) is directly correlatable to the amount of the at least one microorganism group.