Multiplex Oligomer Detection for Adenovirus, Metapneumovirus, and Rhinovirus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting adenovirus, metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus are limited by their inability to rapidly, sensitively, and specifically identify multiple serotypes and subtypes, often requiring time-consuming and expensive processes that need skilled technicians.

Innovation Solution

The use of specific first and second amplification oligomers targeting defined nucleotide positions within adenovirus, metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus genomes to amplify and detect these pathogens with high sensitivity, utilizing nucleic acid amplification techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional detection methods (serological tests and cell culture) are used for adenovirus, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but the detection speed is slow and sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical detection methods (cell culture, serological tests) with a molecular biology-based detection system using PCR amplification and hybridization probes. This substitution enables rapid detection within hours rather than days or weeks, while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized reagent kits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces nucleic acid amplification intermediates (amplicons) and hybridization probes as mediators between the target adenovirus genome and the detection system. These intermediaries enable specific and sensitive detection by amplifying viral DNA sequences and providing targeted hybridization signals, resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If PCR-based assays with low stringency conditions are used to detect genetically diverse adenoviruses, then detection coverage is improved, but measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage of adenovirus serotypesVSAvoidspecificity of detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing hybridization probes that target specific conserved regions within the adenovirus genome while maintaining high stringency conditions. Each probe is optimized for its specific target region, enabling precise discrimination between adenovirus serotypes even while detecting genetically diverse strains. This resolves the contradiction by making different parts of the detection system (probes targeting different regions) have specialized properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stringency parameter of hybridization conditions to achieve both broad coverage and high precision. By optimizing hybridization temperature, salt concentration, and probe length, the system maintains high stringency for specific detection while the set of probes collectively covers diverse adenovirus serotypes through targeted design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate detection methods are used for different viruses, then detection accuracy for each virus is maintained, but the complexity of the overall detection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of detection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection platform that can detect multiple respiratory viruses (adenovirus, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus) using the same basic methodology of nucleic acid amplification and hybridization. Different virus-specific probes are used within the same reaction system, maintaining detection accuracy for each virus while reducing overall process complexity compared to separate detection methods for each pathogen

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, sensitive, and specific detection of multiple adenovirus serotypes, metapneumovirus subtypes, and rhinovirus strains, reducing the need for skilled labor and lowering costs while improving diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The oligomers are complementary to a target sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing nucleic acid amplification techniques

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPCR amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12460255B2Compositions and methods to detect adenovirus nucleic acids and metapneumovirus and/or rhinovirus nucleic acids
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 GEN PROBE INC

AI summary

The disclosed disclosure is related to methods, compositions, and kits for targeting Adenovirus, Metapneumovirus, and/or Rhinovirus nucleic acid. Compositions include amplification oligomers and/or detection probe oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers. Methods include uniplex and multiplex amplification and detection reactions.