Multiplex Pathogen Screening with Conserved-Sequence Nucleotide Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and identifying pathogens are inadequate, particularly in clinical and food safety settings, as they are time-consuming, expensive, and unable to simultaneously screen for a wide range of pathogens, including unknown agents, and do not effectively discriminate between genomic variants or pathogenicity factors.
Innovation Solution
Development of nucleotide arrays and methods for simultaneously detecting and identifying multiple pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths, using nucleotide arrays that target conserved nucleic acid sequences, enabling rapid and economical screening for both known and unknown pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current pathogen detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and cannot simultaneously screen for multiple pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection process into separate detection modules, each targeting specific pathogen groups (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). This allows parallel processing of multiple pathogen types simultaneously, dramatically improving screening speed while reducing total detection time compared to sequential conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal detection platform that can identify multiple types of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) using a single assay system. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous screening for diverse pathogens without requiring separate specialized tests for each pathogen type
2Adaptability or versatility
If current pathogen detection methods are used, then known pathogens can be detected, but unknown agents and genomic variants cannot be effectively identified
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary amplification of pathogen genetic material using broad-spectrum primers that target conserved regions across multiple pathogen types before specific detection. This preliminary action enables the system to detect both known pathogens and unknown agents by amplifying genetic material from any pathogen present in the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses genetic material (DNA/RNA) as an intermediary target rather than attempting to detect whole pathogens or proteins. This intermediary approach allows detection of unknown pathogens and genomic variants through sequence analysis, preserving information about pathogen identity even when the specific pathogen is not previously characterized
3Reliability
If current detection assays are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but the cost is high and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated assay platform that can detect bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites simultaneously. By combining amplification, detection, and identification steps into one unified system, the invention reduces overall assay complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy through standardized protocols
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 solution allows for rapid and economical detection of multiple pathogens, guiding patient care and treatment selection, and improving food safety by identifying both known and unknown pathogens in various samples.
Implementation Method 1
nucleotide arrays that target conserved nucleic acid sequences, enabling rapid and economical screening for both known and unknown pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the multiplex detection of biomarkers in an environmental, non-biological or biological sample. Compositions and methods are provided for simultaneously detecting and identifying multiple pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and helminths, present in a sample.