Methods, systems, and compositions for detection of nucleic acids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid detection methods are complex, require expensive instruments, and may provide inaccurate results, especially for rapid and cost-effective detection of specific nucleic acids in samples without nucleic acid amplification or purification steps.
Innovation Solution
A method using nanoparticles assembled with oligonucleotides that hybridize to target nucleic acids, forming a nanoparticle matrix detectable via optical properties, allowing for rapid and accurate detection without thermocyclers or enzymes, and enabling simpler sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nucleic acid detection methods are used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex instruments (thermocyclers, amplification equipment) by using a simplified nanoparticle-based detection system that achieves comparable accuracy through optical property measurements of nanoparticle matrices formed by oligonucleotide hybridization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable nanoparticle compositions that can be prepared and stored without complex instrumentation, replacing expensive and complex detection instruments with simpler, cost-effective nanoparticle-based assays that maintain detection accuracy
2Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented without amplification steps, then detection speed increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from measuring amplification products to measuring optical properties (absorbance, scattering, fluorescence) of nanoparticle matrices, enabling direct detection of target nucleic acids without amplification while maintaining sensitivity through the enhanced optical signal from nanoparticle assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite nanoparticle-oligonucleotide structures where the nanoparticle component provides enhanced optical properties for sensitive detection, while the oligonucleotide component ensures specific hybridization to target nucleic acids, achieving both speed and precision without amplification
3Measurement precision
If complete sample preparation with purification is performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial sample preparation by using crude lysates without complete purification, relying on the robustness of nanoparticle-oligonucleotide hybridization to function effectively in less purified samples, thus reducing preparation time while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoparticle composition performs its detection function directly in the sample matrix without requiring extensive purification steps, as the oligonucleotide-conjugated nanoparticles can hybridize to target nucleic acids and form detectable matrices in relatively simple sample preparations
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 method provides rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of nucleic acids with high sensitivity and specificity, eliminating the need for nucleic acid amplification and complex instruments, and extending shelf life of detection kits.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more oligonucleotides hybridize to one or more target nucleic acid, if present, in the bodily sample; in the presence of the one or more target nucleic acids, forming a nanoparticle matrix from the one or more nanoparticles hybridized to the one or more target nucleic acids
Implementation Method 2
determining an optical parameter of the test composition that is indicative of the presence or absence of the one or more nucleic acids in the sample. In some embodiments, the optical parameter is determined by a color spacing analysis. In some embodiments, the optical parameter comprises absorbance, transmission, scattering, or reflection of a light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods, compositions and systems for the detection of nucleic acids. The methods compositions, and systems may comprise nanoparticles that comprise oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides may anneal to the target nucleic acids. The nanoparticle may comprise an optical parameter that may change upon reaction with target nucleic acids.