N-methyl-2 Protein Biomarker Detection for Rapid Bacterial Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacterial contamination are laborious, time-consuming, and often require sample culture and transportation to a laboratory, limiting their effectiveness in rapid diagnosis and broad-range bacterial detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of N-methyl-2 superfamily proteins as biomarkers, with specific antibodies or aptamers capable of binding to these proteins, allows for rapid detection of bacteria in samples without the need for culturing, using methods such as immunoassays and lateral flow chromatographic tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory culture methods are used to detect bacteria, then the detection can identify bacterial growth, but the process requires more than a day to obtain results and is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and detects specific bacterial components (DNA sequences, proteins, toxins, enzymes) directly from the sample without requiring complete bacterial culture. This extraction approach allows rapid detection of bacterial presence and identity within hours rather than days, while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through targeted detection of pathogen-specific markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary enrichment or concentration of bacterial targets in the sample before detection, allowing direct detection without extended culture periods. Sample preparation techniques such as concentration methods or selective enrichment are applied in advance to ensure sufficient target material is available for rapid downstream detection assays.
2Measurement precision
If PCR or other DNA-based methods are used to detect bacterial sequences, then specific bacterial identification is possible, but the techniques are laborious and require specialized laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical and biochemical laboratory procedures (PCR, gel electrophoresis, specialized instrumentation) with simpler detection methods such as immunological assays, lateral flow technology, or nucleic acid hybridization that can be performed with minimal equipment. This substitution maintains species-specific identification capability while enabling detection in field or point-of-care settings.
3Measurement precision
If immunoassays using specific antibodies are used to detect bacterial strains, then strain-specific identification is achieved, but the antibodies are specific to particular strains and cannot detect a broad range of bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a hierarchical detection strategy where conserved bacterial antigens or universal DNA sequences serve as targets for broad-range detection, while also incorporating strain-specific markers for precise identification when needed. This multi-functional approach allows a single assay system to detect both diverse bacterial species and specific pathogenic strains, combining versatility with diagnostic precision.
4Reliability
If sample collection and transportation to a laboratory are required, then proper sample handling is ensured, but additional time is added to obtain the result
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the detection system to be brought to the sample location through portable, point-of-care devices that require minimal sample preparation and can process samples immediately at the collection site. This self-contained approach eliminates or minimizes transportation requirements, allowing rapid detection within hours of sample collection while maintaining reliability through built-in quality controls and stable reagent formulations.
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
This approach enables rapid and sensitive detection of a broad range of bacteria, reducing the time to results and improving the ability to diagnose bacterial infections and contamination in various samples, including clinical and environmental samples.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the sample with an antibody, fragment thereof, aptamer or ligand capable of binding a protein in the N-methyl-2 superfamily to form one or more complexes
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, provided are methods relating to the use of bacterial N-methyl-2 superfamily proteins as a biomarker for the presence of bacteria in a sample. The invention also relates to novel methods of diagnosis of the presence of bacteria in a liquid or solid sample, detection of bacterial infections in humans or animals, and use of antibodies or other specific binding molecules capable of binding to N-methyl-2 superfamily proteins.