Nucleic Acid Tag for Fish Identification and Vaccination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traceability systems for non-human animals, particularly in the aquaculture industry, face limitations in accurately identifying and tracking fish due to reliance on paper-based methods, DNA-based systems, and electronic tags, which may not provide sufficient confidence in food safety and provenance tracking.
Innovation Solution
The use of a unique, non-coding tag nucleic acid molecule that can be administered to fish, allowing for identification and tracing by detecting its presence in body tissues or fluids, combined with a vaccine composition for simultaneous vaccination and tagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper-based traceability systems are used, then implementation is simple and low-cost, but identification accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces paper-based mechanical traceability systems with a molecular biology-based identification system. Unique nucleic acid sequences are administered to individual animals or groups, and these sequences are detected through molecular methods rather than manual paper tracking. This substitution dramatically improves identification reliability while reducing the complexity of manual paperwork and electronic database management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nucleic acid sequences as information carriers that can be copied and detected. The unique ID sequences are essentially molecular copies that can be amplified and detected through PCR and other molecular methods, providing reliable identification without requiring complex electronic systems or physical tags on each animal.
2Reliability
If electronic tags such as RFID chips are used, then identification reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive nucleic acid sequences as disposable identification carriers. These molecular tags are far simpler and cheaper than electronic RFID chips, yet provide equivalent or superior identification reliability. The nucleic acid sequences can be administered through injection or incorporation into feed, eliminating the need for complex electronic hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of identification from electronic/magnetic signals to molecular/biological signals. By using nucleic acid sequences that can be detected through molecular biology methods, the system achieves high reliability identification without the complexity of electronic components, batteries, or signal transmission systems required by RFID tags.
3Reliability
If DNA-based systems are used, then traceability capability improves, but sample collection complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering the unique nucleic acid ID sequences to animals during routine procedures such as vaccination or early in life when handling is already required. This eliminates the need for separate sample collection events later, as the ID is already present in the animal's tissues or fluids when needed for traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the nucleic acid ID system universal by incorporating it into existing animal handling workflows. The same injection or feeding process that delivers vaccines, nutrients, or medications also delivers the identification sequence, making the tagging process universal and eliminating additional time requirements for separate identification procedures.
4Productivity
If simultaneous vaccination and tagging is implemented, then productivity increases, but administration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vaccination and tagging into a single administration process. The unique nucleic acid sequence is combined with the vaccine formulation or administered through the same injection route, so that one procedural step accomplishes both vaccination and identification. This merging doubles productivity without significantly increasing administrative complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of tagging a non-human animal, particularly fish, said method comprising administering to said animal a tag nucleic acid molecule, wherein the tag nucleic acid molecule:(i) comprises an ID sequence which is unique to the tag, which is non-coding and/or cannot be transcribed, and which may be distinguished from the ID sequences of other tag molecules, and(ii) is detectable in or on said animal, or in a body tissue or fluid sample from said animal.The tag may be used to identify the animal, for example in the context of tracking and tracing the animal. The tag may be administered to the animal in conjunction with a vaccine component, which may be provided as part of the tag nucleic acid molecule, or separately. Also provided herein are methods of tagging and vaccinating non-human animals, and combination products comprising a vaccine composition and a tag nucleic acid molecule, as well as apparatus for administering the tag nucleic acid molecule together with a vaccine.