Nucleic Acid Sensor for Streptavidin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting streptavidin (SA) are not efficient for simple and wide-range applications across fields like clinical medical care, food, and environment, requiring a more effective sensor technology.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid sensor utilizing a catalyst nucleic acid molecule and a binding nucleic acid molecule that switches its catalytic function based on the presence or absence of SA, allowing for easy detection of SA through a nucleic acid sensor device and method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional detection methods for streptavidin are used, then detection capability is achieved, but efficiency and simplicity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical detection systems with a nucleic acid-based detection system. The nucleic acid sensor utilizes hybridization and catalytic mechanisms to detect streptavidin, eliminating the need for complex mechanical operations or multiple reagent additions, thereby improving both efficiency and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The nucleic acid sensor performs self-detection through the catalytic activity of the catalyst nucleic acid molecule. When streptavidin binds to the binding nucleic acid molecule, it releases the catalyst from the stem structure, enabling the catalyst to autonomously perform its catalytic function and generate a detectable signal without requiring external intervention or complex processing
2Device complexity
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection is possible, but device size and complexity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nucleic acid sensor is segmented into distinct functional domains: a binding nucleic acid molecule domain that specifically binds streptavidin, a stem-forming sequence domain that regulates catalyst activity, and a catalyst nucleic acid molecule domain that generates the detection signal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while maintaining overall simplicity and detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the nucleic acid structure, specifically the transition from a double-stranded stem structure to a single-stranded catalytically active structure. This structural parameter change is triggered by streptavidin binding and results in a measurable signal change, maintaining high detection precision with a simple device structure
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 nucleic acid sensor enables efficient detection of SA, allowing for quantitative, semi-quantitative, and qualitative analysis, facilitating downsized analysis devices capable of analyzing multiple specimens, particularly useful in clinical, food, and environmental research.
Implementation Method 1
a binding nucleic acid molecule (A) that binds to SA
Implementation Method 2
a catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) that exerts a catalytic function
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel sensor for detecting streptavidin (SA). The nucleic acid sensor for analyzing SA of the present invention includes the following nucleic acid element that includes a catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) that exerts a catalytic function and a binding nucleic acid molecule (A) that binds to SA. The nucleic acid element is a double-stranded nucleic acid element including a first strand and a second strand. The first strand (ss1) includes the binding nucleic acid molecule (A), a loop-forming sequence (L1), and the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) linked in this order. The second strand (ss2) includes a stem-forming sequence (SA), a loop-forming sequence (L2), and a stem-forming sequence (SD) linked in this order. In this nucleic acid element, in the absence of SA, the catalytic function of the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) is inhibited by stem formation in each of the stem-forming sequences (SA) and (SD), and in the presence of SA, the stem formation is released by a binding of the binding nucleic acid molecule (A) with the SA, and the catalytic function of the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) is exerted.