Parental Genotype Analysis for Low-DNA Aneuploidy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting chromosomal anomalies in low amounts of genetic material are prone to bias and noise due to amplification, and require phased genotype data from family members, making them cumbersome and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A method using unphased genotype information from both parents and allele frequency analysis to detect chromosomal anomalies, allowing discrimination between meiotic and mitotic anomalies without the need for phased data or additional family samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate reactions are performed in different tubes followed by separate analysis, then each reaction can be optimized independently, but the analysis time increases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction optimizationVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate reactions (hybridization, washing, and detection reactions) that were previously performed in different tubes into a single microarray system. This merging allows all reactions to occur simultaneously in one integrated platform, eliminating the need for sequential processing across multiple tubes, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining reaction optimization through controlled conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microarray system serves multiple functions within a single device: it performs hybridization of genetic material to probes, washing of unbound material, and detection of bound complexes. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate specialized reactions into one universal platform, reducing both time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate reactions are performed in different tubes, then each reaction can be controlled independently, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction controlVSAvoidlabor cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple labor-intensive separate reactions into a single automated microarray process. By combining hybridization, washing, and detection into one integrated system, the number of manual operations is dramatically reduced, lowering labor costs while maintaining independent reaction control through spatial separation of probe elements on the array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microarray system is designed to perform washing and detection functions automatically without requiring separate manual intervention for each reaction step. The system self-manages the multiple reactions through programmed sequences, reducing dependence on manual labor while preserving reaction control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If genetic material is analyzed by traditional methods, then the process is well-established, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess stabilityVSAvoidanalysis throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the genetic material analysis into numerous individual probe elements arranged on a microarray surface. Each probe targets a specific sequence, allowing parallel analysis of multiple genetic regions simultaneously. This segmentation enables high-throughput analysis while maintaining the reliability of established hybridization and detection methods for each individual probe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear sequential analysis in tubes to a two-dimensional microarray surface. By arranging probes spatially across the surface of a slide, the system enables simultaneous multi-point analysis, dramatically increasing throughput while preserving the reliability of individual reaction processes through maintained chemical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Improves the accuracy of aneuploidy detection and chromosomal mosaicism analysis in samples with low DNA amounts, reducing bias and simplifying the process by eliminating the need for phased data and additional family samples.

Implementation Method 1

manipulation of the magnetic particles with magnetic means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4118652B1Method for the analysis of genetic material
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 VRIJE UNIV BRUSSEL
  • EP4118652B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4118652B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4118652B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1H

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for the analysis of genetic material in a subject. More in particular, the present invention relates to a method for the analysis of genetic material using unphased genotype information of polymorphic variants of a first and second parent of a subject in combination with the allele frequency of the polymorphic variants in the genetic material of the subject. In a further aspect, the method of the present invention is particularly useful for the analysis of genetic material isolated from a sample comprising a low amount of genetic material and/or detection of low level chromosomal mosaicism.