Passive Insect Surveillance Sensor Using Colorimetric Aptamer Conjugates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveillance methods for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are inadequate for real-time detection and identification of infected mosquitoes, posing a risk for epidemics in Florida and other endemic areas.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric, passive mosquito-borne disease surveillance sensor device using DNA aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates that bind to mosquito saliva or pathogen proteins, causing a visible color change for detection without the need for power, integrated with an insect attractant and toxic substance for effective mosquito capture and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surveillance methods are used for mosquito-borne diseases, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection capability are insufficient for real-time detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colorimetric detection using gold nanoparticle conjugates that change color upon binding to mosquito saliva or pathogen proteins. This visual color change provides real-time detection capability without requiring complex electronic instruments, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DNA aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates as intermediary detection elements that specifically bind to mosquito saliva or pathogen proteins. These conjugates serve as mediators between the target analytes and the detection system, enabling sensitive and specific detection without complex equipment
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive unpowered sensor device is used, then use of energy is reduced, but detection sensitivity and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a passive sensor device that requires no external power source. The detection system is self-sufficient, using the inherent colorimetric properties of gold nanoparticle conjugates to generate detectable signals automatically upon binding to targets, thereby eliminating power requirements while maintaining detection reliability through careful molecular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (color) of gold nanoparticle conjugates upon binding to target molecules. This parameter change provides a reliable, power-independent detection mechanism that maintains high sensitivity without requiring active power input or electronic amplification
3Measurement precision
If species-specific and pathogen-specific detection is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs separate detector conjugates for species-specific detection and pathogen-specific detection. This segmentation allows each conjugate type to be optimized for its specific target, achieving high specificity for both mosquito species identification and pathogen detection without requiring a single complex multi-functional system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection platform using gold nanoparticle conjugates that can detect both mosquito species and pathogen proteins through the same colorimetric mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to perform multiple detection tasks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high specificity for each target
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
Enables real-time, species-specific and pathogen-specific detection of mosquitoes, allowing for timely preventative measures and improved surveillance of mosquito populations, effectively identifying at-risk areas for these diseases.
Implementation Method 1
A colorimetric, passive mosquito-borne disease surveillance sensor device using DNA aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates that bind to mosquito saliva or pathogen proteins, causing a visible color change for detection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are real-time insect surveillance sensor devices and methods that use a colorimetric readout for detecting insect disease vectors (such as mosquitoes which can transmit pathogens such as DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV). The method involves an attractive or feeding solution combined with detector conjugates. The conjugate can specifically detect proteins present in insect saliva and/or proteins specific to mosquito-borne pathogens.