Pathogen Detection Microarrays for Broad Blood Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood screening methods fail to detect a vast majority of transfusion-transmitted pathogens due to logistical and cost constraints, and existing multiplex PCR-based devices are limited in their ability to identify a wide range of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, particularly during the window period of infection.
Innovation Solution
Development of customized probe sets and microarrays that include probes with high identity to nucleic acid sequences of various pathogens, allowing for simultaneous detection of RNA viruses, DNA viruses, bacteria, and protozoan pathogens in blood samples, with the flexibility to adapt to emerging agents and detect low levels of pathogens using hybridization and amplification protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual qPCR or serologic testing is used for each pathogen, then detection specificity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pathogen detection capabilities into a single microarray platform. Hundreds of pathogen-specific probes are arrayed on one chip, allowing simultaneous detection of numerous pathogens in a single test. This merging approach maintains the specificity of individual pathogen detection while eliminating the need for separate testing procedures for each pathogen.
Solution Approach 2:
The microarray platform serves as a universal detection system that can identify multiple types of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites) simultaneously. The same basic platform and sample processing procedure can detect different pathogens by using the appropriate probe set, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized tests for each pathogen type.
2Reliability
If comprehensive pathogen screening is implemented for all known agents, then blood supply safety is improved, but cost and logistical feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges comprehensive pathogen screening capabilities into a single microarray test. By arraying hundreds of pathogen-specific probes on one chip, the system enables simultaneous detection of numerous pathogens that would otherwise require separate testing procedures, making comprehensive screening logistically feasible and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The microarray platform creates a standardized, controlled testing environment that simplifies the screening process. All pathogen detections occur within the same inert microarray environment using uniform sample preparation and hybridization protocols, eliminating the need for different testing conditions and procedures for each pathogen.
3Quantity of substance
If existing multiplex PCR-based devices are used, then multiple pathogens can be detected, but sensitivity and specificity for a wide range of pathogens are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional PCR-based detection to a microarray-based dimensional approach. Instead of amplifying and detecting pathogens in a single-dimensional reaction tube, the system arrays thousands of probes across a two-dimensional microarray surface, enabling simultaneous detection of numerous pathogens with high specificity through spatial separation of probe-target interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The microarray platform segments the detection process into distinct spatial zones, with each probe occupying a specific location on the array. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens without cross-interference, as each pathogen-target hybridization event occurs at its designated probe location and can be independently detected and analyzed.
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 solution provides a high-sensitivity and high-specificity multiplex assay capable of detecting multiple pathogens in a single blood sample, adaptable for rapid addition of new probes, enhancing the safety of the blood supply and addressing emerging pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
detecting multiple pathogens in a single blood sample, adaptable for rapid addition of new probes, enhancing the safety of the blood supply
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Probe sets capable of detecting pathogen nucleic acids in a sample are described. The probe set can be provided on a solid support, such as a microarray. Methods of detecting pathogen nucleic acids in a sample using the probe set are also provided. In some examples, the probes and methods are capable of detecting one or more RNA viruses, one or more DNA viruses, one or more bacterial nucleic acids, and/or one or more protozoan nucleic acids in a sample.