Polymerized Enzyme Conjugates for High-Sensitivity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological detection assays lack sufficient sensitivity due to limitations in the detection moieties used, particularly in the formation of polymerized conjugates without a carrier backbone, which hampers their effectiveness in applications like ELISA, oligonucleotide hybridization, and Western blots.

Innovation Solution

A method for forming polymerized indicator-binding compound conjugates through reductive amination, using sodium meta-periodate to oxidize carbohydrate groups on proteins, forming Schiff bases, and reducing them to stable secondary amines, allowing for the creation of polymerized conjugates like polyHRP-streptavidin without a carrier backbone, enhancing sensitivity by quantitatively binding multiple signal-generating enzymes to analyte molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional detection moieties are used in biological assays, then the assay structure is simple, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidconjugate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection moieties (enzymes) into a single polymerized conjugate complex without carrier backbone, creating a multi-enzyme cluster that binds to one analyte molecule. This combining approach amplifies the detection signal while maintaining structural simplicity through direct enzyme-analyte interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite detection system by polymerizing multiple enzyme molecules into a conjugate complex that functions as a unified detection entity. This composite structure enhances measurement precision through collective signal generation from multiple enzymes working in unison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If multiple signal-generating enzymes are bound to one analyte molecule, then detection sensitivity is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-background ratioVSAvoidconjugate formation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first polymerizing the detection moieties into a pre-formed conjugate complex before introducing it to the analyte. This pre-polymerization step simplifies the overall manufacturing process by separating the complex enzyme assembly from the final assay application, making the process more manageable and scalable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If polymerized conjugates without carrier backbone are formed, then sensitivity is improved, but the stability of the conjugate structure may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidconjugate structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical support system (carrier backbone) with a chemically stable polymerized enzyme structure. The conjugate stability is maintained through covalent bonding and polymerization forces rather than relying on a physical carrier framework, substituting structural support mechanisms to achieve both sensitivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method significantly enhances detection sensitivity in assays by providing a plurality of signal-generating enzymes bound to one analyte molecule, improving signal-to-background ratios in applications such as ELISA, oligonucleotide hybridization, and Western blots, as demonstrated by chromatographic and immunohistochemical results.

Implementation Method 1

oxidizes a carbohydrate, e.g. a hydroxyl group, on protein 1 and/or protein 2 to an aldehyde

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

reacts the aldehyde produced with a primary amine group on protein 1 and/or protein 2 to form a Schiff base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction:

Implementation Method 3

reduces the Schiff base to form a stable, secondary amine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP2837691B1Polymerized conjugates for biological applications
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 PIERCE BIOTECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2837691B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2837691B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2837691B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A polymerized indicator-binding compound complex composition comprising a first polymer directly or indirectly linked to a second polymer, where the first polymer comprises at least a first indicator molecule directly or indirectly linked to a second indicator molecule and at least one binding compound directly or indirectly linked to at least one indicator molecule, and where the second polymer comprises at least a third indicator molecule directly or indirectly linked to a fourth indicator molecule, and where at least one indicator molecule of the first polymer is directly or indirectly linked to an indicator molecule of the second polymer, where directly linked molecules comprise covalent bonds between the molecules, and indirectly linked molecules comprise covalent bonds between the molecules and a linker moiety, where the linker moiety is either homobifunctional or heterobifunctional and comprises a hydrophilic spacer, and at least one biocompatible excipient, where the composition is a polymerized indicator-binding compound complex.