Nucleic Acid Probe Immobilization for Sensitive Plant Sample Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nucleic acid detection methods lack sensitivity, particularly in plant samples, making it difficult to efficiently detect nucleic acids such as miRNA and mRNA for assessing plant growth and stress conditions.

Innovation Solution

A nucleic acid detection chip comprising an inorganic substrate with nucleic acid probes linked via an amino group or an amide bond, utilizing active ester or carboxy groups for enhanced detection, including specific chemical modifications and linkers for improved hybridization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nucleic acid detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but sensitivity is insufficient for plant samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection accuracy in plant samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the probe-substrate linkage by using amino groups and amide bonds instead of conventional linkages. This chemical parameter change enhances the sensitivity and reliability of nucleic acid detection in plant samples by improving probe immobilization and signal detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining inorganic substrates with chemically modified nucleic acid probes featuring amino groups and active ester or carboxy groups. This composite material approach creates a more effective detection system that overcomes the sensitivity limitations of conventional single-material systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If nucleic acid probes are immobilized on substrates, then detection is enabled, but detection sensitivity remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection sensitivityVSAvoidchemical modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific chemical functional groups (amino groups, active ester groups, carboxy groups) at controlled positions on the nucleic acid probes. This targeted parameter change in chemical structure enables enhanced sensitivity without requiring complex device architecture modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 chip enables highly sensitive detection of nucleic acids in plant samples, allowing for accurate assessment of plant growth and stress conditions, with improved signal detection and amplification.

Implementation Method 1

the nucleic acid probe being linked by an amide bond between an amino group linked to the inorganic substrate and the nucleic acid probe that has an active ester group or a carboxy group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmide bond formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a nucleic acid detection chip comprising an inorganic substrate and a nucleic acid probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4692303A1Nucleic acid detection chip
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NAT UNIV CORP TOKAI NAT HIGHER EDUCATION & RES SYST
  • EP4692303A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4692303A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4692303A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is a chip that enables a nucleic acid in a biological sample (in particular, a plant sample) to be detected with higher sensitivity. A nucleic acid detection chip includes an inorganic substrate and a nucleic acid probe, (x) the nucleic acid probe being linked via an amino group linked to the inorganic substrate and/or (y) the nucleic acid probe being linked by an amide bond between an amino group linked to the inorganic substrate and the nucleic acid probe that has an active ester group or a carboxy group.