Protein Biosensor Threshold Detection for Mutated COVID Strains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic methods for COVID-19 are ineffective against rapidly mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus strains, such as Omicron, leading to a need for systems that can timely detect new SARS-CoV-2 virus strains with mutated genomes.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor system utilizing two different biological components, separated by an internal membrane, interacts with blood or sputum samples to output first and second signals, processed by detectors integrated into a memory device, which determines the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus strains through threshold comparisons and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing diagnostic methods are used, then current COVID-19 detection can be performed, but they become ineffective against mutated SARS-CoV-2 virus strains
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system dynamically adapts to detect different virus strains by using multiple biological components (proteins, aptamers, antibodies) that can recognize various viral antigens. The system can be reconfigured through software updates to target emerging variants, making the detection method reliable across different mutated strains rather than being static and strain-specific
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor is designed with multi-functionality to detect multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants simultaneously. It incorporates various biological recognition elements that can bind to different viral antigens, allowing a single device to serve universal detection purposes across original and mutated strains, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic tools for each variant
2Reliability
If comprehensive viral disease diagnosis is implemented, then timely detection of new SARS-CoV-2 virus strains is possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated biosensor device. Multiple biological components are combined in one chip, and the signal processing, data analysis, and communication functions are integrated into one unified system, achieving comprehensive diagnostic capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor employs a nested structure where multiple biological recognition elements are embedded within a single chip architecture. The chip contains layered components including sensors, signal processing circuits, and data storage, with each layer nested within the previous one, allowing comprehensive functionality while maintaining a compact form factor
3Measurement precision
If biosensor signals are decoded into values for threshold comparison, then accurate detection of mutated strains is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing threshold values for different virus strains during the design phase. The biosensor is pre-calibrated with reference data for various SARS-CoV-2 variants, allowing immediate comparison of test results against known benchmarks without requiring time-consuming analysis procedures during actual detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual analysis processes with automated electronic signal processing. The biosensor outputs electrical signals that are automatically decoded, converted to numerical values, and compared against stored thresholds using integrated circuits, eliminating time-consuming manual interpretation while maintaining high measurement precision
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 accurate and timely detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus strains, including mutated variants, by decoding biosensor signals into values that exceed or fall below predefined thresholds, facilitating effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a biosensor utilizing two different biological components that interacts with a blood (or sputum) sample and outputs the first and second signals
Implementation Method 2
The first biological component and the second biological component are coupled to the same transducer within the biosensor
Implementation Method 3
The first biological component and the second biological component are separated from each other by an internal membrane
Implementation Method 4
The first biological component and the second biological component are coupled to the same transducer within the biosensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for determining COVID include a protein biosensor that interacts with human biological sample and outputs the first and second signals; a wireless communication device; a memory device with detectors integrated into the memory device. The protein biosensor is configured to use two different biological components separated by an internal membrane within the protein biosensor. The concentration of the first biological component is the limit concentration for the first virus strain and the concentration of the second biological component is the limit concentration for the second virus strain. The memory device is configured to receive the first and second signals and set the first and second signal thresholds for each integrated detector. The memory device identifies the presence of the first or second virus strain in response to integrated detectors are detecting a value that is greater than or less than the first or second signal threshold.