PRRSV Antigen-Coated Nitrocellulose Membrane for Rapid Antibody Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies are costly, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment, making it difficult to implement effective bio-security measures in swine farms, leading to recurring outbreaks despite vaccination efforts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of a vaccine composition using PRRSV proteins and antigens from infected cells, combined with an adjuvant, and the use of devices coated with these proteins/antigens for rapid detection of antibodies in biological fluids, employing immunodiffusion enzyme assays to identify infected subjects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current laboratory methods (ELISA, indirect fluorescent antibody test, immunoperoxidase monolayer assay) are used to detect PRRSV antibodies, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the cost increases, time consumption increases, and specialized equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidequipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable nitrocellulose membranes and pre-prepared antigen coatings on solid supports, eliminating the need for expensive, complex laboratory equipment. The test strips are single-use devices that can be disposed of after one test, making the system simple enough for field use while maintaining detection accuracy through controlled antigen-antibody reactions on the membrane surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory equipment by isolating the antigen-antibody reaction to a simple nitrocellulose membrane surface. The detection system separates the critical immunological reaction from the complex instrumentation, allowing accurate detection to be performed with minimal equipment while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If current laboratory methods are used to detect PRRSV antibodies, then reliable detection is achieved, but at least 3 days including mailing time are required to obtain a result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating nitrocellulose membranes with specific PRRSV antigens before use and pre-assembling the test strip components. This preparation is done in advance, allowing the actual field test to proceed immediately with only the sample and reagents needed, eliminating the time required for sample preparation and equipment setup in the field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent rushes through the detection process by using a rapid immunochromatographic assay that completes the antigen-antibody reaction and detection within minutes rather than days. The pre-prepared test strips are designed to process samples quickly through the membrane, skipping the lengthy incubation and processing steps required by traditional laboratory methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If veterinarians send blood samples to diagnostic laboratories for PRRSV antibody testing, then accurate detection is achieved, but costs for collecting samples and shipping them increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibody detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service by designing a test system that farmers can operate independently in the field without requiring veterinary intervention or laboratory facilities. The pre-prepared test strips contain all necessary reagents and controls, allowing farmers to perform accurate antibody detection themselves, eliminating the need to pay for professional laboratory services and sample shipping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive disposable nitrocellulose membranes and pre-packaged test strips that can be purchased at low cost and used immediately in the field. These single-use devices eliminate the need for expensive, reusable laboratory equipment and the associated operational costs, making accurate testing affordable for farmers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If PRRSV vaccine is used for eradication, then some protection is achieved, but eradication has not been routinely successful at the farm level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaccine effectivenessVSAvoideradication success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by enabling farmers to regularly test their herds for PRRSV antibodies using the simple field test. This continuous monitoring provides real-time information about infection status, allowing farmers to adjust their biosecurity measures and vaccination strategies based on actual herd health data, thereby improving eradication success rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach allows for a simple, inexpensive, and rapid detection of PRRSV antibodies, enabling early identification of infected animals and improving bio-security measures, reducing the economic impact of PRRSV outbreaks.

Implementation Method 1

extracting or eluting PRRS virus proteins and antigens from the isolated cells with a detergent containing solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetergent extraction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

The detection is mediated by the use of compositions containing one or more PRRSV encoded proteins and/or antigens which binds antibodies against said proteins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

combining said extract or eluate with an adjuvant to form a vaccine composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdjuvant effect:

Data Source

PatentEP1904627B1Method for the preparation of PRRS virus and proteins of and diagnostic test kits for detecting them
Publication Date: 2013.05.22 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
  • EP1904627B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

This invention provides kits, devices, and methods for the detection of antibodies that recognize one or more proteins and/or antigens from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The antibodies may be in a biological fluid of a PRRSV infected or at risk subject. The invention may be advantageously applied to both the diagnosis and prevention of PRRSV infection.