Quorum Sensing Molecule Detection for Rapid Sepsis Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting sepsis pathogens are slow, often taking 24-48 hours, which delays targeted antibiotic treatment, and existing biomarker tests like procalcitonin determination only indicate a general infection risk without identifying specific pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A rapid test method using detection molecules that bind quorum-sensing target molecules such as homoserine lactone and autoinducer peptides, allowing for specific identification of sepsis pathogens and their characterization, enabling early and targeted treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood culture methods are used to detect sepsis pathogens, then pathogen identification is achieved, but detection time is too long (24-48 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and detects specific quorum sensing molecules (N-acyl homoserine lactones) produced by bacteria as early indicators of infection, rather than waiting for slow-growing bacterial cultures. This molecular extraction approach enables detection within hours by measuring bacterial communication signals that appear before visible colony formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The test detects quorum sensing molecules that bacteria produce in advance of significant bacterial population growth. By measuring these preliminary signaling molecules, the system provides early warning of infection before the full pathogen load is established, enabling preemptive treatment.
2Loss of time
If procalcitonin determination is used for early detection, then general infection risk is identified, but specific pathogen identification is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection process into two distinct components: first detecting quorum sensing molecules as early general infection indicators (similar to procalcitonin's early warning), then using Gram-staining of cultured bacteria to identify specific pathogen types. This segmentation provides both early detection and specific identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses quorum sensing molecules as intermediary markers that appear early in infection but ultimately lead to specific pathogen identification through culture and Gram-staining. These molecular mediators bridge the gap between early detection and definitive pathogen characterization.
3Loss of time
If broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered preventively, then treatment initiation is timely, but targeted treatment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides rapid feedback within hours about the presence and type of bacterial infection through quorum sensing molecule detection and Gram-staining. This feedback loop enables clinicians to adjust antibiotic therapy from broad-spectrum preventive treatment to targeted pathogen-specific treatment, minimizing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/waiting-based approach of traditional culture methods with a molecular detection system that measures chemical signals (quorum sensing molecules) directly in patient samples. This substitution accelerates diagnosis from days to hours, enabling timely targeted treatment without prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
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 enables rapid detection of sepsis pathogens within hours, allowing for timely and specific treatment, reducing the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics and improving diagnostic accuracy by identifying specific pathogens and their Gram status.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a sample and at least two detection molecules that bind a different quorum-sensing target molecule under conditions that allow binding of the target molecules to the at least two detection molecules
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rapid test for detecting pathogen material, in particular in order to support the diagnosis of sepsis, and to a kit and to a device for performing a sepsis test. In order to provide a rapid test and a device (1) that make it possible to detect sepsis early, to detect sepsis pathogens, to determine the pathogenic status thereof, or to characterize the causative germ in more detail, the device (1) according to the invention comprises at least one device (1) for performing a sepsis test, in particular in the form of a rapid test, which device comprises at least one detection field (7) having detection molecules (8), which specifically bind a quorum sensing target molecule (9) or a quorum-sensing-associated target molecule (10). The rapid test according to the invention comprises the steps of bringing a sample (6) and at least one detection molecule (8) in contact, which detection molecule specifically binds a quorum sensing target molecule (9) or a quorum-sensing-associated target molecule (10), under conditions that enable the target molecule (9, 10) to bond to the at least one detection molecule (8); and checking if a target molecule (9, 10) has bonded to the at least one detection molecule (8).