Rapid Multi-Genus Bacterial Detection with Antibody Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting bacteria in food, beverage, and environmental samples are time-consuming and limited in their ability to detect a wide spectrum of bacteria, and the ATP method struggles to differentiate between bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing antigen-antibody reactions with a combination of generic and specific antibodies to simultaneously detect multiple genera of bacteria, allowing for rapid and accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the culture method is used to detect bacteria, then the detection is specific to cultured bacteria, but it takes several days to a week and requires culture facilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial detection specificityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical culture system with an immunological detection system using antibodies that directly bind to bacterial antigens. This substitution eliminates the need for bacterial cultivation while enabling rapid detection within minutes to hours, resolving the time consumption issue while maintaining detection capability through antigen-antibody specific binding.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces antibodies as intermediary substances that mediate between the sample and detection system. These antibodies specifically recognize and bind to bacterial antigens, enabling direct detection without culture. This intermediary approach allows rapid identification of bacteria while maintaining specificity through the antibody-antigen interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the culture method is used to detect bacteria, then specific bacteria matching culture conditions can be detected, but it is impossible to simultaneously detect bacteria of a wide spectrum of genera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection spectrum
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a panel of multiple antibodies, each specific to different bacterial genera or species. This multi-antibody system provides universal detection capability across a wide spectrum of bacteria simultaneously, while maintaining specific identification of each genus through its corresponding antibody. The system can detect multiple bacterial types in a single assay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple segments, each comprising antibodies specific to particular bacterial genera. By segmenting the antibody panel into multiple specific components, the system can simultaneously detect and differentiate various bacterial genera, achieving both broad spectrum detection and genus-specific identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the ATP method is used to detect bacteria, then rapid detection is possible, but it is difficult to identify bacteria from eukaryotic cells because ATP is present in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidbacterial identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by using antibodies with specific binding characteristics tailored to bacterial antigens. Each antibody is designed to recognize unique bacterial surface markers or proteins, providing localized specificity to bacterial detection. This allows the system to distinguish bacterial cells from eukaryotic cells based on the presence of bacterial-specific antigens, maintaining rapid detection while achieving accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from general ATP content to specific antigen-antibody binding. By shifting from measuring a universal parameter (ATP present in all cells) to a specific parameter (bacterial antigen presence detected by specific antibodies), the system maintains rapid detection capability while achieving bacterial-specific identification, eliminating false positives from eukaryotic cells.

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

Enables quick and efficient detection of multiple bacterial genera in various samples, improving sensitivity and accuracy while reducing false positives.

Implementation Method 1

simultaneous detection of the presence and/or amount of different bacteria of plural genera in a sample based on antigen-antibody reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP4279923B1Method and kit for detecting presence and/or amount of bacteria in food/drink sample, environmental sample, or biological sample
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • EP4279923B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Provided is a method that makes it possible to detect the presence and/or amount of bacteria in a food/drink sample, environmental sample, or biological sample in a short period of time, simply, and efficiently. This method comprises a step in which the presences and/or amounts of bacteria of two or more different genera in a sample are simultaneously detected on the basis of antigen-antibody reactions.