rcSso7d Proteins for Rapid Bacterial Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often require expensive equipment, with existing antibodies lacking specificity and requiring lengthy pre-enrichment steps.

Innovation Solution

Development of antigen-binding molecules, specifically reduced-charge Sso7d (rcSso7d) proteins, which are engineered to bind selectively to bacterial surface proteins such as LMOf2365_0639, OmpA, OmpW, OmpC, OmpF, and phoE, enabling rapid and specific detection without the need for complex equipment or extensive pre-enrichment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection methods are used for foodborne pathogens, then detection can be performed with existing technology, but the process is time-consuming and requires lengthy pre-enrichment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection specificityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-engineering the rcSso7d proteins with specific binding affinities to bacterial surface proteins during the protein development phase. This allows the detection system to be ready for immediate use without requiring time-consuming pre-enrichment steps, as the proteins are specifically designed to bind directly to target bacteria at various stages of growth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the charge characteristics of the Sso7d protein to create the reduced-charge variant (rcSso7d). This parameter modification enhances the protein's binding affinity and specificity to bacterial surface proteins, enabling rapid detection without pre-enrichment while maintaining high detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If existing antibodies are used for detection, then detection can be performed, but they lack specificity and require complex equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection specificityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex antibodies with engineered rcSso7d proteins that are simpler, more stable, and can be produced cost-effectively. These proteins serve as disposable detection reagents that maintain high specificity while eliminating the need for complex equipment and extensive preparation procedures

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the detection protein by reducing the charge of Sso7d to create rcSso7d, which enhances stability and binding characteristics. This parameter change allows the protein to function effectively as a specific detector without requiring the complex structure and equipment needed for traditional antibodies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If pre-enrichment steps are performed to improve detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity increases, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by engineering the rcSso7d proteins during development to have high binding affinity and sensitivity for target bacterial surface proteins. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for labor-intensive pre-enrichment steps, as the proteins can detect bacteria directly at various concentrations and growth stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and targets specific surface proteins from bacterial cells (such as OmpA, OmpW, and other outer membrane proteins) to design the binding specificity of rcSso7d. By focusing on these specific surface targets, the system achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring the extraction and enrichment of intracellular components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20230358742A1Engineered binding proteins for recognition of bacteria
Publication Date: 2023.11.09 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
  • US20230358742A1 patent drawing
  • US20230358742A1 patent drawing
  • US20230358742A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein are antigen-binding molecules that bind to bacteria (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes) and methods of use thereof. Also described herein are compositions and kits comprising these antigen-binding molecules.