Recombinant Spore Sensing Elements for Sensitive Low-Cost Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid screening methods for detecting compounds, antibodies, and proteins, such as ELISA and LFA, have limitations in detection sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, necessitating improvements for more efficient and affordable detection systems.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing recombinant spores or bacteria expressing recombinant proteins on their surface, combined with signal-producing substances, to create a diagnostic kit for detecting analytes through methods like ELISA, LFA, and flow cytometry, enhancing sensitivity and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ELISA or LFA methods are used for rapid screening, then detection can be performed with standard procedures, but detection sensitivity is insufficient and cost-effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the detection system by using spore surface display technology to present antigens in a highly organized, repetitive array on the spore surface. This structural organization enhances the binding capacity and signal amplification, thereby improving detection sensitivity without requiring expensive equipment or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the target antigen by displaying them in arrays on the spore surface. Each spore presents numerous copies of the antigen, which amplifies the detection signal and improves sensitivity. This copying approach allows conventional ELISA or LFA methods to detect analytes at lower concentrations without requiring expensive modifications to the detection methodology
2Measurement precision
If recombinant spores or bacteria are used as sensing elements, then detection sensitivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the complexity of constructing the recombinant system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-organizing properties of spore surface display systems, where the antigen-anchor fusion proteins automatically organize themselves on the spore surface during sporulation. This self-organization eliminates the need for complex external assembly procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The antigen display system is constructed in advance during spore formation, before the actual detection process. The recombinant bacteria are engineered to express antigen-anchor fusion proteins that are incorporated into the spore coat during sporulation. This preliminary construction of the sensing element simplifies the detection process, as the spores are ready-to-use sensing platforms that require no further complex preparation
3Stability of the object's composition
If surface display on spores is used, then stability and ability to express large molecules are improved, but the complexity of achieving proper protein anchoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal anchoring system based on spore coat proteins that can accommodate various antigen targets. The anchor proteins (such as CotA, CotB, CotC) are naturally occurring spore coat proteins that provide a common platform for displaying different antigens. This universal system simplifies the anchoring process compared to organism-specific systems, as the same anchor proteins can be used for diverse antigen targets while maintaining stability and proper surface presentation
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 provides easier handling, lower costs, and improved detection limits with higher sensitivity for analytes, making it a more effective alternative to existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the recombinant protein specifically binds to the analyte directly or through a binding agent that specifically binds to the recombinant protein and the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and a system for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. In particular, the present invention provides a system, such as a diagnostic kit, for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample, comprising (a) a recombinant bacterium or spore expressing one or more recombinant proteins on the surface thereof, wherein the recombinant protein specifically binds to the analyte directly or through a binding agent that specifically binds to the recombinant protein and the analyte, and (b) a signal-producing substance that can be detected.