Multiple-Substance-Responsive Gel for Simultaneous Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting multiple biomolecules require individual measurements, making simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-substance-responsive gel is developed, comprising complexes of specifically binding substances and their binding partners, immobilized in a polymer gel to form cross-links, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules through a single measurement by changes in volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional array or microarray methods are used to detect multiple biomolecules, then multiple detection target substances can be simultaneously measured, but individual measurement of each substance is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple detection functions into a single gel system. Multiple types of complexes (antigen-antibody, nucleic acid hybridization, enzyme-substrate) are incorporated into one gel matrix, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules through a single measurement operation, thus improving detection efficiency while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The gel system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating diverse complex types that respond to different biomolecules. The gel can simultaneously detect antigens, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules through their respective complexes, making a single detection system universal for multiple detection targets
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of complexes are introduced into the gel to detect multiple substances, then simultaneous detection capability is improved, but the complexity of the gel structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gel system is segmented into multiple independent complex types, each responsible for detecting specific biomolecules. This modular segmentation allows each complex type to function independently while contributing to the overall detection capability, managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite gel structures combining multiple complex types within a single matrix. Different complexes (antigen-antibody, nucleic acid, enzyme-substrate) are integrated into the gel, creating a composite material that provides diverse detection capabilities while maintaining structural organization
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 gel effectively detects multiple biomolecules by significant volume changes only when all target substances are present, enabling precise and efficient simultaneous detection.
Implementation Method 1
a gel in which two single-stranded nucleic acids hybridized with each other are introduced as a source of cross-linking points. The gel has a characteristic that when the two single-stranded nucleic acids hybridized with each other come in contact with a target that causes strand exchange and consequent dissociation of the two single-stranded nucleic acids hybridized with each other, the cross-linking points decrease and the gel thereby swells.
Implementation Method 2
a polymer gel to which the plurality of kinds of complexes are immobilized so as to form cross-links
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-substance-responsive substance is disclosed, which is capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of detection target substances by a single measurement. By a multiple-substance-responsive gel including: a plurality of kinds of complexes including (i) specifically binding substances, and (ii) binding partners each specifically and reversibly binding to a corresponding one of the specifically binding substances; and a polymer gel to which the plurality of kinds of complexes are immobilized so as to form cross-links, the plurality of kinds of complexes each being formed by binding between (i) a specifically binding substance among the specifically binding substances and (ii) a corresponding binding partner among the binding partners, a plurality of detection target substances can be simultaneously detected by a single measurement.