Saliva Viral Sensor Kit with KOH Conditioning and Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are time-consuming, such as qRT-PCR, which requires hours and may delay diagnosis, especially with increasing case numbers, necessitating the development of rapid point-of-care detection devices.
Innovation Solution
A test kit and method utilizing containers with different concentrations of KOH solutions for sample testing, conditioning, and calibration, allowing for rapid detection of viruses in saliva samples without additional cleaning steps, using a sensor to determine virus presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If qRT-PCR is used for virus detection, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical detection function from the complex qRT-PCR process by using a sensor to directly detect viral components in saliva samples. This eliminates the time-consuming amplification and multiple processing steps of qRT-PCR while maintaining detection capability through direct sensor measurement of viral presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical complexity of qRT-PCR with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The sensor directly measures viral components in the sample, substituting the multi-step mechanical processing, thermal cycling, and chemical reactions of qRT-PCR with a single rapid electronic detection step.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning steps are added to the testing process, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service cleaning where the sensor automatically rinses itself using the test solution buffer during the detection process. The buffer serves dual purposes: as the testing medium and as the cleaning agent, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning steps while maintaining sensor reliability through automated buffer rinsing.
3Measurement precision
If additional consumables and cleaning steps are required, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the test solution buffer multi-functional by using it for both sample dilution and sensor cleaning/rinsing. This single solution performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate consumables and steps, thereby maintaining detection precision through proper sensor maintenance while increasing productivity by reducing the number of required components and operations.
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 rapid and efficient detection of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples, reducing the need for additional consumables and cleaning steps, and facilitating point-of-care testing, thereby aiding in early detection and controlling the spread of the virus.
Implementation Method 1
a first container (T1) having a first media for conditioning, catalyst formation and rinsing of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
probing the media of T3 with the sensor to determine if a virus is present
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for testing for a virus and interacting with a sensor are disclosed. For example, the kit can include a first container having a first media for conditioning, catalyst formation and rinsing of the sensor. The first media can comprise V mL of 1 M KOH. The kit can have a second container with a second media for negative control (baseline solution) for the sensor. The second media can comprise W ML of 0.01 M KOH. The kit can further include a third container having a third media for sample testing with the sensor. The third media can comprise X mL of 0.01 M KOH. The third container can receive Y mL of saliva to complete a Z mL total volume in the third container prior to sample testing. In some versions, a ratio V: W: X: Y: Z=1.0: 1.0: 0.9: 0.1: 1.0 can be used.