SARS-CoV-2 Detection With LAMP Primers for Speed and Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, suffer from low sensitivity and accuracy, necessitating a faster and more precise diagnostic approach.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique with specifically designed oligonucleotide primers targeting regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, such as the N, M, and RdRP genes, to enhance detection sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RT-PCR methods are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then detection capability is achieved, but detection sensitivity and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection method from RT-PCR to LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification), altering the fundamental parameters of the amplification process. The LAMP method uses isothermal conditions (constant temperature around 60-65°C) instead of thermal cycling, and employs a different primer structure (F3, B3, FIP, BIP primers) that enables higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex thermal cycling mechanism of RT-PCR with the isothermal amplification mechanism of LAMP. This substitution eliminates the need for temperature cycling equipment and enables simpler, more sensitive detection while maintaining reliability through the specific primer design that targets conserved regions of the viral genome

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

2Speed

If RT-PCR methods are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then detection capability is achieved, but detection speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from cyclic heating and cooling (RT-PCR) to constant isothermal conditions (LAMP), enabling faster amplification. The LAMP method achieves sufficient amplification in 15-30 minutes compared to the longer thermal cycling required for RT-PCR, while the enhanced primer design compensates for any potential sensitivity trade-offs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous isothermal amplification without the interruptions inherent in thermal cycling. The LAMP reaction proceeds continuously at a constant temperature, eliminating the time lost during temperature transitions and enabling faster detection while maintaining sensitivity through the efficient exponential amplification mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If existing detection methods are used, then detection capability is achieved, but cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespecificityVSAvoidcross-reactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing primers that target specific, conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (such as the N gene, ORF1ab, or E gene regions). The F3, B3, FIP, and BIP primers are carefully designed to bind to unique sequences that are highly specific to SARS-CoV-2, reducing cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses while maintaining high sensitivity for the target pathogen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 LAMP method allows for rapid and highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2, with a minimum detection limit of 10-25 copies within 15 minutes, reducing cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

producing an oligonucleotide primer that is selectively hybridized with a sequence specific to SARS-CoV-2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

amplifying the sequence specific to SARS-CoV-2 through a LAMP method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoop-mediated isothermal amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12410488B2Method for detecting coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 EIKEN KAGAKU

AI summary

Disclosed are oligonucleotide primers that hybridize specifically with any base sequence designed from the base sequences of the N gene, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene, M gene, and S gene of SARS-CoV-2, a nucleic acid amplification method using said primers, a test method for SARS-CoV-2 infection by detection of nucleic acid amplification, and a COVID-19 test kit.