SERS Immunoassay Nanosensor for Rapid On-Site Listeria Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for detecting Listeria spp. are lengthy and require skilled technicians, and rapid molecular techniques are not suitable for on-site use.
Innovation Solution
A sandwich immunoassay kit using Listeria-specific antigen binding moieties immobilized on surfaces and particles with SERS or Raman labels for rapid and easy detection of Listeria spp., allowing for quantification and differentiation between species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional culture confirmation methods are used for detecting Listeria spp., then detection reliability is improved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical culture-based detection methods with an optical detection system using Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical process of bacterial culture growth and manual identification is substituted by optical measurement of Raman signals from labeled bacteria, enabling rapid detection without time-consuming culturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Raman labels as intermediaries between the Listeria bacteria and the detection system. These labels emit characteristic Raman signals that serve as mediators for identifying bacterial presence and species, replacing the need for direct observation of bacterial morphology or culture characteristics.
2Loss of time
If rapid molecular techniques are used for detecting Listeria spp., then detection time is reduced, but device complexity and requirement for skilled technicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microplate wells and simple optical measurement components rather than complex, expensive molecular biology equipment. The detection system uses basic Raman spectroscopy hardware that can be operated in simple microplate formats, eliminating the need for sophisticated molecular instruments and specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the detection system to be self-contained and operator-independent. The Raman-labeled bacteria provide their own detection signal without requiring skilled technical intervention, automated sequencing, or complex data analysis pipelines, allowing any operator to perform reliable detection.
3Ease of operation
If conventional detection methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but detection sensitivity and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes optical signal changes (analogous to color changes) through Raman spectroscopy to detect bacterial presence. The Raman labels produce characteristic optical signals that can be detected and interpreted by simple optical measurement systems, maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically increasing detection speed and sensitivity.
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, on-site detection and quantification of Listeria spp. with high sensitivity and specificity, enhancing Raman signals by up to 10^12, allowing detection of concentrations as low as 5 CFU/mL.
Implementation Method 1
the particle or bead further comprises a SERS or Raman label or dye
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to products and methods for detecting Listeria species in an environment, such as in a food product, using first and second Listeria specific antigen binding moieties and a SERS or a Raman label or dye, in order to enable detection of complexes formed between a Listeria antigen and first and second Listeria specific antigen binding moieties.