Silver Nanocluster Probe for Polynucleotide Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biosensors face challenges in achieving both specificity and sensitivity for rapid and convenient detection of target polynucleotides and mutations, with existing technologies being inconvenient, having reproducibility issues, and requiring complex labeling processes.

Innovation Solution

A silver nanocluster probe comprising a silver nanoparticle binding region and a specific nucleotide sequence region that emits detectable light when silver nanoparticles bind, but decreases emission when a target polynucleotide binds, allowing for rapid and sensitive detection of target polynucleotides and mutations without separate labeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluorescence-labeled primers are used for target polynucleotide detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the detection process becomes complex and time-consuming due to amplification and scanning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from complex microarray systems and fluorescence amplification processes, creating a standalone silver nanocluster probe that directly detects target polynucleotides through simple light emission changes, eliminating the need for amplification and scanning equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complex system of fluorescence labeling, amplification, and scanning with a chemical-optical system based on silver nanocluster formation and light emission, simplifying the detection process while maintaining sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If microfluidics chip is used for analyte detection, then detection convenience and miniaturization are improved, but reproducibility deteriorates due to buffer issues and complex sweeping processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection convenienceVSAvoiddetection reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The silver nanocluster probe performs self-detection through intrinsic light emission changes when forming nanoclusters with silver ions in the presence of target polynucleotides, eliminating the need for external buffer systems and alternating current sweeping processes that compromise reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If silver nanoparticles are used for signal amplification, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the probe structure becomes complex requiring separate labeling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the silver nanoparticle binding function and the light emission function into a single integrated silver nanocluster probe structure, eliminating the need for separate labeling steps while maintaining signal amplification and detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 convenient detection of target polynucleotides and mutations with high specificity and sensitivity, providing a biosensor capable of detecting changes in light emission to quantify the presence or mutation of target polynucleotides within one hour, with stable emission properties and high sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

the silver nanocluster probe is configured such that it will emit detectable light when silver nanoparticles bind to the silver nanoparticle binding region to form a silver nanocluster

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from silver nanocluster: Luminescence

Implementation Method 2

light emission from the silver nanocluster probe will decrease or decay when the target polynucleotide binds to the specific nucleotide sequence region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleotide binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9777313B2Silver nanocluster probe and target polynucleotide detection method using same, and silver nanocluster probe design method

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 SEOULIN BIO SCI

AI summary

The present invention provides a silver nanocluster probe which comprises a silver nanoparticle binding region and a specific nucleotide sequence region that specifically binds to a target polynucleotide, wherein the silver nanocluster probe is configured such that it will emit detectable light when silver nanoparticles bind to the silver nanoparticle binding region to form a silver nanocluster, but light emission from the silver nanocluster probe will decrease or decay when the target polynucleotide binds to the specific nucleotide sequence region. According to the present invention, either the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample or a mutation in the target polynucleotide can be detected in a rapid and convenient manner by determining whether light emission decreases or decays when the target polynucleotide binds to the specific nucleotide sequence region of the silver nanocluster probe that emits detectable light.