Solid Support Antigen-Specific Immunocomplex Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack efficient and accurate means for detecting biological entities associated with hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and cancer, particularly in non-laboratory settings, and there is a need for quick, simple assays to determine the presence of immunoglobulins and immunocomplexes in biological fluids related to food allergies or autoimmune diseases.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method utilizing a solid support with immobilized antigens and specific binding partners, such as anti-C3d antibodies, to detect antigen-specific immunocomplexes in biological samples, including serum or saliva, allowing for the identification of allergens and autoantigens, and correlating their presence with allergic reactions or autoimmune conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current detection methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but device complexity and requirement for laboratory settings increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional zones on a single solid support: (1) an immobilized antigen zone for capturing antigen-specific immunocomplexes from the sample, (2) a detection zone with binding partners specific for immunocomplex components (such as anti-C3d antibodies), and (3) a signal generation zone. This spatial segmentation allows complex detection functions to be distributed across simple, integrated zones, improving measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces binding partners (such as anti-C3d antibodies or other complement component-specific antibodies) as intermediaries that specifically bind to immunocomplexes captured on the solid support. These intermediaries serve as mediators between the captured immunocomplexes and the detection system, enabling sensitive and specific detection of antigen-specific immunocomplexes without requiring complex analytical equipment. The binding partners translate the presence of immunocomplexes into detectable signals through their specific binding interactions.
2Measurement precision
If complex detection assays are performed, then measurement accuracy improves, but ease of operation and usability outside laboratory settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated solid support system. The solid support combines: (1) immobilized antigens for immunocomplex capture, (2) binding partners for detecting immunocomplex components, and (3) signal generation capabilities. This merging of functions into one user-friendly device maintains high detection accuracy while dramatically simplifying operation, allowing the assay to be performed outside traditional laboratory settings by non-specialized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to be self-service in that the solid support performs multiple functions autonomously: it automatically captures antigen-specific immunocomplexes from the sample, binds detection antibodies to the captured complexes, and generates detectable signals. The system requires minimal user intervention beyond adding the sample, making complex detection assays easy to operate in point-of-care or home settings without requiring specialized laboratory training or equipment.
3Measurement precision
If sensitive detection of immunocomplexes is achieved, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but assay complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid support is pre-prepared with immobilized antigens and detection binding partners in specific zones before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex assembly steps or multiple washing and incubation cycles required by traditional assays. When the sample is applied, the pre-positioned antigens immediately capture antigen-specific immunocomplexes, and the pre-loaded binding partners rapidly detect them, achieving high sensitivity without extending assay time. The preliminary arrangement of detection components optimizes the detection pathway for speed and sensitivity simultaneously.
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 quick and accurate detection of antigen-specific immunocomplexes, facilitating the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions, allergies, and autoimmune diseases by quantitatively measuring label accumulation on the solid support, improving assay sensitivity and usability outside laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
a solid support comprising an immobilized antigen that is to be exposed to the biological sample thereby binding and immobilizing antigen-specific immunocomplexes
Implementation Method 2
a binding partner that specifically binds the immobilized immunocomplex C3b
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting biological entities and components associated with hypersensitivity reactions in patients with allergies, cancer or autoimmune disease. Specifically, the assays of the invention are capable of qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting allergen specific immunocomplexes by assaying for immobilized C3b in a biological sample produced as a result of exposure to food.