Universal Biosensor System for Multiplex Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biosensor systems lack the ability to detect a wide variety of infectious agents and analytes in real-time with high sensitivity and flexibility, particularly in field-portable devices, and are not easily adaptable for multiplex detection of multiple pathogens in a single assay.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor system utilizing living biological cells engineered with a signal-generating reporter and a universal detector element, including an antibody variable diversity joining (VDJ) region or Fab fragment, which responds to analyte binding by triggering a signal transduction pathway to produce a detectable signal, allowing for the detection of various analytes through the selection of specific detector molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional biosensor systems are used, then detection of specific analytes can be achieved, but the system lacks versatility to detect a wide variety of infectious agents and analytes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to detect various analytesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal biosensor system where a single living cell platform can detect multiple different analytes including infectious agents, toxins, and other targets by simply changing the detector element (antibody or binding protein). This universal platform eliminates the need for multiple specialized biosensor systems while maintaining the ability to detect diverse analytes through modular detector elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If biosensor systems are designed for high sensitivity detection, then detection limits are improved, but real-time detection capability and field-portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidreal-time detection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated living cell biosensor that simultaneously achieves high sensitivity detection and real-time response. The living cell platform integrates the detector element, signal transduction pathway, and reporter system within one biological unit, enabling both sensitive analyte detection and rapid real-time signal generation without requiring separate complex instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If biosensor systems are designed for multiplex detection of multiple pathogens, then detection capability is improved, but system adaptability and ease of use are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiplex detection capabilityVSAvoidassay simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the biosensor system into modular components: a universal living cell platform and interchangeable detector elements (specific antibodies or binding proteins). For multiplex detection, different detector elements can be applied to separate living cells or combined in a single assay, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analytes while maintaining operational simplicity through this modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This system provides a versatile and sensitive method for detecting multiple analytes in real-time, enabling rapid identification of infectious agents and other targets with high specificity and flexibility, suitable for field-portable applications.

Implementation Method 1

a signal transduction pathway or activator mechanism associated with the signal-generating reporter, wherein the signal transduction pathway or activator mechanism is operative to induce the predetermined changes within the living biological cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal transduction:

Implementation Method 2

the universal detector element comprises an antibody variable diversity joining (VDJ) region or Fab fragment; an analyte binding element associated with the universal detector element, wherein the analyte binding element is specific to both the universal detector element and a target analyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentEP3559278B1Universal biosensor system for analyte detection
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
  • EP3559278B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3559278B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3559278B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A biosensor system for the detection of target analytes that includes a living biological cell of a predetermined type; a signal-generating reporter associated with the living biological cell; a signal transduction pathway or other activator mechanism or means associated with the signal-generating reporter; a universal detector element associated with the activator mechanism; and an analyte binding element associated with the universal detector element, wherein the analyte binding element is specific to both the universal detector element and a target analyte.