Universal Biosensor System for Multiplex Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensor systems for detecting analytes in biological samples lack the sensitivity and versatility for rapid, real-time identification of infectious agents and toxins, particularly in field-portable devices, and are not easily adaptable for multiplex detection of various pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor system utilizing engineered living biological cells with a signal-generating reporter and a universal detector element, where the analyte binding element is specific to both the universal detector element and the target analyte, triggering a detectable signal upon binding, allowing for the detection of a wide range of infectious agents and toxins in a single assay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biosensor systems are used for analyte detection, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the sensitivity and versatility for rapid real-time identification of infectious agents and toxins are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a universal detector element (UDE) component that can bind to various analytes, and a signal transduction component that generates detectable signals. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high sensitivity through optimized signal amplification while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal detector element (UDE) is designed with multi-functionality to detect multiple types of analytes including infectious agents and toxins. The UDE contains binding elements that can recognize different target molecules, enabling a single biosensor system to perform versatile detection across multiple analyte types, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring separate specialized sensors for each analyte.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional biosensor systems are used, then the device design is simpler, but the adaptability for multiplex detection of various pathogens is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The universal detector element (UDE) incorporates multiple binding elements within a single structure, enabling it to detect multiple different analytes simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the biosensor to adapt to multiplex detection of various pathogens without requiring separate sensor designs for each pathogen type.
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor system employs dynamic signal transduction pathways that can be activated by different analyte bindings. The signal generation mechanism is designed to respond dynamically to various analyte types, allowing the system to adapt its detection capability for multiplex analysis while maintaining a unified device structure.
3Speed
If conventional detection methods are used, then the detection process is simpler, but the speed for rapid real-time identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system performs preliminary signal amplification and transduction steps that prepare the detection process for rapid readout. The signal transduction pathway is pre-configured to generate detectable signals immediately upon analyte binding, eliminating the need for lengthy post-incubation processing steps and enabling real-time detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conventional mechanical or chemical detection methods with a biological signal transduction mechanism that converts analyte binding events into amplified electrical or optical signals. This substitution enables real-time detection with high speed by utilizing the rapid signal amplification capabilities of the biological transduction pathway.
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 system provides sensitive and versatile detection of various analytes, enabling rapid identification of infectious agents and toxins in real-time, with the ability to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously, enhancing the utility and flexibility of biosensor technology.
Implementation Method 1
the reporter protein is aequorin that emits a detectable signal in response to an increase in intracellular calcium
Data Source
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.