Virus Concentration Using Concanavalin A Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating and detecting viruses in food and water samples are time-consuming, expensive, and inefficient, particularly for low-concentration virus samples, leading to challenges in early detection and prevention of food poisoning outbreaks caused by norovirus and hepatitis A virus.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Concanavalin A (Con A) to form a virus-Concanavalin A conjugate, which is then separated and used for efficient concentration and detection of viruses, allowing for rapid detection and purification of viruses from food and water samples using Con A-linked resins or magnetic beads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional methods (PEG precipitation, organic flocculation, immunomagnetic capture) are used to concentrate virus, then virus concentration can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the specific binding capability of Concanavalin A against virus particles, separating this function from complex multi-step protocols. By focusing solely on the Con A-virus interaction, the method achieves rapid concentration without the time-consuming steps of PEG precipitation or organic flocculation
Solution Approach 2:
Concanavalin A serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the virus particles and the detection system. The Con A protein binds to virus particles and facilitates their concentration and subsequent detection, simplifying the overall process compared to direct detection methods
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used for low-concentration virus samples, then virus detection can be performed, but sensitivity is insufficient and detection time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration of the virus sample using Concanavalin A before detection. This preliminary action increases the virus concentration in the sample, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity and reducing detection time for low-concentration samples
Solution Approach 2:
Concanavalin A acts as an intermediary that bridges the virus particles and the detection system. By concentrating the virus particles through Con A binding, the method enhances the signal detected by subsequent detection assays, improving sensitivity without extending detection time
3Quantity of substance
If complex concentration protocols (multiple steps, specialized equipment) are used, then virus concentration can be achieved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of virus concentration into a single step using Concanavalin A binding, eliminating the need for multiple steps such as PEG precipitation, organic flocculation, or immunomagnetic capture. This extraction simplifies the protocol while maintaining concentration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs Concanavalin A as a simple, readily available protein reagent that can be easily discarded after use, replacing the need for expensive specialized equipment and complex consumables. The method uses basic laboratory materials to achieve effective virus concentration
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 approach enables rapid and cost-effective concentration and detection of viruses within a short time, improving the sensitivity of virus detection and reducing economic losses from food poisoning outbreaks by ensuring safer food and water supplies.
Implementation Method 1
adding a Concanavalin A to a sample solution containing a virus and reacting the added Concanavalin A with the virus to form a virus-Concanavalin A conjugate
Implementation Method 2
separating the virus-Concanavalin A conjugate from the sample solution
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an economic method for concentrating virus and detecting virus, such that virus in a sample solution having low virus concentration can be concentrated with high efficiency within a short time. Particularly, the method comprising the steps of: (A) adding Concanavalin A (Con A) to a sample solution containing a virus, and reacting the added Concanavalin A with the virus in the sample solution to form a virus-Concanavalin A conjugate; and (B) separating the virus-Concanavalin A conjugate from the sample solution.