Virus Isolation via Divalent Chloride Salt Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for isolating viruses from complex samples, such as food and clinical samples, face challenges including low recovery rates, high detection limits, and interference from sample inhibitors, making it difficult to detect and quantify viruses effectively, especially in large sample volumes and complex matrices.

Innovation Solution

A method using an extraction solution comprising a divalent chloride salt, optionally combined with an ionic liquid, effectively dissolves the sample matrix, allowing for the isolation of viruses without destruction, and can be used in conjunction with centrifugation or filtration for efficient virus recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nucleic acid isolation methods are used, then virus isolation can be achieved, but recovery rates are low and detection limits are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection limitVSAvoidrecovery rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction buffer by using divalent chloride salts (CaCl2, MgCl2) at specific concentrations (0.5-6 M) instead of conventional buffers. This parameter change enables effective matrix dissolution while maintaining virus integrity, achieving both high recovery rates and low detection limits simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction solution combines divalent chloride salts with optional ionic liquids and enzymes to create a composite extraction system. This composite approach enhances the ability to dissolve complex matrices while preserving viral particles, resolving the contradiction between recovery rate and detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If large sample volumes are processed, then more viruses can be detected, but sample matrix interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample volumeVSAvoidmatrix interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the interfering matrix components from large sample volumes using the divalent chloride salt-based extraction solution. The buffer selectively dissolves the complex matrix (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) while leaving viral particles intact, allowing large sample volumes to be processed without carrying over inhibitory substances that would interfere with downstream PCR analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If complex matrices are dissolved effectively, then virus isolation improves, but virus particles may be destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation efficiencyVSAvoidvirus integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies specific parameter ranges for divalent chloride salts (0.5-6 M concentrations) that enable effective matrix dissolution while maintaining virus particle integrity. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between isolation efficiency and virus integrity by finding the optimal window where matrix dissolution occurs without viral destruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The divalent chloride salt buffer acts as an intermediary that selectively interacts with the matrix components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) to dissolve them, while not interacting destructively with the viral particles. This intermediary approach allows effective matrix dissolution while preserving the integrity of the target virus particles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method enables the reliable and quantitative isolation of viruses from complex samples, improving recovery rates and reducing sample matrix interference, facilitating sensitive detection and analysis, such as through real-time PCR.

Implementation Method 1

The sample is treated with an extraction solution that comprises at least a divalent chloride salt optionally in combination with an ionic liquid resulting in the isolation of the viruses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2467471B1Method for isolating viruses
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • EP2467471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2467471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2467471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and kit for the isolation of viruses from a sample. The sample is treated with an extraction solution that comprises at least a divalent chloride salt and/or an ionic liquid.