Wastewater Antigen Sensor Circuit for SARS-CoV-2 Prevalence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a population are impractical due to the difficulty in obtaining representative data sets from different locations over time, necessitating a more efficient and scalable approach.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a measurement chamber with filters, sensor circuit with antibodies-coated electrodes, and an analysis unit to measure electrical properties for determining antigen loads in wastewater samples, allowing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual testing of population members is performed, then information about disease spread is obtained, but the process is impractical for obtaining representative data sets from multiple locations over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pathogen detection function from individual testing and applies it to aggregated wastewater samples. By taking out the need for individual sample collection and testing, the system can analyze population-level prevalence from a single composite sample, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through standardized analytical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor circuit is designed with universal applicability to detect multiple pathogens and viral variants simultaneously. The electrode array can be configured with different antibodies to identify various SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens in the same wastewater sample, enabling one system to perform multiple detection functions
2Productivity
If wastewater-based epidemiology is used to obtain location-specific information, then broad picture of disease spread is obtained without individual tests, but the system requires complex sample collection and analysis infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into modular sensor circuits with distinct electrode arrays. Each electrode can be configured for specific pathogen detection, allowing the system to handle multiple pathogens and variants through modular sensor units rather than requiring a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical sample processing systems with electrochemical sensor circuits. Instead of requiring elaborate mechanical filtration, concentration, and processing infrastructure, the system uses electrochemical detection at electrode surfaces to directly measure pathogen presence in wastewater samples
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor circuits with different antibodies are used to detect various pathogens and variants, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated sensor circuit. Multiple electrodes with different antibody coatings are combined in one circuit, allowing simultaneous detection of various pathogens and viral variants through a unified platform rather than requiring separate testing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of multiplexing to the sensor circuit design. By organizing electrodes in arrays with different spatial configurations and antibody assignments, the system can detect multiple targets simultaneously across different dimensions of the sensor surface, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 accurate and autonomous determination of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and spread in populations by analyzing wastewater samples, facilitating timely and comprehensive health management.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement chamber being disposed between an inlet disposed upstream thereof and having a coarse filter, and an outlet disposed downstream thereof and having a fine filter, wherein the coarse filter allows passage of pathogens associated with the predetermined antigens therethrough, and the fine filter does not allow passage of pathogens associated with the predetermined antigens therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a sensor circuit comprising a plurality of working electrodes, each comprising antibodies on its surface associated with one of the predetermined antigens
Implementation Method 3
an analysis unit configured to facilitate the determination of the load of each of the antigens by measuring electrical properties of the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to determine the load in a liquid sample of predetermined antigens is provided. The system comprises a measurement chamber configured for receipt therein of the liquid sample, a sensor circuit, and an analysis unit. The sensor circuit comprises a plurality of working electrodes, each comprising antibodies on its surface associated with one of the predetermined antigens, at least one reference electrode, and at least one counter electrode. Proximal ends of the electrodes are disposed on a reading zone of the sensor circuit, the reading zone being disposed within the measurement chamber. The analysis unit is configured to facilitate the determination of the load of each of the antigens by measuring electrical properties of the electrodes.