Weissella Microorganism Detection for Preterm Birth Risk Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting preterm birth are not sensitive or specific, and there is a lack of effective markers for early detection, which hinders prevention and management of preterm birth.

Innovation Solution

A method for diagnosing the risk of preterm birth by detecting the Weissella microorganism in a pregnant woman's sample, using a composition or kit that includes agents such as primers, probes, or antibodies specific to Weissella, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotella, and amplifying 16S rRNA to identify microbial biomarkers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If general approach to predict preterm birth is used (identifying groups of women based on gynecological, demographic and syndromic factors), then the method is easier to operation, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of prediction methodVSAvoidprediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/clinical assessment methods with molecular biology techniques. Specifically, it uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect and quantify bacterial DNA sequences in vaginal samples, substituting the mechanical process of clinical evaluation with a molecular detection system that provides higher precision and sensitivity for predicting preterm birth risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from clinical symptoms and demographic factors to molecular parameters - specifically, the presence and quantity of bacterial DNA sequences. By detecting bacterial DNA through PCR amplification and analyzing the resulting electrophoretic patterns, the method transforms the prediction basis from subjective clinical assessment to objective molecular measurement, thereby improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If biochemical markers such as plasma estradiol-17 beta, progesterone and C-reactive protein are used, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the measurement complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmarker detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses on a specific target - bacterial DNA sequences - from the complex vaginal microbiome. Instead of measuring multiple biochemical markers simultaneously, it selectively extracts and amplifies specific bacterial DNA through PCR, separating the detection task into a focused molecular analysis that simplifies the overall process while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses PCR to create multiple copies (amplification) of the target bacterial DNA sequences. This copying process generates sufficient material for detection even from small sample amounts, simplifying the detection process and reducing the need for complex sample processing while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If treatment is performed after symptoms of preterm premature rupture of membranes or preterm birth occur, then the intervention timing is simplified, but the loss of time for prevention increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming of interventionVSAvoidprevention time window

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary detection of preterm birth risk by identifying bacterial DNA sequences in vaginal samples before actual labor or membrane rupture occurs. This preliminary action allows clinicians to intervene early - before the critical point of membrane rupture or labor onset - thereby preventing preterm birth rather than merely treating symptoms after they appear, thus reducing the loss of time for prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for rapid detection of preterm birth risk through simple sampling, providing a more accurate and sensitive diagnosis that can help in delaying or preventing preterm birth by identifying high-risk pregnant women.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a Weissella microorganism from a sample of pregnant woman

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecific binding:

Implementation Method 2

amplifying 16S rRNA to identify microbial biomarkers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmplification:

Data Source

PatentEP3680351B1Preterm birth risk prediction using change in microbial community in sample

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 EWHA UNIV IND COLLABORATION FOUND

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition, a diagnosis kit, and a diagnosis method for diagnosing a risk of preterm birth, by detecting change in a microbial community from a sample of pregnant woman. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition, a diagnosis kit, and a diagnosis method for diagnosing a risk of preterm birth by detecting a Weissella microorganism from a sample of pregnant woman.