Real-Time PCR Yeast Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting yeast infections in patients are not sensitive enough, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, and there is a need for reliable detection of specific yeast species and mycotoxins in body fluids, as resistance to therapeutics is common among yeast species like Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei.

Innovation Solution

A method using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for detecting yeast DNA in body fluids, combined with specific primers and probes, and antibody-based identification of mycotoxins, allows for the extraction, amplification, and identification of yeast species and mycotoxins such as gliotoxin and patulin in various body fluids, including urine, blood, and spinal fluid, using fluorescently labeled probes and antibodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection methods are used for yeast infections, then the detection process is simple, but the sensitivity and reliability of detection are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection methods (PCR amplification, real-time fluorescence detection, and sequence analysis) into a single integrated diagnostic system. This merging of techniques enhances detection reliability by confirming yeast species identity through multiple independent verification steps, while the automated integration reduces overall operational complexity despite the advanced technology involved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical detection methods with molecular biology-based PCR amplification and real-time fluorescence detection. This substitution dramatically improves sensitivity and reliability by detecting specific DNA sequences of yeast species, enabling accurate identification even at low concentrations in clinical samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used, then the detection process is fast, but the measurement precision and species identification accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecies identification accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by designing specific primers and probes that target conserved regions of yeast DNA before detection. These pre-designed molecular tools enable direct amplification and identification of yeast species from clinical samples without requiring extensive sample preparation or culturing steps, thereby achieving both high precision and rapid results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring fluorescence signal intensity in real-time during PCR amplification. This dynamic parameter monitoring allows for precise quantification of yeast DNA and accurate species identification based on amplification curves and melting temperatures, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining fast detection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If real-time PCR with multiple primers and probes is used, then the detection sensitivity and specificity are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidPCR system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional real-time PCR system that can detect and differentiate multiple yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and others) using a single integrated assay platform. The system uses species-specific primers and probes that can simultaneously amplify and distinguish different targets in the same reaction, improving detection sensitivity while reducing the need for multiple separate tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides sensitive and specific detection of yeast species and mycotoxins, reducing the time to diagnosis and enabling effective treatment regimens by accurately identifying pathogens and toxins, thus improving patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the probe can be fluorescently labeled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the yeast species

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 3

contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS10793920B2Methods and compositions for identifying yeast
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 REALTIME LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific yeast species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the yeast species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the yeast species, and specifically identifying the yeast species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a yeast mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the yeast mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the yeast mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the yeast mycotoxin, and identifying the yeast myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a yeast infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.