Detection of bacteria using bacteriophage
Inventors
Kellum, John Alston • HEMPEL, JOHN D. • EDGAR, ROBERT HUGH • VIATOR, JOHN ANDREW
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Assignees
University of Pittsburgh • Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit
Member
Nanomedicine Manufacturing Lab, Duquesne UniversityNANOMEDICINE MANUFACTURING LABORATORY
Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory (NML) is a research and development laboratory specializing in nanomaterials and biomaterials for imaging, oxygen delivery, and drug delivery, with a core emphasis on scalable manufacturing and Quality-by-Design (QbD).
More informaiton about NML: https://www.duq.edu/research/faculty-research/nanomedicine-lab/nanomed-lab-research.php
Led by Dr. Jelena M. Janjic, the Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory develops colloidal nanosystems and implantable biomaterials that support molecular imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared fluorescence; biosensing, drug delivery; oxygen delivery; and theranostic nanomaterials, used for local and parenteral administration or as implantable biomaterials.
A major barrier to the advancement of nanotechnology-based therapeutics is not conceptual innovation but manufacturability, cost, and quality control. The Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory addresses these challenges by incorporating manufacturing process design, scalability, and quality control at the earliest stages of material design. Over the past decade, the laboratory has established robust, reproducible, and cost-effective nanomedicine manufacturing methods by applying QbD frameworks, enabling reliable scale-up and controlled performance.
The laboratory’s work is supported by the U.S. Air Force, the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), and ARPA-H through collaborative programs spanning academia, industry, and government. The Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory operates at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing, and translational medicine, with a focus on developing innovative nanomedicines and biomaterials that translate into accessible, cost-effective future treatments for civilian and military medical needs.
NANOMEDICINE MANUFACTURING LABORATORY Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory (NML) is a research and development laboratory specializing in nanomaterials and biomaterials for imaging, oxygen delivery, and drug delivery, with a core emphasis on scalable manufacturing and Quality-by-Design (QbD). More informaiton about NML: https://www.duq.edu/research/faculty-research/nanomedicine-lab/nanomed-lab-research.php Led by Dr. Jelena M. Janjic, the Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory develops colloidal nanosystems and implantable biomaterials that support molecular imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared fluorescence; biosensing, drug delivery; oxygen delivery; and theranostic nanomaterials, used for local and parenteral administration or as implantable biomaterials. A major barrier to the advancement of nanotechnology-based therapeutics is not conceptual innovation but manufacturability, cost, and quality control. The Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory addresses these challenges by incorporating manufacturing process design, scalability, and quality control at the earliest stages of material design. Over the past decade, the laboratory has established robust, reproducible, and cost-effective nanomedicine manufacturing methods by applying QbD frameworks, enabling reliable scale-up and controlled performance. The laboratory’s work is supported by the U.S. Air Force, the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), and ARPA-H through collaborative programs spanning academia, industry, and government. The Nanomedicine Manufacturing Laboratory operates at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing, and translational medicine, with a focus on developing innovative nanomedicines and biomaterials that translate into accessible, cost-effective future treatments for civilian and military medical needs.
Publication Number
US-10961557-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-30
Expiration Date
2038-01-29
Abstract
A system for identifying at least one species, strain or type of bacteria in a sample including at least one a labeled bacteriophage which binds selectively to the species, strain or type of bacteria, the at least one labeled bacteriophage comprising a label attached thereto, the system further comprising a detection system adapted to detect the labeled bacteriophage bound to the species of bacteria.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for rapidly identifying the species, strain, or type of bacteria present in a sample using labeled bacteriophages that selectively bind with target bacteria. Each bacteriophage has a detectable label attached to it, which can be identified by a detection system, such as a photoacoustic cell or photoacoustic flowmetry system. The binding of labeled bacteriophages to specific bacteria allows for the selective detection and identification of bacterial contamination in a sample.
The system is capable of mixing one or more labeled bacteriophages, each with unique and separately detectable labels, with a bacterial culture containing potential target bacteria. After excess and unbound bacteriophage is removed, the detection system is used to identify and quantify bound labeled bacteriophages, indicating the presence and concentration of particular bacterial species, strains, or types. The detection relies on applying light energy to the sample, resulting in measurable photoacoustic waves, or in alternative embodiments, detection by flow cytometry or electron microscopy.
The problem addressed by this innovation is that current bacterial isolation and identification methods are slow, often requiring 48 hours or more, and are limited in quantification accuracy and applicability to bacteria that grow on conventional media. Some bacteria are difficult or impossible to culture, and the presence of antibiotics in samples can prevent successful culture-based detection, delaying proper treatment. The described solution offers a rapid (within hours) and quantitative assay that is not limited by these shortcomings.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim outlining several inventive features involving labeled bacteriophages and a detection system for rapid bacterial identification.
Use of labeled bacteriophage selectively binding bacteria
The system comprises at least one bacteriophage labeled with a detectable label, where the bacteriophage binds selectively to a specific species, strain, or type of bacteria. The label is attached to a protein of the bacteriophage.
Detection system generating and measuring photoacoustic waves
The detection system is adapted to detect labeled bacteriophage bound to bacteria by applying light energy to the sample, thereby generating photoacoustic waves that are measurable via the detection system.
Operative connection of sample and detection system
The sample is positioned in operative connection with the detection system so that light energy can be applied to generate and measure photoacoustic signals from bound labeled bacteriophages.
These inventive features collectively enable the rapid and selective identification of bacteria in a sample by using labeled bacteriophages and a detection system based on the generation and measurement of photoacoustic waves.
Stated Advantages
Provides a much faster bacterial detection and identification process, reducing result time from days to hours.
Allows for quantification of specific bacteria in a sample in a single step.
Enables detection of bacteria that are difficult or impossible to culture using traditional methods.
Can be used even if antibiotics are present in the sample, unlike standard culture methods.
Supports improved clinical management by enabling earlier, targeted antibiotic treatment.
Reduces reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics, potentially lowering treatment costs and limiting the emergence of drug resistance.
Photoacoustic detection offers increased detection rates and specificity at reduced cost compared to some other detection systems.
Documented Applications
Clinical diagnostics for rapidly identifying bacterial pathogens in patient samples such as blood or sputum.
Quantitative assessment of bacterial contamination in mixed cultures.
Distinguishing pathogens from normal flora in non-sterile fluid samples.
Assisting clinicians in selecting targeted antibiotics based on specific bacterial identification.
Early detection and management of infectious diseases in clinical settings such as hospitals and laboratories.
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