NASAL IRRIGATION DIAGNOSTIC ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly comprising an irrigation device including a fluid collection portion structured to retain a biological sample, in the form of waste solution from the nasal cavity resulting from irrigation. A detection member disposed on said irrigation device is exposed to the biological sample and is structured to determine the existence of at least one analyte within the biological sample of the waste solution. The detection member comprises a plurality of detection zones individually structured to analyze the biological sample upon engagement therewith, wherein said plurality of zones include at least a reaction zone and a detection zone, which respectively include reagents cooperatively and collectively formulated to detect the existence of the at least one analyte within biological sample of the waste solution. A control zone may also be included to indicate the intended operability of at least the detection member.

Claims

1. A nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly comprising: an irrigation device including a fluid collection portion, said collection portion disposed and structured to retain a biological sample, in the form of waste solution from the nasal cavity resulting from irrigation, a detection member, structured to determine the existence of at least one analyte biological sample of the waste solution, disposed in an operative position on said irrigation device in exposed relation to the biological sample, said detection member comprising a plurality of zones individually structured to analyze the biological sample upon engagement of said detection member with the biological sample, said plurality of zones include at least a reaction zone and a detection zone relatively disposed in successive fluid engagement with the waste solution and the biological sample, said reaction zone and said detection zone respectively include reagents cooperatively formulated and reactive to detect the existence of the at least one analyte, comprising a pathogen/pathogen specific protein, in the biological sample of the waste solution, said reaction zone including an analyte specific antibody-chromophore conjugate soluble in the waste solution; said analyte specific antibody-chromophore conjugate is configured to bind with the at least one analyte, said detection zone includes a first immobilized antibody configured to bind with and immobilize the at least one analyte. said plurality of zones further comprises a control zone, said control zone configured to provide an indication of valid operation of at least said detection member. said detection member further comprising a sample pad disposed in fluid communicating relation to said plurality of zones, said operative position comprising at least said sample pad disposed within said collection portion, in direct engagement with the waste solution from the nasal cavity collected within the collection portion, and said detection member is structured to facilitate capillary flow of the waste solution from the sample pad to the plurality of zones.

2. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said detection member comprises a paper-based material.

3. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said paper-based material comprises a porous construction configured to facilitate said capillary flow to each of said plurality of zones.

4. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said control zone includes a second immobilized antibody configured to bind with and immobilize said at least one analyte.

5. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising said detection member including a sol-gel material disposed thereon, said sol-gel material configured for depositing an enzyme, DNAzyme or aptamer and at least one colorimetric agent on said detection member.

6. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said sol-gel material is disposed on said detection member via an ink-jet procedure.

7. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said at least one colorimetric agent is formulated to generate a color change upon target recognition.

8. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said target recognition comprises contact of said detection member with a targeted microbe or toxin.

9. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said enzyme, DNAzyme or aptamer are specific for Bp or PT.

10. A nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly comprising: an irrigation device including a fluid collection portion, said collection portion disposed and structured to retain a biological sample, in the form of waste solution, from the nasal cavity resulting from irrigation, a detection member disposed in an operative position on said irrigation device in exposed relation to the waste solution collected said collection portion, said detection member structured to determine the existence of at least one analyte biological sample of the waste solution, said detection member comprising a sample pad and plurality of zones; said sample pad disposed in fluid communicating relation with said plurality of zones, said sample pad disposed within said collection portion in direct engagement with waste solution from the nasal cavity collected within the collection portion, said plurality of zones include a reaction zone, a detection zone and a control zone relatively disposed in successive fluid receiving relation with the waste solution and the biological sample, said reaction zone and said detection zone respectively include reagents cooperatively formulated and reactive to detect the existence of the at least one analyte, comprising a pathogen/pathogen specific protein, in the biological sample of the waste solution, said control zone configured to provide an indication of valid operation of at least said detection member, said detection member including an absorption pad structured to facilitate the fluid flow by capillary action of the waste solution from the sample pad successively through the plurality of zones, and said reaction zone including an analyte specific antibody-chromophore conjugate soluble in the waste solution; said detection zone including a first immobilized antibody configured to bind with and immobilize the at least one analyte; said control zone including a second immobilized antibody configured to bind with and immobilize said at least one analyte.

11. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 10 further comprising said detection member including a sol-gel material disposed thereon, said sol-gel material configured for depositing an enzyme, DNAzyme or aptamer and at least one colorimetric agent on said detection member.

12. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said sol-gel material is disposed on said detection member via an ink-jet procedure.

13. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said at least one colorimetric agent is formulated to generate a color change upon target recognition.

14. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said target recognition comprises contact of said detection member with a targeted microbe or toxin.

15. The nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said enzyme, DNAzyme or aptamer are specific for Bp or PT.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is an interior view of a nasal irrigation device in at least partially schematic form and is intended to be representative of other nasal irrigation devices which may be used to implement the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an exterior portion of a nasal irrigation device of the type represented in FIG. 1, disclosing an indicator window or like structure.

[0030] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a detection member and accompanying legend of the type utilized in the assembly of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of the detection member in FIG. 3A representing operative features of one of a plurality of detection zones associated with the detection member.

[0032] FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of the detection member of FIGS. 3A and 3B representing operative features of another one of a plurality of detection zones associated with the detection member.

[0033] FIG. 3D is a schematic representation of the detection member of FIGS. 3A-3C representing operative features of each of a plurality of detection zones in the detection of at least one specific analyte.

[0034] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The present invention is directed to a nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly, generally indicated as 10, which provides for effective infectious disease detection through the analysis of a biological sample, in the form of aspirate or waste solution, retrieved and retained by the nasal irrigation device from the nasopharyngeal cavity, as a result of the irrigation of the nasopharyngeal cavity.

[0037] Moreover, the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 of the present invention accomplishes the cleaning, through irrigation, of the nasal cavity of particulate, bacterial and viral matter and can be easily, comfortably and efficiently used by non-medical individuals. In use, the diagnostic assembly 10 serves to detect the existence of one or more analyte species, with high sensitivity and specificity, in a biological sample at least partially defined by or in the form of the nasal waste solution 12. Further, the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 is operative to generate reliable data, determinative of the existence of at least one analyte within the aspirate from the nasal cavity, within a comparatively short time.

[0038] Accordingly, one or more preferred embodiments of the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 is provided in the form of a hand held nasal irrigation device 14 having a reservoir 16 capable of at least initially holding cleaning solutions in volumes, preferably in the range of 10-25 cc. However, as will be described and clarified hereinafter the structural and operative features of the included nasal irrigation device 14 may differ from those disclosed herein. Further, the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 utilized may be disposed of after use by being constructed from low-cost, disposable components. However, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the nasal irrigation device 14 being utilized should include a collection portion or chamber 18 for collecting the waste solution 12 from the nasal cavity, which is retrieved as a result of the irrigating, cleaning procedure applied by the nasal irrigation device.

[0039] As also described in greater detail hereinafter, the nasal irrigation device 14 may include an indicator window 50 or like indicator structure which provides a visual or other appropriate detectable signal or alarm that at least one analyte has been detected within the waste solution/biological sample 12. Further, the indicator window or like structure 50 may also display an appropriate signal providing an indication that the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 is operating correctly and in an intended manner.

[0040] More specifically, the included nasal irrigation device 14 preferably directs cleaning fluid into the naval cavity while substantially concurrently retrieving and collecting the waste fluid 12 within the aforementioned collection portion 18 or chamber of the nasal irrigation device 14. As a result, the waste solution 12 that drains back into the collection portion 18 of the nasal irrigation device 14 may contain waste material including, but not limited to, particulate and/or bacterial and viral matter retrieved from the nasal cavity. As such, the retrieved and at least temporarily retained waste solution 12 comprises a biological sample which will be being analyzed for the purpose of determining the existence of one or more analytes comprising a pathogen and/or pathogen specific protein. As indicated the collected waste solution 12 is used as the biological sample being analyzed, which differs from conventional procedures, wherein a nasopharyngeal swab may be applied to the nasal cavity by a medical professional.

[0041] Another structural and operative feature of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention is directed to the inclusion of a detection member 20. FIG. 1 represents the detection member 20 being mounted on the nasal irrigation device 14 in an operative position. Such an operative position includes at least a sample portion 28 of the detection member 20 being disposed within or in direct contact with the collection portion 18 and therefore in direct fluid communication and engagement with the waste solution/biological sample 12, when it is retained within the collection portion 18.

[0042] Accordingly, in practicing or applying an appropriate diagnostic procedure, the detection member 20 is disposed in contact with the collected waste solution/biological sample 12 and is structured to facilitate fluid flow along its length or throughout a plurality of detection zones included as a part of the detection member 20 as explained in greater detail with primary reference to FIGS. 3A-3D. Such liquid flow may be accomplished by capillary action and in at least one preferred embodiment the detection member 20 is at least partially formed from a paper based material to facilitate such capillary action or other fluid flow. Moreover, the paper-based material may be cellulose or nitrocellulose or a structural and operational equivalent and can be functionally printed with a controlled pattern of liquids or dies such as an ink including particles dispersed in an organic solvent. Further, the bio-ink can be composed of enzymes, aptamers, DNAzymes and/or antibodies. Printing methods may include laser treatment, plasma treatment, photolithographic, flexographic printing, screen printing, wax printing, inkjet etching, or ink jet printing.

[0043] Moreover, as represented throughout the Figures, the detection member 20 may have, but is not limited to, a substantially elongated “strip” like configuration comprising a plurality of detection zones individually and collectively operative to detect the existence of at least one analyte and associated pathogens/pathogen specific protein associated there with. The plurality of detection zones may also include a zone cooperatively structured with other of the plurality of detection zones that signal a user that the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10, including the nasal irrigation device 12 and the detection member 20 are operable to accomplish the intended diagnostic procedure. However, it is emphasized that the detection member 20 may assume a variety of structures, configurations, sizes, etc. other than the strip-like configuration set forth above and disclosed in the accompanying Figures. In addition, one operative feature of the detection member 20 is the disposition of the plurality of detection zones relative to one another, such that the waste fluid/biological sample 12 retrieved from the nasal cavity will be successively exposed to the detection zones and the reagents contained therein.

[0044] In more specific terms, the detection member 20 contains a plurality of at least two zones and in one or more additional embodiments a plurality of at least three zones. Such detection zones preferably comprise a reaction zone (R) 22, a detection zone (D) 24 and possibly a control zone (C) 26. In addition, the detection member may also include a sample segment, pad or section 28 which may be operatively disposed within the collection portion 18 or otherwise in direct engagement with the collected waste solution/biological sample 12, when retained within the nasal irrigation device 14. While the structure, configuration and overall operation of the nasal irrigation device 14 may vary from that represented in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the detection member 20, and preferably the sample segment 28 will be in direct contact with the collected waste solution/biological sample 12 upon it being collected and retained within the irrigation device 14. Further, an absorption pad 30 may also be included in the detection member 20 and may be structured to facilitate the fluid flow, such as by means of capillary action as also represented throughout FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0045] Moreover, FIG. 3B provides a schematic representation of the operative mechanics of the detection zone 24. FIG. 3C provides a schematic representation of the operative mechanics of the control zone 26. FIG. 3D provides a summary of the operative mechanics of each of the plurality of detection zones 22, 24 and 26 with regard to a diagnostic procedure associated with a specific infectious agent, Bordetella Pertussis (BP) Toxin more specifically described hereinafter.

[0046] For purposes of clarity FIGS. 3A and 3D both contain explanatory and/or informational legends relating to the displayed icons, each icon representing a different reagent initially associated with different ones of the plurality of detection zones.

[0047] Accordingly, the reaction zone (R) 22 includes components, represented by the indicated icons, comprising analyte, analyte specific anti-body-chromophore conjugate, and control conjugate. As such, the reaction zone (R) 22 contains the analyte specific anti-body-chromophore conjugate that binds to, by way of example, a pathogen or protein associated with or excreted by a pathogen associated with at least one analyte. The analyte specific conjugate is soluble i.e. it will dissolve in the nasal aspirate, waste solution/biological sample and move with the liquid flow, via capillary action, and bind to the specific analyte in the reaction zone 22, if present. As indicated, the reaction zone 22 also contains a control conjugate that generates a positive signal in the control zone 26, if the control zone 26 is included in or as part of the detection member 20, as discussed in more detail hereinafter.

[0048] The detection zone (D) 24 is a zone of porous material that contains reagents also represented by the indicated icon, including an immobilized anti-body that binds and immobilizes the at least one analyte, including an associated pathogen or protein associated with or excreted by a pathogen. Since the at least one analyte passed through the reaction zone 22 prior to reaching the detection zone 24, the at least one analyte will be “tagged” with an analyte specific conjugate that results in the accumulation of the conjugated chromophore on the detection zone 24.

[0049] The control zone 26, if included, is a zone or section of the porous material detection member 20 that contains an immobilized anti-body, also identified by the indicated icon, that binds and immobilizes a control analyte such as for example protein conjugate that is totally unrelated to any of the protein matter that can be found in the nasal cavity or in the waste solution/biological sample emanating therefrom. The capture of the control conjugate results in the accumulation of the conjugated chromophore on a detection zone, which may provide an indication signal, alarm, etc. that the nasal irrigating diagnostic assembly 10, including the detection member 20, is operating correctly.

[0050] As practically applied, an analyte in the biological sample 12, for example a specific pathogen or a pathogen specific protein, binds to the soluble analyte specific conjugate. The analyte-conjugate complex continues to flow through the detection member and passes by a second, immobilized antibody that also binds to the at least one analyte thereby immobilizing the analyte-conjugate complex at a specific location on the detection member 20 the aforementioned corresponding to a detection zone. As indicated above, such a detection zone may be directly associated with the control zone 26 or detection zone 24 and may be viewable or otherwise detectable such as by appearance in an indicator window or like structure 50 associated with the nasal irrigation device 14, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2. Since all analyte-conjugate complexes are concentrated in the detection zone 24, a line of the chromophore becomes visible at the detection zone 24 and within the indicator window 50. Otherwise, the analyte specific conjugate without the at least one analyte would pass the detection zone 24 and the detection line undetected. Macroscopically, if an analyte is present, the diagnostic member 20 changes colors in the window 50, as at indication line(s) 50′, visible to the user. This provides an indication as to whether a specific analyte is identified in the waste solution/biological sample 12.

[0051] Further, a positive control signal will be generated by the control zone 26 to verify that the sample conditions do not interfere with antigen-anti-body interaction. The positive control signal is generated by an anti-body-chromophore conjugate or a protein-chromophore conjugate, represented by the indicated icon also embedded in detection member 20 together with the analyte specific conjugate in the reaction zone 22. The control conjugate migrates together with the nasal aspirate/waste fluid/biological sample 12 and is captured by an immobilized antibody located in the control zone 26, as represented, resulting in the generation of a visible signal.

[0052] Accordingly, in at least one preferred embodiment the detection member 20 comprises a bio-sensing strip or other appropriate configuration formed from a paper-based material which may be porous and which is capable of capillary flow or other structure which facilitates fluid flow through the detection member 20, for successive disposition relative to the plurality of detection zones 22, 24 and 26. In addition it could be ink-jet printed material that deposits an enzyme or a number and colorimetric reagents onto the paper-based detection member. Color change indicating a control signal could be achieved by target recognition's, such as when the detection member contacts the microbe or toxin of interest, by the detection member 20, converting enzyme, anti-body or after number-based recognition to a measurable, visual preferably color signal 50′. Other readout mechanisms could be incorporated, such as fluorescence and ultraviolet light. However, these latter alternatives may involve the inclusion of additional readers, equipment, detectors.

[0053] It is emphasized that one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises disposing an ink-jet printed sol-gel material that deposits an enzyme, DNAzyme, or aptamer and colorimetric reagents onto the detection member or bio-sensing strip 20. As a result, color changes could be achieved and be apparent, upon target recognition. As used herein and as should be apparent, “target recognition” comprises or occurs when the paper-based strip 20 contacts the microbe or toxin of interest and by converting the enzyme, antibody or aptamer-based recognition to a measurable color signal. It is recognized that other readout mechanisms could be used such as, but not limited to, fluorescence and ultraviolet light. However, one potential disadvantage associated with these latter readout mechanisms is the possible requirement for an additional reader or piece of equipment needed and/or used to detect such additional or other readout mechanisms.

[0054] By way of example and with primary reference to FIG. 3D a diagnostic application or procedure, to detect a specific infectious agent Bordetella Pertussis Toxin (BP) or Pertussis Toxin (PT), the reaction zone 22 contains anti-BP antibodies capable of recognizing a single molecule moiety of epitope on BP associated molecules, such as filamentous hemagglutinin or PT. Examples of monoclonal antibodies against BP include: monoclonal antibody MApb 2A12, which binds to amino acids 399/623 or 781/828 of Adenylate Cyclase Toxin (ACT) excreted by BP and anti-PT antibody, which binds to PT subunit 1. The anti-BP monoclonal anti-bodies are conjugated with chromophores as labels to generate a signal such as color change in the detection zone 24 capable of being detected in window 50.

[0055] As with the monoclonal antibody essay represented in the figures, detection of the Bp or PT in a nasal wash or waste fluid sample can be achieved by replacing the conjugated pad with deposited enzymes, DNAzymes or aptamers specific for BP or PT along with colorimetric reagents. Methods for preparing various particles and immobilizing enzymes, DNAzymes, aptamers and colorimetric reagents on the detection strip 20 will be determined.

[0056] Therefore, structural and operative features of the nasal irrigation detection assembly 10 of the present invention provides a consumer or user with a handheld diagnostic device for detecting the presence of bacterial or viral pathogens, with no need for the participation of other medical personnel. Further, the detection procedure attendant with the nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly 10 provides results that are easy to read on a timely basis. In addition, the nasal irrigation device is combined with the diagnostic or detection member 20 and provides a continuous rinse with clean washing or cleaning liquid while draining the “contaminated” waste solution for retention and collection within the collection portion of the nasal irrigation device 14. Operation of the present invention thereby provides a device that has the potential to sample a broader surface area of the nasopharynx compared to a manual swab or an aspiration catheter as is conventionally used in the medical profession for related diagnostic procedures.

[0057] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.