Nanoscale Detection Macromolecules
Background:
The National Cancer Institute,
Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program seeks a research
partnership to develop devices that can be used to detect and/or
selectively modify biomolecules. Possible uses of the nanoprobes
include detection of a wide variety of clinical and biowarfare
reagents; or to rapidly and simply detect, modify and/or destroy
endogenous molecules such as proteins and mRNA involved in a broad
range of diseases.
Technology:
The nanoprobes consist of a rigid
molecular rod with flexible molecular tethers attached at each end.
Each tether has a functional group at the tip. For example, one tip
could be a donor fluorophore and the other could be an acceptor
fluorophore. The fluorophores form a pair for Forster Resonance
Energy Transfer (FRET). In the absence of the target molecule, the
rod keeps the tethers apart most of the time, while in the presence
of the target molecule, both tips bind to the target. This holds
the donor and acceptor fluorophores close together. Subsequent
illumination with light excites the donor and the energy is
transferred by FRET to the nearby acceptor, which emits a
detectable signal.
Possible Applications of
Technology:
- Reduction of ELISA, Southern, Northern and Western assays to
single molecules
- Single molecule detection of biomolecules
Current State of
Development:
Proof of concept
Further R&D
Required:
Prototype development
IP Status:
- Filed PCT application filed December, 2006
- US patent application filed December, 2006
Contact
Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D., NCI
Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Reference: #245 JH
Updated 10/29/2007
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