Biomolecule detection device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a biomolecule detection device (1) for analyzing cells, vesicles or cell or vesicle components, comprising an evanescent illuminator having a light coupling unit configured for generating an evanescent field on a first surface of the evanescent illuminator from coherent light (L) having a predetermined wavelength, the first surface of the evanescent illuminator comprises a template nanopattern (5) comprising a coherent arrangement of a plurality of predetermined lines along which membrane recognition elements for transmembrane proteins (81), preferably laterally diffusible transmembrane protein conjugate structures (82), of cells, vesicles or cell or vesicle components (8) are arranged. The membrane recognition element (53) is configured to bind to a conjugate structure (82) of a transmembrane protein (81) to form a transmembrane nanopattern within a cell, vesicle or cell or vesicle component (8) based on a template nanopattern (5) of the evanescent illuminator such that light of the evanescent field is scattered by the cell, vesicle or cell or vesicle component (8) bound to the membrane recognition element (53). The predetermined lines are arranged such that the light scattered by the cells, vesicles or cell or vesicle components (8) bound to the membrane recognition element (53) constructively interferes at a predetermined detection site (7), the difference in optical path length being an integer multiple of the predetermined wavelength of the coherent light (L).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention is in the field of biomolecular detection devices and their use for detection of biomolecular interactions, in particular intracellular or intravesicular interactions. The invention further includes methods for generating transmembrane nanopatterns within cells, vesicles, artificial or cellular components. Background technique [0002] Detection devices are used, for example, as biosensors in a wide variety of applications. A particular application is the detection or monitoring of binding affinities or processes. For example, with the help of such biosensors, various assays that detect the binding of target samples to binding sites can be performed. Typically, a large number of such assays are performed on a biosensor at points in a two-dimensional microarray arranged on the surface of the biosensor. The use of microarrays provides a tool for simultaneous detection of binding affinities or processes of different target samples...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] While it is in principle possible to use fluorescent labels to detect binding affinities, this technique is disadvantageous in that the detected signal is generated by the fluorescent label and not by the binding partner itself

Additionally, labeling target samples requires additional preparation steps

Furthermore, labeled target samples are relatively expensive

Another disadvantage is the distortion of results caused by steric hindrance of the fluorescent label at the target sample, which may interfere with the binding of the target sample to the capture molecule

A further disadvantage is distortion of results due to photobleaching or quenching effects of the label

Additionally, fluorescent labels can significantly affect the chemical, biological, pharmacological, and physical properties of compounds of interest

Therefore, measurements that rely solely on fluorescent labels may be distorted by the presence of such labels

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