Biological Sample Connector with Cleavable Backbone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples using fluorescence microscopy are limited by the number of unique fluorescent dyes available, making it difficult to identify and differentiate between different cell types, and are time-consuming and expensive to generate diverse markers with varying fluorescent properties.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a first affinity reagent that binds to a target molecule and a backbone with a cleavage site, allowing for the irreversible separation of a label from the affinity interactor, enabling easy assembly and use of multiple markers with different fluorescent properties, reducing the need for manual coupling reactions and batch-to-batch variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique fluorescent dyes are used to mark different structures, then the number of identifiable cell types increases, but the complexity and cost of generating diverse markers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a universal backbone structure that can be combined with different affinity reagents and fluorescent labels to create multiple markers. This modular design allows the same backbone to serve multiple functions by simply changing the attached components, rather than creating entirely new markers for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker system is divided into separate functional modules: affinity reagents for specific binding, backbones for structural support, and fluorescent labels for detection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the generation of diverse markers by recombining standardized modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual coupling reactions are used to attach fluorescent labels to affinity reagents, then marker diversity increases, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone structures are pre-prepared with standardized coupling sites and properties. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual coupling reactions during actual marker generation, as the pre-made backbones can be directly combined with affinity reagents and labels through simpler attachment methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If batch-to-batch variability occurs in marker generation, then manufacturing precision decreases, but the complexity of quality control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of standardized backbone structures with consistent chemical and physical properties ensures homogeneity across different marker batches. This standardization reduces variability by maintaining uniform attachment conditions and structural characteristics, thereby improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex quality control measures.
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 allows for cost-effective and efficient generation of markers, enabling the simultaneous analysis of multiple target molecules with distinct fluorescent properties, facilitating high-throughput imaging and reducing the complexity of multiplexing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first affinity interactor is configured to specifically bind to a second affinity interactor comprising a label
Implementation Method 2
the backbone comprises a cleavage site for irreversibly separating the first affinity reagent and the first affinity interactor
Implementation Method 3
one or more fluorescent dyes or labels that are either directly conjugated to the affinity reagent
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided for analysing biological samples including at least one first affinity reagent configured to bind directly or indirectly to a target molecule, and a backbone connected to the first affinity reagent and having at least one first affinity interactor, wherein the first affinity interactor is configured to specifically bind to a second affinity interactor having a label in order to bind the label to the backbone, and wherein the backbone has a cleavage site for irreversibly separating the first affinity reagent and the first affinity interactor. In a further aspect, a marker and a method for analysing biological samples are provided.