DNA-Protein-Polymer Complex for High-Resolution SEM Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA analysis methods using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) face challenges in visualizing DNA molecules with various shapes and lengths at high resolution and in real-time, due to detection limitations and the need for complex processes.
Innovation Solution
A DNA analysis kit comprising a DNA-protein-polymer complex that is metal-free, allowing for high-resolution observation and analysis of DNA molecules through SEM. The complex includes a DNA-binding protein capable of binding to DNA via electrostatic interaction, intercalation, or groove binding, and a polymer that binds to the protein through intermolecular electrostatic attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluorescence microscopy is used for DNA imaging, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but resolution deteriorates making it difficult to observe DNA shapes and lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DNA-binding protein as an intermediary that attaches to DNA molecules, and a polymer that binds to the protein, creating a multi-layer complex that amplifies the signal for SEM detection while preserving the native DNA structure for high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure consisting of DNA molecule-DNA-binding protein-polymer complex, where each component contributes specific properties: DNA provides the target structure, the protein provides binding specificity and structural support, and the polymer provides electron scattering contrast for visualization
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If nanoparticle attachment or nanowire growth is used to improve DNA visibility in SEM, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates metal components from the staining process, using only organic compounds (proteins and polymers) that provide sufficient contrast for SEM imaging, thereby simplifying the process and avoiding the complexity of metal deposition techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the staining agents from inorganic nanoparticles to organic macromolecules, altering the mechanism of electron interaction while achieving comparable or superior visualization with simpler procedures
3Measurement precision
If transmission electron microscopy is used for DNA imaging, then resolution is improved, but time consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and chemical preparation procedures of TEM (including heavy metal staining, sectioning, and vacuum processing) with a simpler SEM-based approach using organic stains that require minimal preparation and allow for faster imaging
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
Enables high-resolution, real-time visualization and analysis of DNA molecules with various shapes and lengths, overcoming the limitations of existing SEM techniques and simplifying the observation process.
Implementation Method 1
a DNA-binding protein capable of binding to a DNA molecule through at least one of electrostatic interaction, intercalation, and groove binding
Implementation Method 2
a polymer, an anhydride thereof or a salt thereof, capable of binding to the DNA-binding protein by intermolecular electrostatic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a DNA analysis kit for analyzing DNA through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a DNA-protein-polymer complex, a composition including the DNA-protein-polymer complex, and a DNA analysis method using the DNA-protein-polymer complex. The DNA-protein-polymer complex includes: a DNA molecule; a DNA-binding protein including a peptide, the peptide having an amino acid sequence capable of binding to the DNA molecule and having at least one functional group in at least one of both terminuses thereof; and a polymer, an anhydride thereof or a salt thereof, capable of binding to the DNA-binding protein by intermolecular electrostatic attraction. The DNA-protein-polymer complex is metal-free and enables high-resolution observation and analysis of DNA molecules having various shapes and lengths at almost real-time speed through SEM.