Fluorescent Dye Macrocycle Competitive Binding for Enzymatic Reaction Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining analyte concentration in biochemical reactions are limited by the need for fluorescent labeling, which can interfere with reaction kinetics and require lengthy incubation times, and are not adaptable for rapid or continuous monitoring of enzymatically catalyzed reactions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a fluorescent dye and macrocycle system where the analyte displaces the dye from the macrocycle, allowing for real-time monitoring of concentration changes without chemical alteration of the analyte or covalent bonding, using a host-guest interaction to change fluorescence properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If fluorescent labeling is used to determine analyte concentration, then detection capability is improved, but reaction kinetics are interfered with and incubation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidincubation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fluorescent indicator that acts as an intermediary substance to detect analyte concentration indirectly through a competitive binding mechanism. The indicator competes with the analyte for binding sites on a macromolecule, allowing detection without direct labeling of the analyte. This resolves the contradiction by enabling detection capability improvement while avoiding the time loss associated with covalent labeling and incubation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical process of covalent labeling (which requires incubation time) with an optical detection method based on fluorescence changes. By using a fluorescent indicator whose fluorescence intensity changes upon binding to the macromolecule-analyte complex, the system substitutes time-consuming chemical labeling with rapid optical measurement, thus improving detection speed without sacrificing detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If covalent linking of fluorescent group to analyte is performed, then detection capability is improved, but reactivity of analyte is influenced and work amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidwork amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent indicator serves as an intermediary that detects analyte concentration through competitive binding rather than requiring covalent attachment to the analyte. This eliminates the need for complex covalent linking procedures, reducing work amount while maintaining detection capability through the indicator's fluorescence signal that responds to analyte presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fluorescent detection function from the analyte itself by using a separate fluorescent indicator molecule. Instead of modifying the analyte with a fluorescent group (which increases work amount and may affect reactivity), the system uses a distinct indicator substance that reports analyte concentration through fluorescence changes, thus separating the detection function from the analyte and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If direct measurement of analyte concentration is attempted, then work amount is reduced, but special analysis method must be developed for each analyte

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework amountVSAvoidmethod versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection system where a single fluorescent indicator and macromolecule combination can detect multiple different analytes. The competitive binding mechanism allows the same indicator system to respond to various analytes that compete for the same binding sites, providing method versatility without requiring separate analysis methods for each analyte, thus reducing work amount while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 rapid, continuous, and high-throughput analysis of analyte concentration changes during enzymatic reactions without interfering with the reaction process, reducing errors and enabling online tracking of reaction kinetics.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a fluorescence property of the fluorescent dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

the analyte can displace the fluorescent dye from the macrocycle in the concentration range of the analyte to be examined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHost-guest interaction: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2021800B1Determination of changes in concentration
Publication Date: 2011.07.20 JACOBS UNIVERSITY BREMEN
  • EP2021800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2021800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2021800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the field of macrocyclic host systems and fluorescent dyes. In particular, the invention relates to apparatuses and methods for determining a change in the concentration of an analyte, in particular as a result of a catalysed reaction, preferably an enzymatically catalysed reaction and preferably in an aqueous solution (> 50% by weight water).