Fusion Protein Microplastic Separation and Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing microplastics from aquatic environments are inefficient, lack precision in detection and quantification, and often fail to distinguish between different microplastic compositions, with existing filter systems being inadequate and costly, and existing degradation methods being slow and impractical.
Innovation Solution
Development of a bi- or multifunctional fusion protein and peptide system that selectively binds to microplastic surfaces and carrier surfaces, enabling efficient separation and detection of microplastics through adhesion and signal generation functions, using anchor peptides and a spacer unit for targeted binding and immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filter systems are used to remove microplastics, then microplastic removal is achieved, but the cost of equipment and operation becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filter systems with a biochemical approach using fusion proteins that selectively bind to microplastics. The fusion protein system uses biological molecules (anchor peptides, adhesion-promoting proteins) to capture microplastics through specific binding interactions, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical filtration infrastructure while maintaining effective microplastic removal from aquatic environments
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion protein acts as an intermediary between microplastics and the removal system. It contains an anchor peptide that binds to microplastic surfaces and an adhesion-promoting protein domain that attaches to carrier surfaces, facilitating microplastic capture and removal without requiring direct contact between microplastics and expensive filter systems
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing detection methods are used for microplastics, then detection capability is provided, but precision in detection and quantification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates signal generation functions that produce detectable signals (such as color changes or fluorescence) when the fusion protein binds to microplastics. This allows for precise detection and quantification of microplastics through optical methods, enabling accurate measurement of microplastic presence and concentration in environmental samples
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion protein serves as a detection intermediary that specifically binds to microplastics and generates a measurable signal. This intermediary approach enhances detection precision by providing a specific, quantifiable response that directly correlates with microplastic presence, overcoming the imprecision of existing detection methods
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing degradation methods are applied to microplastics, then degradation process is initiated, but the degradation speed is too slow to be practical
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion protein acts as a mediator that concentrates and immobilizes microplastics on carrier surfaces, creating high local concentrations that facilitate more efficient degradation processes. By gathering microplastics in specific locations, the system enables faster and more effective degradation compared to dispersed environmental conditions
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
The system allows for selective and efficient separation and detection of microplastics, reducing the need for costly equipment and sample preparation, while ensuring toxic substances remain bound to the microplastics, facilitating safe disposal and environmental remediation.
Implementation Method 1
comprising: (i) one or more of a first adhesion promoting protein and/or adhesion promoting peptide (I), which, preferably selectively, binds to one or more of a first target surface, preferably a first polymer or plastic target surface
Implementation Method 2
(ii) one or more of a second adhesion promoting protein and/or adhesion promoting peptide (II), which, preferably selectively, binds to one or more of a second carrier surface, preferably a second polymer or non-polymer carrier surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a novel fusion protein and/or fusion peptide, preferably for use in the separation from and/or detection in an environment of one or more target polymers or plastics, e.g., one or more target polymer fragments and/or particles or target plastic fragments and/or particles, preferably wherein the one or more target polymer particles or target plastic particles are microplastics; a method of preparing such novel fusion protein and/or fusion peptide, a system and kit comprising the novel fusion protein and/or fusion peptide and a (polymer or non-polymer) carrier or carrier system, a use of the novel fusion protein and/or fusion peptide or of a system and kit as mentioned in the separation from and/or detection in an environment of one or more target polymers or plastics, e.g., one or more target polymer fragments and/or particles or target plastic fragments and/or particles, preferably wherein the one or more target polymer particles or target plastic particles are microplastics; a method of separation of one or more target polymers or plastics from an environment, e.g., one or more target polymer fragments and/or particles or target plastic fragments and/or particles, and a method of detection of one or more target polymers or plastics in an environment, e.g., one or more target polymer fragments and/or particles or target plastic fragments and/or particles, preferably wherein the one or more target polymer particles or target plastic particles are microplastics.