Multiplexed Aptamer Selection via Single-Volume Biomolecule Library
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating functional biomolecules, such as aptamers, are inefficient in identifying multiple target molecules simultaneously, requiring multiple rounds of SELEX and extensive resources, and lack a high-capacity, multiplexed identification process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a diverse library of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and peptides, is contacted with multiple targets in a single reaction volume, where non-binding members are washed out, and binding members are marked and isolated using identifiers, allowing for simultaneous identification and amplification of multiple target-specific biomolecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rounds of SELEX are performed to identify multiple target molecules, then binding affinity to targets is improved, but time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SELEX processes into a single multiplexed identification process. Multiple target molecules are simultaneously presented to the biomolecule library in one reaction volume, allowing parallel selection of aptamers for multiple targets in a single experiment rather than performing separate SELEX rounds for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification system that can handle multiple different target molecules simultaneously. The system uses a common library of biomolecules and a unified workflow (contact, wash, mark, isolate) that works across diverse targets, eliminating the need for target-specific optimization of each SELEX process.
2Reliability
If multiple rounds of SELEX are performed to identify multiple target molecules, then binding affinity to targets is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SELEX processes into a single multiplexed identification process. Multiple target molecules are simultaneously presented to the biomolecule library in one reaction volume, allowing parallel selection of aptamers for multiple targets in a single experiment rather than performing separate SELEX rounds for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a wash step that removes non-binding biomolecules while retaining binding members. This efficient separation and recovery process allows the binding members to be isolated and amplified without requiring extensive resources, as only the relevant binding interactions are maintained through the process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional SELEX methods are used to identify multiple targets, then specificity to individual targets is maintained, but the identification process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification process into distinct functional steps: contact (exposure to multiple targets), wash (removal of non-binding members), mark (identification of binding members), and isolate (separation of bound biomolecules). This segmentation simplifies the overall process by making each step straightforward while enabling multiplexed identification across multiple targets simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification system that can handle multiple different target molecules simultaneously. The system uses a common library of biomolecules and a unified workflow (contact, wash, mark, isolate) that works across diverse targets, eliminating the need for target-specific optimization of each SELEX process.
4Reliability
If multiple rounds of SELEX are performed to identify multiple target molecules, then binding affinity to targets is improved, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SELEX processes into a single multiplexed identification process. Multiple target molecules are simultaneously presented to the biomolecule library in one reaction volume, allowing parallel selection of aptamers for multiple targets in a single experiment rather than performing separate SELEX rounds for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple target molecules within a single reaction volume, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple targets in the same physical space. This nesting approach enables the system to handle multiple targets without proportionally increasing the physical footprint of the experimental setup.
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 significantly reduces time, expense, and physical space required, enabling efficient generation and identification of biomolecules with high affinity to multiple targets, improving the multiplexed identification process and reducing the complexity of target binding.
Implementation Method 1
Aptamers are typically characterized by binding to their target molecules via non-Watson-Crick (i.e. non-hybridization) mechanisms, such as by intermolecular forces resulting from the secondary or tertiary structure of the aptamer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates functional ligands to target molecules, particularly to functional nucleic acids and modifications thereof, and to methods for simultaneously generating, for example, numerous different functional biomolecules, particularly to methods for generating numerous different functional nucleic acids against multiple target molecules simultaneously. The present invention further relates to functional ligands which bind with affinity to target molecules.