Multiplexed Aptamer Selection for Opioid Derivatives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating functional biomolecules, such as aptamers, are inefficient in simultaneously targeting multiple molecules, requiring multiple rounds of SELEX and extensive resources, and lack specificity in binding to opioids and opioid derivatives like acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil, and naloxone.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a diverse library of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and peptides, is developed to simultaneously generate functional ligands with high affinity to multiple targets by using a SELEX protocol, where targets are affixed to a substrate, and identifiers are used to mark and tag binding members, allowing for their isolation and identification in a single reaction volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional SELEX methods are used to generate aptamers for multiple opioid targets, then each target requires separate selection rounds, but this increases time consumption and resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple opioid targets (acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil, and naloxone) into a single SELEX selection process. A diverse nucleic acid library is simultaneously exposed to all three targets, allowing the generation of aptamers that can recognize multiple opioid molecules in one experiment rather than requiring separate SELEX runs for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal selection system where a single nucleic acid library can be selected against multiple opioid targets simultaneously. The method establishes a multi-target selection platform that generates aptamers with universal applicability to various opioid derivatives, reducing the need for target-specific optimization.
2Reliability
If multiple separate SELEX experiments are conducted for each opioid target, then each target receives dedicated optimization, but this increases resource allocation and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple SELEX experiments into a single integrated selection process. By combining acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil, and naloxone targets in one reaction system, the method reduces experimental complexity while maintaining reliable aptamer generation through simultaneous selection against all targets.
3Measurement precision
If traditional aptamer selection methods are used, then high specificity can be achieved for single targets, but this lacks efficiency in generating multiplexed diagnostic tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple target selections into one efficient process, generating aptamers for three different opioid targets simultaneously. This multiplexed approach maintains the binding specificity required for accurate detection while dramatically improving the productivity of aptamer generation for diagnostic tool development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identifier sequences that can be copied and associated with each target, allowing for the efficient generation of multiplexed identification systems. The identifier sequences enable tracking and differentiation of aptamers bound to different targets, facilitating the creation of comprehensive diagnostic panels.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective generation of functional biomolecules with high specificity to multiple targets, including opioids and opioid derivatives, reducing the need for extensive resource allocation and time, while allowing for multiplexed identification and diagnostic applications.
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, such as opioids and opioid derivatives.