Protein Sensing Molecule Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors for analytes like glutamine and glucose rely on enzymes or expensive instrumentation, and there is a need for improved proteins and methods for characterizing samples with enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
Development of protein sensing molecules with a first detectable quality that changes concentration-dependent upon analyte binding and a second quality that remains unchanged, allowing for precise sample characterization using a method that includes contacting the protein with the sample and measuring these qualities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enzyme-based biosensors are used for analyte detection, then detection capability is achieved, but additional reagents and complex instrumentation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes the natural conformational change capability inherent in binding proteins, removing the need for enzyme-based catalytic reactions and additional reagents. The binding protein itself performs the detection function through its intrinsic structural transition upon analyte binding, eliminating complex enzymatic systems and reducing instrumentation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding protein serves multiple functions: it binds the analyte specifically, undergoes conformational change for signal generation, and can be labeled with various detectable groups. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate enzyme components and reagents required in traditional enzyme-based biosensors.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional binding proteins are used as sensors, then reagent-free operation is achieved, but detection sensitivity and specificity need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces detectable labels at specific local positions on the binding protein that are strategically chosen to maximize the detectable signal upon conformational change. This localized labeling approach enhances detection sensitivity while maintaining the reagent-free advantage of binding proteins.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the binding protein by introducing detectable labels, thereby changing its physical parameters to enable enhanced detection. The labeled binding protein maintains its natural binding and conformational change properties while gaining improved detectability through the attached labels.
3Device complexity
If single detectable quality changes are used for analyte detection, then simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detectable signal into multiple independent qualities (e.g., fluorescence intensity, wavelength shift, lifetime) that can be measured simultaneously. This segmentation allows for ratiometric or multi-parameter detection, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining the simplicity of using a single labeled binding protein.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-parameter detection to multi-dimensional detection by utilizing multiple detectable qualities or parameters from the labeled binding protein. This dimensional expansion enables more accurate and reliable measurements through cross-validation and reduced susceptibility to artifacts.
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 approach enables sensitive and specific detection of analytes, reducing the need for additional reagents and expensive equipment, and provides a robust method for characterizing samples with high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The key event that accompanies molecular recognition between a binding protein and its substrate is a conformational change
Implementation Method 2
analyte-binding proteins may be used as sensor proteins to characterize samples
Data Source
AI summary
A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors.