Label-Free Detection of Protein-Ligand Binding

Case Number: 2868TAMU09

Applications:
Life Science Research
Biosensors

Description of Invention:
     Tools to detect receptor-ligand binding are vitally important in many areas of life science research. The most sensitive detection methods require labeling of the biomolecules with a fluorescent tag, but concerns over interferences and the cumbersome nature of labeling processes have lead to interest in techniques that do not require chemical alteration of the ligand or receptor.
     This technology describes an innovative "label-free" method to detect ligand-protein binding which is based on detection of a local change in pH that occurs upon protein binding at a solid/liquid interface. The pH change is detected by a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye system embedded in a phospholipid bilayer containing the protein. The dye system is resistant to photo-bleaching and contains an internal standard for long-term accuracy. As such, this method captures the excellent limits of detection that are so characteristic of fluorescence-based techniques but without the disadvantages associated with labeling of proteins or ligands and without the sophisticated instrumentation normally required for label-free methods. Research to date indicates sensitivity that far exceeds the performance of surface plasmon resonance, one of the most common commercial label-free techniques. Additional details on the technology are available in the following recent publication: Jung, H. Robison, A.D., and Cremer, P.S., "Detecting Protein-Ligand Binding on Supported Bilayers by Local pH Modulation", JACS, 2009, 131, 1006-1014.
     This technology offers an outstanding opportunity for new products to serve the life science research and development market. The technology can be envisioned in several product formats and is fully compatible with multiplexed detection for use in high-throughput screening. The invention is relatively easy to use, can be tailored to detect nearly any protein-ligand binding event, and requires only common laboratory equipment, such as a fluorescence microscope, for implementation. Technology status is early-stage, but research is moving rapidly toward development of prototype products.
     This technology should be of interest to companies involved in life science instrumentation and biosensors. Opportunities exist for sponsored research and exclusive licensing. Please inquire. Patent pending.

Inventors:
Paul S. Cremer, Hyunsook Jung, and Aaron Robison, all of the Dept of Chemistry, Texas A&M University

Contact:
Elaine A. Lange, Ph.D.
Licensing Manager
Office of Technology Commercialization
The Texas A&M University System
MS 3369 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3369
ph/vm 979.845.2689
e-lange@tamu.edu

Taxonomy: Research Tools , Substance Detection, Analytical Methods and Instrumentation
Status: Start-Up Formation

CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact by Email (Clicking this link will open a contact form in a popup window. If you have problems viewing the form, try disabling your popup blocker software.)