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Nanoprobes for Detection and/or Modification of Molecules

Keywords: Device, nanotechnology, Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), fluorophore, ELISA assay.

Summary: 
The National Cancer Institute's Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory  is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to co-develop nanoprobes for the detection of molecular species using FRET and/or their modification.

Technology:
 This invention describes devices consisting of a rigid molecular rod with a flexible molecular tether attached at both ends that can detect and/or modify molecules. Each tether tip has a functional group, such as an antibody or oligonucleotide that recognizes a target molecule. In addition, one tip carries a donor fluorophore and the other carries an acceptor fluorophore. The fluorophores form a pair for Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). In the absence of the target molecule, the rod keeps the tether arms apart, while in the presence of the target molecule, both recognizers bind to the target. This binding holds the donor and acceptor fluorophores close together, allowing a FRET signal. By reducing an ELISA-like assay entirely to the molecular level, complex macroscopic or microfluidic washing and pumping systems can be eliminated. Rod-tether Nanoprobes can detect a wide variety of clinical and biowarfare reagents. The nanoprobes can also rapidly and simply detect, modify, and/or destroy endogenous molecules (e.g., proteins, mRNA) involved in a broad range of diseases. The simplest ssDNA-detecting nanoprobe has been created.

Potential Commercial Applications:

• Instantly detect molecules of interest (e.g.. proteins, mRNA) in multiple settings:
• An improved substitute for ELISA assays
• Modify or destroy target molecules, while detecting them
• Detect genetic diseases in the clinic from patient blood samples

Competitive Advantages:

• Only one reagent required for detection
• Entire reaction contained in a single molecule
• Eliminates washing steps
• Complicated and expensive microfluidic chips are eliminated
• High speed
• Exceptionally low cost

Development Stage: Discovery

Related Technologies:  US, Patents 7,871,777 01/18/2011, and     US Application No. 12/980,802 (12/ 29/2010)

Patent Status:  US Application  60/749,858 (12/12/2005) and 11/638,160 (12/12/2006)

Contact: Please submit an information request form at  http://techtransfer.cancer.gov or contact
John D. Hewes, Ph.D., (301) 435-3121, hewesj@mail.nih.gov.

Last updated: 05/01/2012

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