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Nanoparticle metal ion sensors and novel metal ion-sensitive compounds for medical and environmental diagnosis, analysis and treatment

Technology Benefits

BiocompatibleΓÇötested non-cytotoxic in cultured human lung epithelial cells Provides a highly sensitive, selective and rapid method for detection of targeted analytes The target element-dependent fluorescent property of the compounds minimizes background signals

Technology Application

Rapid, simple and sensitive detection of trace amount of metal ions in biological or environmental samples Selective sequestration of unwanted metal ions in drinking water

Detailed Technology Description

This is an opportunity to license a technology comprising silica nanoparticles associated with target element-dependent fluorescent compounds and a group of metal ion-sensitive compounds. Fluorescent dye molecules are used as probes or indicators for detection of target elements, but the handling and usage of such molecules require special care due to their photosensitivity. In addition, because of their intrinsic fluorescent property, they tend to produce relatively high background signals. Our present nanotechnology was developed to address these issues, and can be applied for fluorescent detection of metal ions or binding and removal of unwanted metal ions for medical and environmental use. For a diagnostic or analytical use, the nanoparticles can be coated with the compounds which emit fluorescent signals only when they are bound to metal ions with high affinities. The association of the dye molecules with the nanoparticles extends the duration of fluorescent signals by stabilizing the molecular structure and protecting them from photo-bleaching. The use of the target-dependent fluorescent compounds not only decreases potential background signals, but it also significantly abbreviates the detection procedure by eliminating the need for washing of unbound dye molecules. In addition to the use as sensors or indicators, this technology can also be used as target element binders. These compounds bind to the appropriate ions with high affinities, therefore the nanoparticles packed with these compounds provide an excellent tool to selectively detect and remove unwanted metal ions from solutions, such as drinking water.

Supplementary Information

Inventor: Zhao, Xiaojun Julia | Pierce, David T.
Priority Number: US7629179B2
IPC Current: G01N0033543
US Class: 436518 | 43500792 | 435962 | 436074 | 436164 | 436172
Assignee Applicant: University of North Dakota,Grand Forks
Title: Surfaces coated with target-induced fluorescent compounds for detection of target elements
Usefulness: Surfaces coated with target-induced fluorescent compounds for detection of target elements
Summary: Used for detecting a target unit e.g. selenium, in a microenvironment.
Novelty: Target unit e.g. selenium, detecting method, involves linking surface with target-induced fluorescent compound for forming linked target-induced fluorescent compound, and incubating sample containing unit with linked compound

Industry

Chemical/Material

Sub Category

Chemical Composition

*Abstract

The University of North Dakota is actively seeking industry partners to license, develop and commercialize its technology consisting of a system to create metal ion-sensitive silica nanoparticle sensors combined with novel metal-binding compounds and their use as a diagnostic, analytical and/or treatment tool for medical and environmental use.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Anamitro Banerjee

Department:

Name: David Pierce

Department:

Name: Julia Zhao

Department:

Name: Julius Ngwendson

Department:

Country/Region

USA