Media.Player

Biological Target Detection with Fluorescent Nanocomplex with Signal Enhancing Capability

Technology Benefits

Signal intensity can be enhanced without additional signal amplifying processes SensitiveΓÇöfluorescence signal can be enhanced to optimize detection of scarce target molecules ConvenientΓÇömultiple target detection in a single signal activation step can be achieved The fluorophores are not photosensitive until activated, allowing longer shelf-life and easier handling and storage than conventional fluorescent signaling molecules Less toxic than quantum dot-based technologiesΓÇösafer & costs less for production & disposal

Technology Application

Enhanced detection for fluorescent immunohistology

Detailed Technology Description

Our chemists have developed a number of ways to manipulate properties of nanoparticles with many potential applications. Nanocomplexes can be formed by conjugating these nanoparticles with signaling and target-specific molecules to produce a research tool for detection of biological targets. Our novel target detection method utilizes nanocomplexes coupled to activator-dependent fluorescent molecules. Due to the unique property of the signaling molecules to fluoresce only in the presence of their activators, the amount of emitted signals can be controlled by two factors: 1) the amount of exogenously applied activators; and 2) the amount of fluorescent molecules coupled to the nanocomplex. Use of the nanocomplex therefore enables a user to intensify the fluorescence signals by simply applying additional activators and/or a manufacturer to offer different grades of nanocomplexes with varied amounts of fluorescent molecules. The use of a non-toxic substance as the core material also allows safer and easier manufacturing and disposal, providing a cost-effective probing tool without compromising quality.

Industry

Biomedical

Sub Category

Medical Composition

*Abstract

Target molecule detection is a fundamental tool in biomedical research, but researchers often encounter sensitivity issues when the target amount is limited. Moreover, in the case of detection using fluorescent molecules, high background and short shelf-life of molecules can be a hindrance. Recent breakthroughs in quantum dot technology largely address these issues, but many quantum dots contain toxic materials that may pose health hazards and increased manufacturing and disposal costs. This invention describes a method to detect biological target molecule using a non-toxic nanocomplex that can be simply activated or enhanced for its fluorescence signals.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Tara Kopplin, Licensing Assoc.

Department: IPCED

Name: Julia Zhao

Department:

Country/Region

USA