Foldable Polymers as Gene Probes

Abstract

This technology utilizes novel probes to detect and identify target biomolecules in a sample. These probes employ conformational changes induced by molecular recognition events to initiate changes in the optical properties of the probe (e.g. the modulation of a fluorescence or absorption response upon target binding). Methods, including solid phase synthesis techniques for making probe molecules have been developed.

Applications and Advantages

§  Versatile approach to molecular recognition

§  Hairpin formation not a prerequisite for self association

§  Optical response can be tailored to application

§  Multiple targets can be probed simultaneously

§  Both the composition and nature of the probes and reporters can be modulated

IP Status 

US patent nos. 7,238,792; 7,556,967

Publications

Han, Jason J.; Wang, Wei; Li, Alexander D. Q.; Folding and Unfolding of Chromophoric Foldamers Show Unusual Colorful Single Molecule Spectral Dynamics. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2006), 128(3), 672-673.

Wang, Wei; Wan, Wei; Stachiw, Andrew; Li, Alexander D. Q.; Foldamers with Hybrid Biological and Synthetic Sequences as Selective DNA Fluorescent Probes. Biochemistry (2005), 44(32), 10751-10756.

Wang, Wei; Wan, Wei; Zhou, Hong-Hui; Niu, Shuqiang; Li, Alexander D. Q.; Alternating DNA and ï° -conjugated sequences. Thermophilic foldable polymers. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2003), 125(18), 5248-5249.

Wang, Wei; Li, Lin-Song; Helms, Greg; Zhou, Hong-Hui; Li, Alexander D. Q.. To Fold or to Assemble? Journal of the American Chemical Society (2003), 125(5), 1120-1121.

 

Patent Information: