Lipid-Based Probes for Biological Redox Detection

Utility of a selected lipid-based redox probe (DPPC-TC-ONOO^–). Detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO^–) and nitrative stress in diverse lipid environments: biomimetic and biological membranes, lipid-rich organelles and tissues.​

Invention Summary:

The local concentration of redox agents (reactive nitrogen and oxygen species) is tightly regulated in cells to maintain homeostasis and prevent cell damage. Lipid membranes and lipid-rich organelles and tissues can be chemically damaged by reactive redox agents. Uncontrolled redox agent concentration and reactivity has been linked to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Direct detection of redox agents and monitoring oxidative and nitrative stress in lipid environments in cells and tissues is of major interest and a fundamental challenge yet to be addressed. Currently, known redox probes lack the ability to localize in membranes or have limited utility.

To overcome these fundamental roadblocks, Rutgers researchers have developed lipid-based redox sensors that allow direct investigations of redox physiology in various lipid settings, including the lipid membranes in the form of giant vesicles, live mammalian cells, and the lungs. One particular lipid-based probe, named (DPPC-TC-ONOO^–), can localize in membranes and allows the detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO^–), a reactive nitrogen and oxygen species generated under nitrative stress. This novel tool makes it possible to evaluate nitrative stress in lipid-rich organelles (e.g, ER) and within tissues due to acute lung injury both ex vivo and in vivo. 

Market Applications:

• Redox biochemistry.
• Cell imaging, immunology, physiology, lipid biochemistry, diagnostics, and chemical biology.
• Functional lipids.
• Real-time confocal microscopy.

Advantages:

• Redox probes for direct and site specific redox sensing.
• Modular synthesis reduces procedures & costs.
• Non-invasive imaging of lipid membranes.

Intellectual Property & Development Status: 

Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu