A major limitation of current methods to detect specific DNA sequences is the need to amplify the target DNA to detectable levels using PCR. The additional instrumentation and reagents required for PCR severely limit the portability of PCR based detection systems, greatly extend the time required for analysis, and potentially introduce significant errors into the results. The detection thresholds of the most sensitive detection methods currently available still correspond to a large number - presumably hundreds or thousands - of hybridization events.
Researchers at Arizona State University have invented a system and method for single-molecule detection of bioactive agents through the use of a F1-ATPase biomolecular motor. The technology is composed of a capture probe consisting of a F1-ATPase that is attached to a nickel coated substrate while the subunit remains free to rotate when the substrate ATP is added to the system. Detection probes are free floating in solution and are composed of a gold nano rod attached to an analyte binder. Thus, both probes have binding sites for the analyte of interest. Through a single binding event of a target molecule to both the capture probe and detection probe, the F1-ATPase rotates the gold nanorod. Upon assembly and the addition of the substrate ATP, the rotation of the semaphore scatters red and green light which can be visualized by low power microscopy.
Potential Applications
Benefits and Advantages
Link to patent application
http://www.google.com/patentsid=wXV3AAAAEBAJ&dq=6989235http://azte.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/m02-038-and-m03-017-and-m04-0141.pdf