Identifying and Quantifying Specific Molecules in Biological and Environmental Samples

SLU ID 10-034 | Biosensors for Detecting Marcomolecules and Other Analytes

Background

The detection, identification, and quantification of specific molecules in our environment, food supply, water supply, and biological samples (e.g., blood, cerebral spinal fluid, urine, etc.) can be very complex, expensive, and time consuming. Methods utilized for detection of these molecules include gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, DNA sequencing, immunoassays, cell-based assays, biomolecular blots and gels, and numerous other multi-step chemical and physical assays. There continues to be a high demand for convenient methodologies for detecting and measuring the levels of specific proteins in biological and environmental samples.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed molecular biosensors, methods, and kits for detecting several types of target molecules including polypeptides, analytes, macromolecular complexes, and combinations thereof. These methods are well adapted to rapid, high-throughput parallel protein detection.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the complexity of detecting, identifying, and quantifying specific molecules

• Minimizing the cost of detecting, identifying, and quantifying specific molecules

• Minimizing the time required for detecting, identifying, and quantifying specific molecules

Applications

The potential applications of this technology include:

• Biomedical research

• DNA sequencing

• Immunoassays and cell-based assays

• Multi-step chemical and physical assays

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.