Categories | Inventors
A Method for Separation and Identification of Proteins Using Unconventional Gel Electrophoresis and Nanoparticle Quantum Dot Tags
OHSU # 1105
Categories:
Inventors:
- Tania Vu, SM.Science & Engineering
- HongYan Liu, SM.Science & Engineering
Summary:
Technology Overview
OHSU researchers have developed a method which uses Quantum Dots (QD) to separate and image targeted proteins in live cells. The recent, rapid success of QDs for imaging cells and tissues in a variety of cellular systems and imaging modalities indicates the versatility and potential of this nanotechnology to contribute to biomedicine. Quantum dots are fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles with novel optical capabilities that allow for ultra-sensitive detection of single QDs with a simple fluorescence illumination-detection source. QDs can be used as a substitute for other fluorescent tags for applications such as Western blotting.
This technology is designed to perform gel electrophoresis of QDs bound to an antibody or protein in order to tag proteins in live cells. As a result, QDs can be directly visualized in gels after electrophoresis or on a membrane after electroblotting.
This method addresses the need to merge information available from cellular applications of QDs (such the cellular location of biomolecules) with the information available from gel separation techniques (such as biomolecular interactions). In addition, bright QD tags using this direct gel electrophoresis method will allow unprecedented (single molecule) detection sensitivity and prolonged detection stability.
Commercial Application
· Detection of protein expression in tissue or culture cells, superior to conventional Western-blotting.
· Detection of protein-protein interaction, an efficient alternative to conventional co- immunoprecipitation.
· Detect of QD-peptide conjugation in the interior of cells
Value Proposition
Efficient
Superior to conventional Western blot as it saves time and supplies
Sensitive
Single QDs will be detectable on membranes over long periods of time
Customizable
Allows for the use of other nanoparticles, such as gold or iron oxide
Robust
Allows for detection of protein expression in tissue or cultured cells, protein-protein interaction, and QD-peptide conjugation in the interior of cells
Licensing Opportunity
OHSU Technology 1105 is available for collaborative research and licensing.
Patents:
| Patent Cooperation Treaty | Published |
For more information, contact:
Christopher Andon
Technology Development Manager
503-494-4185
