Bacteriorhodopsin-based photochromic sensor for detection of chemical and environmental toxins
US7790442B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/805
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bacteriorhodopsin based chemical sensing architecture based upon the collective response of bacteriorhodopsin and a number of its mutants; the wild type protein and a selection of genetically-engineered variants was able to respond differentially to a selection of amines. The observable response to the presence of a target chemical was manifested through a modulation of bacteriorhodopsin's photokinetic properties, which are monitored through pump-probe techniques using a custom prototype flash photolysis system. Differential responsivity exists at two levels; (1) bacteriorhodopsin proteins (wild-type and genetically-engineered variants) respond differentially upon exposure of a target chemical, and (2) the response pattern exhibited by the proteins differs from chemical to chemical. This dichotomy forms the basis for a BR-mediated chemical sensing technology that is highly sensitive and selective and may therefore discriminate between different chemicals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.