Nanoassay development

National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Fluorescence Spectroscopy is inherently a very sensitive technique; it already forms the basis of most non-radioactive real time assays like PCR. Our lab previously collaborated with former fellows (now in biotech industry) to develop alternatives to PCR like "CataCleave" probes for SNPs. We continue to evaluate the photophysics and proper coupling of DNA components to carriers such as multilayer metal nanoparticles and the use of FCS (see MPM report) to quantify very tight protein-protein and protein-DNA binding in sub-microliter drops (analytes are present in sub-femtomole amounts). We are planning/redesigning chemistry of our STAQ probes (see nanoscopy project) for DNA/RNA probing, analagous to catacleave, in plans to only superresolve tight binding sites. Recently we have used TCSPC to begin untangling designed aptamer heterogeneity questions (see MPM project and TR project). Aptamers can combine their turn-on fluorescence with analyte detection, so we have discussed /planned syntheses for various FRET sensing strategies for unusual forms of RNA or DNA. We also continued to study the photonics of "Excitonic" probes that, either in fluorescent protein complexes or in aptamers, will provide unique signatures ;we have advised outside parties about the hallmarks of excitons. Eventually, biological excitonic coupling may have value in the nascent quantum optics (communication esp.) field, but we are much more focused now on the implications for higher resolution Fluorescent Protein -based imaging of cell organelles in STED (see superresolution).