Biochemistry techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are very useful for determining the amount of specific antigens or antibodies in a given sample. Some important chemical species, such as thiol-reactive molecules, can be particularly difficult to assay. This technology utilizes a cost effective peptide sequence that displays a high affinity for both the plastic of a multi-well or nanofabricated flowcell device and proteins known to interact with thiols such as those in hypoxic environments. This ELISA-based assay can quickly detect the efficacy of tumor hypoxia-targeted drugs for rapid screening of new compounds or to predict patient-specific efficacy of therapeutics targeting solid tumors.
Current methods to quantify thiol-reactive molecules are time consuming, costly, cumbersome, and sensitive to small procedural variations. Commercially available glutathione-coated plates are proprietary, and methods based on Ficoll substrates require x-rays. This technology relies on the use of a simple peptide sequence whose cysteine residues bind with activated antigens that are thiol-reactive. The peptide sequence then attaches the coordinated antigen to high-binding ELISA plates. This peptide has the potential to improve analysis processes by increasing speed and safety, while reducing cost.
The technology has been vetted with proof-of-concept experiments. The immobilization of the antigen of interest onto the ELISA plate via the peptide was verified with standard immunosorbent methods.
Patent Pending (WO/2016/140860)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU15135