Raman-tagged aptamer sensor for ultra-stable, multiplexed biomolecule detection

This technology is a stable, Raman-tagged sensor that uses structure-switching aptamers to detect specific molecules.

Unmet Need: Chemically stable sensors to detect and quantify molecules

Most molecular detection methods rely on electrochemical or fluorescent markers to detect and quantify biomolecules. However, these sensors degrade over time and exhibit signal drift, affecting accuracy and stability. Additionally, multiplexing is limited as sensor signals overlap and are affected by background noise. Other factors that contribute to poor biomolecule detection with current sensors include pH sensitivity, micro-environment, and recalibration needs. There is a need for a molecular sensor that is more stable and better suited for multiplexing experiments.

The Technology: An ultra-stable Raman-tagged aptamer sensor for multiplexed biomolecule detection

This technology uses structure-switching aptamers labeled with stable Raman tags to label sensors for highly sensitive detection of specific molecules via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The aptamers change conformation upon target binding, thereby altering the sensor's Raman signal, enabling precise detection. The Raman tags are highly stable over time and are unaffected by environmental changes such as pH, providing reliable, background-free measurements. This technology can be applied in medical diagnostics, drug monitoring, environmental testing, and food safety.

Applications:

• Diagnostics for infectious diseases
• Sensors for real-time drug levels
• On-site food safety sensor
• High-precision tool for drug discovery

Advantages:

• Long-term stability
• Highly sensitive detection
• Unaffected by environment

Lead Inventor:

Milan Stojanovic, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

• Yu S, Dai W, Su C, Milosavic N, Wang Z, Wang X, Zhu Y, He M, Landry DW, Stojanovic MN, Lin Q. “An Internally Attached Aptameric Graphene Nanosensor for Sensitive Vasopressin Measurement in Critical Patient Monitoring.” ACS Sens. 2024 Sep 27;9(9):4915-4923.

• Yang K, Mitchell NM, Banerjee S, Cheng Z, Taylor S, Kostic AM, Wong I, Sajjath S, Zhang Y, Stevens J, Mohan S, Landry DW, Worgall TS, Andrews AM, Stojanovic MN. “A functional group-guided approach to aptamers for small molecules.” Science. 2023 Jun 2;380(6648):942-948.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU25105

• Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka