Graphene-induced Energy Transfer for the Quantification of the Structure and Dynamics of Biomolecules

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates in general to structure and activity determination of biomolecules. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing devices having a support layer and a biofunctionalized graphene layer on top of the support layer, and the use of such devices for hybridization, determining the structure and structural dynamics of biomolecules, in particular nucleotides, proteins and protein complexes. The present invention also relates to novel compounds for biofunctionalization of graphene, in particular novel amphiphilic molecules for noncovalent surface coating of a graphene layer, and their use in the manufacturing methods and devices of the present invention.

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method and device for analyzing the structure and dynamics of biomolecules by using graphene-induced energy transfer (GIET). The device consists of a support layer topped with a graphene layer that is biofunctionalized using specially designed amphiphilic molecules through non-covalent interactions. When biomolecules are attached to the functionalized graphene and labeled with fluorescent tags, the distance-dependent quenching effect of graphene allows high-precision measurement of molecular structure, size, and conformational changes, extending the measurable range well beyond existing techniques like FRET.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quantitative analysis of biomolecular structures such as proteins, protein complexes, DNA, and RNA.
• Detection and measurement of conformational changes in biomolecules for basic biological research.
• Development of highly sensitive DNA and RNA hybridization assays, including those used in clinical diagnostics like PCR tests.
• Single-molecule biological assays for research, pharmaceutical development, and drug discovery.
• Screening drug candidates by detecting drug-induced structural changes in target proteins or receptors.
• Integration into automated and high-throughput platforms for large-scale analysis of biomolecules.
• Characterization or rapid screening of antibodies, aptamers, or protein-protein interactions in research and diagnostics.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables distance measurements up to 50 nm with nanometer-scale sensitivity, greatly extending the range over conventional FRET-based techniques.
• Requires only a single fluorescent label on the biomolecule, simplifying assay design and avoiding complex double-labeling.
• Preserves the integrity and function of immobilized biomolecules due to gentle, non-covalent surface functionalization.
• Allows fast measurements due to graphene's high transparency and optical properties, enabling rapid lifetime assays and total internal reflection fluorescence detection.
• Versatile and adaptable for a wide variety of biomolecules and assay formats, including proteins with different tags and DNA/RNA.
• Supports reversible protein immobilization and reusability of the surface, reducing costs and increasing throughput.
• Potential for integration into automated and high-throughput systems, making it suitable for both laboratory research and industrial-scale screening or diagnostics.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants