Inviable virus particles as scaffolds for constructing flexible detection systems
OwnerThomas L. Mattsoninventor
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Abstract
An innovative detection system for detecting small numbers of target analytes is disclosed. This system provides a novel method for attaching multiple copies of reporter groups to a single site on an analyte of interest. This system preferably comprises a virus capsid enclosing multiple detectable reporter groups, and a linking molecule which is capable of linking the capsid to the analyte of interest.
Claims46
A detection system capable of binding to an analyte, wherein the detection system comprises a non-infectious viral particle, a reporter group linked to the viral particle, and a linking molecule which is capable of linking the viral particle to the analyte;
- and wherein the reporter group and the linking molecule are not components of a naturally occurring virus.
A detection system capable of binding to an analyte, wherein the detection system comprises a viral particle, a fluorescent protein which is enclosed within the viral particle, and a linking molecule which is capable of linking the viral particle to the analyte;
- and wherein the linking molecule is not a component of a naturally occurring virus.
A detection system capable of binding to an analyte, wherein the detection system comprises a viral particle, a reporter group which is linked to the viral particle and comprises a first outer capsid protein covalently linked to a first extra amino acid sequence, and a linking molecule which is capable of linking the viral particle to the analyte and comprises a second outer capsid protein covalently linked to a second extra amino acid sequence;
- and wherein the first and second extra amino acid sequence are not identical.
A method of making a detection system, comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a viral particle;
- (2) providing a reporter group comprising a first outer capsid protein;
- (3) linking the reporter group to the viral particle;
- (4) providing a linking molecule which is capable of linking the viral particle to the analyte and comprises a second outer capsid protein;
- and
- (5) linking the linking molecule to the viral particle;
- wherein the reporter group and the linking molecule are not components of a naturally occurring virus;
- and wherein either the reporter group or the linking molecule, or both, are exogenous to the viral particle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.