LABEL-FREE DETECTION OF SMALL AND LARGE MOLECULE INTERACTIONS, AND ACTIVITIES IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

摘要

A system for quantitative detection and analysis of the interactions of molecules with molecular receptors on the surfaces of biological cells based on detecting a mechanical deformation in the membrane of a cell associated with the molecular interactions, which works for both large and small molecules. The mechanical deformation can be detected with high precision in real time from an optical image of the cell with a differential detection method. The system can be also used to detect the electrical activities, such as ion channel opening and closing, as well as action potential propagation in neuronal cells.

主权项

1. A system for quantitative detection and analysis of the interactions of molecules with molecular receptors on the surfaces of biological cells based on detecting a mechanical deformation in the membrane of a cell associated with the molecular interactions comprising:
an imaging apparatus that captures a time sequence of images of a biological object; an injector coupled to introduce a substance that interacts with the biological object; and a processor, coupled to receive data from the imaging apparatus, the processor being adapted to determine the mechanical deformation of the biological object associated with the interaction of the substance with the biological object from the images, the processor being further adapted to analyze the interaction from the mechanical deformation.