MODIFIED FLAGELLINS AND FLAGELLAR FILAMENTS USEFUL AS RECEPTORS AND METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF

摘要

In general, the invention relates to receptors capable of the efficient recognition and binding of target molecules, said receptors being composed of flagellin proteins which comprise the flagellar filaments of bacteria. More closely, the invention relates to modified flagellins or flagellin fragments useful as receptors, and filamentous receptor-structures comprising them. Moreover, the invention relates to procedures for their preparation and their uses. Flagellin-based receptors can be produced easily and inexpensively by bacteria, and purified with an ease without lysing the cells. Moreover, flagellins, due to their polymerization ability, can be used to build various filamentous structures. Starting from flagellin receptors of the invention filaments of desired length and construction can be prepared with a very high binding site density on their surface. These supramolecular objects may serve as basic recognition units for biological sensors and diagnostic kits.