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Topic Name: Biomimetic Nanotechnology: a new type of biosensor
Category: Nanobiotechnology
Research persons: Researchers from the Institute for Structural Biology Jean-Pierre Ebel
Location: Grenoble, France
Details
Researchers from the Institute for Structural Biology Jean-Pierre Ebel (CEA /
CNRS / Université Joseph Fourier) and the Institute for Science and Technology
for the living (ECA), have developed a new generation of biosensors (1). For
protein engineering, they created proteins combining two functions: recognition
of a chemical signal and its translation into an electrical signal. This new
generation of biosensors could form the brick base miniaturized detection
systems used to screen drugs, diagnostic or detection of toxic agents. These
works have been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
In the era of personalized medicine, the biological analysis will emerge
specialized laboratories to be directly at the foot of the bed patients.
Research in biotechnology therefore looks increasingly towards the development
of new nanotechnologies to simply and quickly detect specific information. To
develop more efficient biosensors, researchers at the IBS were interested in
proteins responsible for signal transmission in intercellular communication. The
cell is bounded by a waterproof membrane lipid, the passing of information or
substances is provided by specialized proteins. Among these receptors identify
the chemical signals from other cells or the environment, while ion channels are
responsible for the transfer of ions responsible for the generation of
electrical signals.
Researchers have succeeded in creating artificial proteins involving
receptors and ion channels. ICCR called (Ion Channel Coupled Receptor; in
English: Receiver Coupled with the Ionic Channel), these nano-objects about 10
nm wide are able to detect biological molecules (hormones, neurotransmitters)
via their party receiver and induce an electrical signal via their party
channel. These biosensors can detect and report the presence of a very small
quantity of molecules. The ability of ICCR directly generate an electrical
signal is a key factor for their integration into miniaturized electronic
systems.
In a first time researchers have designed these biosensors for two major drug
targets, allowing the development of screening tests for new drugs. Other
applications such as the development of diagnostic test or in vitro detection of
toxic agents are already planned. This work, which falls within the framework of
the European project Receptronics (2) (www.receptronics.org), is one of the
first successful biomimetic approach in nanotechnology.
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