Advancement of biosensor technologies for use in healthcare/cancer research and detection

The detection of specific carbohydrates is critical for several processes including biofuel production, textile finishing, food production and human health. These carbohydrates play roles in human health including stem cell differentiation, genetic diseases, and viral infection (i.e., COVID-19). Presently, the largest barrier to understanding the role carbohydrates play in human health is the lack of suitable tools to study them. Biosensors are devices that are used to detect and quantify the concentration of biomolecules or microorganisms. Protein-based biosensors, like those described in this proposal, are composed of one or more fluorescently labelled proteins that interact with a target molecule in solution. The interaction of the target molecule with the biosensor induces a change in the protein, which in turn, alters the position/ environment of the fluorescent dye. This change results in an altered fluorescence output, which can be measured. The challenge for developing new protein-based biosensors is that often multiple rounds of the design, build, and test cycles are required to find labeling positions that provide a change in fluorescence upon binding the target molecule yet do not disrupt the binding properties of the protein.

Faculty Supervisor:

Trushar Patel

Student:

Partner:

Allos Bioscience Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Lethbridge

Program: