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Determining Isoelectric Points of Biomolecules Using Capacitive Sensors

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A team of inventors led by Afzali-Ardakani, Ali, has developed a groundbreaking method for determining the isoelectric points of biomolecules using capacitive sensors. This innovative approach is poised to revolutionize the field of biomolecule analysis, offering a faster, more accurate, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. According to the inventors, the isoelectric point of a biomolecule is the pH at which the net charge on the molecule is zero, and it plays a crucial role in purification and solubility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The inventors have developed a method for determining the isoelectric point of a biomolecule using capacitive sensors, which involves measuring capacitance versus voltage curves of a capacitor at various pH values.
  • The method involves measuring two sets of capacitance versus voltage curves: one without the target molecule present, and one with the target molecule bound to a functionalized material on the capacitor's dielectric layer.
  • A shift in the second set of curves from the first set is determined at each pH value, and the isoelectric point is determined by extrapolating the pH value corresponding to a shift voltage of zero.
  • The system for determining the isoelectric point includes a dielectric layer, a functionalized material, and an electrically conductive solution, which form a capacitor.
  • A non-transitory computer program product is also disclosed for determining the isoelectric point of a target molecule.
  • The method is faster and more accurate than traditional electrophoresis methods, which require high voltages and can take up to 16 hours.
  • The system for determining the isoelectric point is approximately 1 square foot in size.

Statistics:

  • The method involves measuring capacitance versus voltage curves of a capacitor at 16 pH values.
  • The isoelectric point is determined by analyzing the shift in capacitance versus voltage curves at 16 pH values.
  • The system for determining the isoelectric point is approximately 1 square foot in size.
  • The method is faster and more accurate than traditional electrophoresis methods, which can take up to 16 hours.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews, "Patent Issued for Determination of Isoelectric Points of Biomolecules Using Capacitive Sensors" (August 26, 2015)
  • Afzali-Ardakani, Ali; D'Emic, Christopher P.; Jagtiani, Ashish; Zafar, Sufi. Determination of Isoelectric Points of Biomolecules Using Capacitive Sensors. U.S. Patent Number 9103770, filed August 20, 2013, and published online on August 11, 2015. Patent URL: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=9103770.PN.&OS=PN/9103770RS=PN/9103770 Keywords for this news article include: Technology Companies, International Business Machines Corporation.

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