SpdE, a Novel Amino Acid-sensing Diguanylate Cyclase

Case ID:
UO-19-33
Web Published:
1/21/2022
Description:

1. Technology Overview 

The invention introduces SpdE, a novel bacterial protein that senses specific amino acids (valine, proline, and isoleucine) at nanomolar concentrations. This highly sensitive protein offers significant potential for applications in clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, and industrial processes. The technology leverages established molecular biology techniques for protein expression and purification, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution for detecting and quantifying amino acids. Currently in the development stage, this technology holds strong potential for commercialization. 

2. Key Features and Benefits 

  • High Sensitivity: Detects specific amino acids down to nanomolar concentrations. 

  • Specificity: Binds to valine, proline, and isoleucine with high specificity. 

  • Scalability: Established molecular biology techniques enable large-scale production. 

  • Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of clinical, biotechnological, and industrial applications. 

  • Novelty: Few existing proteins or reagents on the market with similar capabilities. 

3. Applications and Market Focus 

  • Clinical Diagnostics: Enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of amino acid detection in patients. 

  • Biotechnology: Providing tools for studying amino acid metabolism and related pathways. 

  • Pharmaceutical Research: Supporting drug discovery and development with amino acid sensing capabilities. 

  • Food and Beverage: Improving quality control and monitoring amino acid content in products. 

  • Research and Development: Facilitating further innovation in amino acid detection and quantification methods. 

4. Commercial Advantages 

  • Strategic Benefits: Offers a scalable and efficient solution for amino acid detection. 

  • Implementation Advantages: Simplifies the development of high-sensitivity diagnostic assays. 

  • Market Positioning: Positions the technology as a key enabler in clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, and industrial quality control. 

  • Competitive Edge: Provides a unique and effective method for detecting specific amino acids with high sensitivity. 

5. Partnership Opportunities 

  • Licensing Partners: Ideal for companies in clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, and food quality control. 

  • Cross-Sector Benefits: Offers advantages to multiple industries, including healthcare and industrial processes. 

  • Market Opportunities: Addresses diverse market needs, from clinical diagnostics to food quality control. 

  • Collaborative Development: Potential for joint ventures with research institutions and technology firms to further enhance the technology. 

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Christine Gramer
Associate Director
University of Oregon
cgramer@uoregon.edu
Inventors:
Karen Guillemin
Emily Sweeney
Catherine Robinson
Keywords:
Science
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