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Summary

A SE UK University has developed an invention which uses hydrogel based molecularly imprinted polymers for protein crystallization, exhibiting an enhanced yield of protein crystals. The University is interested in joint development and licensing interactions with businesses or researchers working on protein crystallisation/purification, replacement of biological antibodies in immunoassays, catalysis and biosensors.

Full description

Scientists have come up with an invention which uses hydrogel based molecularly imprinted polymers (HydroMIPs) for protein crystallization, providing a higher yield of protein crystals over current techniques. This method also works with protein structures that are difficult to crystallise using other methods.

MIPs are polymers which are formed in the presence of a molecule which once extracted leaves behind complamentary cavities. These allow highly selective rebinding of the original molecule.

Obtaining useful crystals remains a problem in proteomics and structural biology. Previously identified nucleants with desirable properties for the task fall down because they have no specificity for individual proteins however our novel technique takes this difficulty away as the MIPs are designed specifically to attract a template protein.

Innovative Aspects

- MIPs act as effective nucleants for the formation of large single crystals of otherwise hard to crystallize proteins
- Improved accuracy in screening experiments leading to successful hits missed by other types of nucleant

Partner expertise sought:

- Type of partner sought: businesses or researchers

- Type of activity of the partner:
working on protein crystallisation/purification, replacement of biological antibodies in immunoassays, catalysis and biosensors.

- Task to be performed by the partner sought: joint development and licensing.