Aptamer-Based
Analysis and Extraction of Sitosterol and Related Compounds--Molecular
Express, Inc., 1111 North Hyland, Ames, IA 50014-7413;
515-292-5141
Dr.
Richard Hamilton, Principal Investigator, molexpress@msn.com
Mrs.
Linda Lyngholm, Business Official, molexpress@msn.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER83510
Amount:
$100,000
Oilseed contains
sterols and related compounds with economic potential. The extraction and
analysis of these compounds would be aided by the availability of highly
selective aptamers with high affinities for their particular sterol ligands.
This project will develop aptamers for use in microarrays to analyze and
extract sterol contents of oil and other biological extracts. Bacterial
expression vectors will be prepared from which the aptamers can be expressed in
large quantities. In Phase I, one or
more DNA aptamers for sitosterol will be selected. The aptamers will be
evaluated for their specificity and affinity for sitosterol and related
compounds. A bacterial expression vector will be developed from which aptamers
can be prepared.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: Commercial
applications include (1) the use of aptamers in the analysis and extraction of
sitosterol and related compounds, and (2) a general method for economically
mass-producing DNA aptamers for use in many analytical procedures.
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