U.S. patent application number 10/677690 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for sers molecular probe for diagnostics and therapy.
Invention is credited to Vo-Dinh, Tuan.
Application Number | 20050074779 10/677690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393783 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050074779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vo-Dinh, Tuan |
April 7, 2005 |
SERS molecular probe for diagnostics and therapy
Abstract
An oligonucleotide-based SERS molecular probe (SMP) includes a
nanoparticle having at least a metal component, and at least one
pin loop, the pin loop including a loop sequence complementary to
at least one target sequence, a first stem attached to one end of
the loop sequence, a second stem attached to the other end of the
loop sequence, and at least one SERS active label attached to the
first stem. The nanoparticle is attached to the second stem. The
probe generates a stronger SERS signal upon irradiation with
excitation radiation when not bound to the target sequence as
compared to the SERS signal generated following hybridization of
the probe with the target sequence.
Inventors: |
Vo-Dinh, Tuan; (Knoxville,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gregory A. Nelson
Suite 400
222 Lakeview Avenue
West Palm Beach
FL
33401
US
|
Family ID: |
34393783 |
Appl. No.: |
10/677690 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/6.11 ;
435/287.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 2563/155 20130101;
C12Q 2565/632 20130101; C12Q 2525/301 20130101; C12Q 1/6816
20130101; C12Q 1/6816 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/006 ;
435/287.2 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 001/68; C12M
001/34 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] The United States Government has rights in this invention
pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 between the United
States Department of Energy and UT-Battelle, LLC.
Claims
I claim:
1. A oligonucleotide-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
molecular probe (SMP), comprising: at least one nanoparticle having
at least a metal component, and at least one pin loop, said pin
loop including a loop sequence complementary to at least one target
sequence, a first stem attached to one end of said pin loop having
at least one SERS active label attached thereto and a second stem
attached to the other end of said pin loop and said nanoparticle,
wherein said probe generates a stronger SERS signal upon
irradiation with excitation radiation when not bound to said target
sequence as compared to a SERS signal following hybridization of
said probe with said target sequence.
2. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said loop sequence includes at least
one of DNA and PNA segments.
3. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said first and second stems are
complementary sequences.
4. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said at least one pin loop comprises
a plurality of said pin loops, said plurality of pin loops bound to
at least one of said nanoparticles, said plurality of pin loops
providing at least two different of said loop sequences for
simultaneously detecting a plurality of said target sequences.
5. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said at least one nanoparticle
comprises a plurality of said nanoparticles bound to one
another.
6. The SMP of claim 5, wherein said nanoparticles are bound to one
another by DNA strands or thiol chemistry.
7. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said at least one SERS active label
comprises at least a first and second SERS label, said first and
second SERS label providing different emission characteristics.
8. The SMP of claim 1, wherein said SMP includes a bioreceptor
attached thereto.
9. The SMP of claim 8, wherein said bioreceptor comprises at least
one selected from the group consisting of an antibody, a protein, a
gene, a biomimetic, an enzyme, a cell receptor and an intact
biological cell.
10. A Raman detection system, comprising: at least one excitation
light source for providing excitation radiation, and at least one
oligonucleotide-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy molecular
probe (SMP), said SMP comprising at least one nanoparticle having
at least a metal component, and at least one pin loop, said pin
loop including a loop sequence complementary to at least one target
sequence, a first stem attached to one end of said pin loop having
at least one SERS active label attached thereto and a second stem
attached to the other end of said pin loop and said nanoparticle,
wherein said probe generates a stronger SERS signal upon
irradiation with excitation radiation when not bound to said target
sequence as compared to a SERS signal following hybridization of
said probe with said target sequence.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a detection system
communicably connected to said SMP for detection of SERS signals
emanating from said SMP.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one SMP comprises
a plurality of SMPs, said plurality of SMPs bound to a solid
sampling platform.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein said detection system comprises
at least one selected from the group consisting of a
photomultiplier, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a charge injection
device (CID), photodiode, phototransistor and avalanche diode.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein said detection system is
integrated circuit based.
15. The system of claim 14, said at least one SMP comprises a
plurality of SMPs, wherein said detection system provides a
separate photodetector channel for receipt of SERS signals emanated
from each of said plurality of SMPs.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one probe
comprises a plurality of probes, said plurality of probes disposed
in solution.
17. The system of claim 11, further comprising structure for
application of energy sufficient to kill selected cells in a
location proximate to any of said plurality of probes following
detection of said target within a body.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said selected cells comprise
cancer cells.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one probe
comprises a plurality of probes, said system further including a
microfluidic system having a plurality of microfluidic channels,
said microfluidic system for directing samples through said
microfluidic channels to said plurality of probes.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said microfluidic system
comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a
capillary electrophoresis array, a liquid chromatography array, a
gas chromatography array, and a lab-on-a-chip system.
21. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one pin loop
comprises a plurality of said pin loops bound to said nanoparticle,
said plurality of pin loops providing at least two different of
said loop sequences for simultaneously detecting a plurality of
target sequences.
22. A method of detecting targets, comprising the steps of:
introducing at least one oligonucleotide-based surface-enhanced
Raman spectroscopy molecular probe (SMP) to human or animal cells,
said SMP comprising at least one nanoparticle having at least a
metal component, and at least one pin loop, said pin loop including
a loop sequence complementary to at least one target sequence, a
first stem attached to one end of said pin loop having at least one
SERS active label attached thereto and a second stem attached to
the other end of said pin loop and said nanoparticle, wherein said
probe generates a stronger SERS signal upon irradiation with
excitation radiation when not bound to said target sequence as
compared to a SERS signal following hybridization of said probe
with said target sequence irradiating said SMP, and determining if
said target sequence is present based on analysis of SERS radiation
scattered by said SMP responsive to said irradiating step.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said pin loop includes at least
one of DNA and PNA segments.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of lysing
said cells prior to said introducing step, wherein said method is
performed in-vitro.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein said SMP is introduced into the
body of said person or said animal, wherein said method is
performed in-vivo.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said SMP is injected into said
body.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of driving
said SMP inside at least a portion of said cells.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein detection of said target
sequence indicates an abnormal gene sequence.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said abnormal gene sequence
comprises cancer.
30. The method of claim 22, wherein said determining step indicates
the presence and position of an abnormal gene, further comprising
the step of delivering energy to said position sufficient to kill
at least some cells proximate to said position.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said nanoparticle absorbs said
energy and provides heat to said cells.
32. The method of claim 29, wherein said energy comprises IR
radiation from 700 to 900 nm.
33. The method of claim 22, wherein said at least one pin loop
comprises a plurality of said pin loops bound to said nanoparticle,
said plurality of pin loops providing at least two different of
said loop sequences, said determining step providing simultaneous
detection for a plurality of said target sequences.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
(SERS) based molecular probes and use of the same for diagnostics
and therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] There is a demand for a sensitive and selective method for
in vitro and in vivo medical diagnostics and treatment of disease
at the molecular level. In addition, there is a demand for a rapid,
simple, cost-effective technique for screening air, water and
biological samples, such as blood, saliva, bodily fluid, cells,
tissues and organs to identify various components therein.
Screening can involve detection of biochemical and biological
species such as harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, defected
genes, proteins, metabolites and biomarkers of diseases in organs,
tissues and cells. Furthermore, there is a need for early detection
of biological and chemical warfare agents for homeland defense.
[0005] Screening can also be used to identify the presence or
absence of medical diseases and infectious pathogens. Regarding
biological fluids, tissues, and organs, the use of inexpensive
screening analyses can allow the rapid detection and improved
treatments of many illnesses. Rapid and effective medical screening
tests can also reduce the cost of health care by preventing
unnecessary and generally more costly reactive medical
treatments.
[0006] A critical factor in many diagnostics is the rapid,
selective, and sensitive detection of biochemical substances, such
as proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, biological species or
living systems, such as bacteria, virus or related components at
ultra-trace levels in samples, tissues or organs of interest. In
the case of medical diagnostic applications, biological samples can
include tissues, blood and other bodily fluids. To achieve the
required level of sensitivity and specificity in detection, it is
often necessary to use a method that is capable of identifying and
differentiating between a large number of biochemical constituents
in complex mixed samples.
[0007] Living systems possess exquisite recognition elements often
called bioreceptors, such as antibodies, proteins, enzymes and
genes, which allow specific identification and detection of complex
chemical and biological species. Molecular probes, which comprise a
bioreceptor for molecular recognition and binding and a label for
detection, exploit this powerful molecular recognition capability
of bioreceptors. Due to the high level of specificity of the DNA
hybridization process, there is an increasing interest in the
development of DNA bioreceptor-based molecular probe systems.
Applications for these systems include infectious disease
identification, medical diagnostics and therapy, biotechnology and
environmental bioremediation.
[0008] Nucleic acid based molecular probe systems can be designed
using simple rules to recognize and detect a wide variety of
targets with almost any desired degree of specificity. Moreover,
such probe-based systems can be chemically produced with relative
ease. Synthetic oligonucleotides can be made specific for desired
sequences by varying length, sequence, and hybridization conditions
of the probe oligonucleotide to permit identification and
quantification of the presence of its complementary sequence within
a heterogeneous mixture.
[0009] Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is a system similar to DNA in
which the backbone is a pseudopeptide rather than a sugar. PNA
functions in a manner similar to DNA and binds to complementary
nucleic acid strands. The neutral backbone of PNA often leads to
stronger binding and greater specificity than normally achieved
with DNA. In addition, the unique chemical, physical and biological
properties of PNA have been exploited to produce powerful molecular
probes. Important new applications have emerged that could not be
performed using oligonucleotides.
[0010] There has been recent research and development relating to
molecular probes and related detection systems called biosensors.
One type of biosensor device, often referred to as a "biochip,"
applies spectroscopy using a semiconductor-based detection system
and biotechnology-based probes. These probes have generally
included luminescence labels, such as fluorescent or
chemiluminescent labels for gene detection. Although sensitivities
achieved by luminescence techniques are generally adequate for
certain applications, alternative techniques with improved spectral
selectivities are desirable to overcome the limited spectral
specificity generally provided by luminescent labels.
[0011] Spectroscopy involves an analytical detection technique
concerned with the measurement of the interaction of radiant energy
with matter and with the interpretation of the interaction both at
the fundamental level and for practical analysis. Interpretation of
the spectra produced by various spectroscopic instrumentation has
been used to provide fundamental information on the atomic and
molecular energy levels, the distribution of species within those
levels, the nature of processes involving change from one level to
another, molecular geometries, chemical bonding, and interaction of
molecules in solution. Comparisons of spectra have provided a basis
for the determination of qualitative chemical composition and
chemical structure, and for quantitative chemical analysis.
[0012] Vibrational spectroscopy is a useful technique for
characterizing molecules and for determining their chemical
structure. The vibrational spectrum of a molecule, based on the
molecular structure of that molecule, is a series of sharp lines
which constitutes a unique fingerprint of that specific molecular
structure. If the vibrational spectrum is to be measured by an
optical absorption process, optical fibers deliver light from a
light source to a sample, and after passage of the light through
the sample, the optical signal generated by the exciting optical
energy is collected. This collected light is directed to a
monochromator equipped with a photodetector for analyzing its
wavelength and/or intensity.
[0013] One particular spectroscopic technique, known as Raman
spectroscopy, utilizes the Raman effect, which is a phenomenon
observed in the scattering of light as it is reflected by a
material medium, whereby the light experiences a change in
frequency and a random alteration in phase. When light is scattered
from a molecule, most photons are elastically scattered. The
scattered photons have the same energy (frequency) and, therefore,
wavelength, as the incident photons. However, a small fraction of
light (approximately 1 in 10.sup.7 photons) is scattered at optical
frequencies different from, and usually lower than, the frequency
of the incident photons. The process leading to this inelastic
scatter is termed the Raman effect. Raman scattering can occur with
a change in vibrational, rotational or electronic energy of a
molecule.
[0014] The difference in energy between the incident photon and the
Raman scattered photon is equal to the energy of a vibration of the
scattering molecule. A plot of intensity of scattered light versus
energy difference is a Raman spectrum. The wavelengths present in
the scattered optical energy are characteristic of the structure of
the molecule, and the intensity of this optical energy is dependent
on the concentration of these molecules.
[0015] Numerically, the energy difference between the initial and
final vibrational levels, v, or Raman shift in wavenumbers
(cm.sup.-1), is calculated through equation 1 below:
v=(1/.lambda..sub.incident)-(1/.lambda..sub.scattered) (1)
[0016] Where .lambda..sub.incident and .lambda..sub.scattered are
wavelengths (in cm) of the incident and Raman scattered photons,
respectively. The vibrational energy is ultimately dissipated as
heat. Because of the low intensity of Raman scattering, heat
dissipation does not cause a measurable temperature rise in the
material.
[0017] Raman spectroscopy is complementary to fluorescence, and has
been used as an analytical tool for certain applications due to its
excellent specificity for chemical group identification. However,
low sensitivity historically has limited its applications.
Recently, the Raman technique has been rejuvenated following the
discovery of a Raman enhancement of up to 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.10 for
molecules adsorbed on microstructures of metal surfaces. The
technique associated with this phenomenon is known as
surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The
enhancement is due to a microstructured metal surface scattering
process which increases the intrinsically weak normal Raman
scattering (NRS) due to a combination of several electromagnetic
and chemical effects between the molecule adsorbed on the metal
surface and the metal surface itself.
[0018] The enhancement is primarily due to plasmon excitation at
the metal surface. Thus, the effect is generally limited to Cu, Ag
and Au, and to a few other metals for which surface plasmons are
excited by visible radiation. Although chemisorption is not
essential, when it does occur there may be further enhancement of
the Raman signal, since the formation of new chemical bonds and the
consequent perturbation of adsorbate electronic energy levels can
lead to a surface-induced resonance effect. The combination of
surface- and resonance-enhancement, often referred to as
surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) can occur when
adsorbates have intense electronic absorption bands in the same
spectral region as the metal surface plasmon resonance, yielding an
overall enhancement as large as 10.sup.10 to 10.sup.12.
[0019] Nanoparticles can comprise solid metal of nanoscale size or
nanoparticles coated with metal layers. Nanospheres of dielectric
materials coated with a thin layer of silver (metal nanoshell) have
been found to be SERS active. Nanospheres of magnetic materials
coated with a thin layer of metal can also be used as SERS-active
magnetic nanoparticles. The core diameter and the metal thickness
of nanoshells can be varied to modify the SERS properties of the
nanoparticles as disclosed in an article co-authored by the
inventor. [R. L. Moody, T. Vo-Dinh, and W. H. Fletcher,
"Investigation of Experimental Parameters for Surface-Enhanced
Raman Spectroscopy," Appl. Spectrosc., 41, 966 (1987)].
[0020] A useful non-Raman based assaying techniques using stem-loop
oligonucleotide probes has been disclosed. These probes are
referred to as "molecular beacons" and were first disclosed as
providing a rapid, quantitative assay technique by Tyagi and Kramer
(Tyagi, S., F. R. Nature Biotechnology, 14, 303-308 (1996)).
Molecular beacons are designed to have loop sequences which are
complementary to a target nucleic acid (e.g., rRNA). The loop
sequence is disposed between a first and a second stem sequence,
the respective stem sequences being complements of one another. The
molecular beacon includes a fluorescent molecule on the end of the
first stem and a quenching molecule on the end of the second
stem.
[0021] In the absence of the complementary target sequence the
fluorescence upon irradiation remains low (quenched) due to
physical proximity between the fluorophore and the quencher. When
the complementary sequence is present, the loop opens and the
fluorophore and the quencher separate so that they are no longer in
physical proximity, so that the molecular probe generates
relatively strong fluorescent signal upon irradiation when target
nucleic acids are present.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] An oligonucleotide-based SERS molecular probe (SMP) includes
a nanoparticle having at least a metal component, and at least one
pin loop, the pin loop including a loop sequence complementary to
at least one target sequence, a first stem attached to one end of
the loop sequence, a second stem attached to the other end of the
loop sequence, and at least one SERS active label attached to the
first stem. The nanoparticle is attached to the second stem. The
probe generates a stronger SERS signal upon irradiation with
excitation radiation when not bound to the target sequence as
compared to a SERS signal following hybridization of the probe with
said target sequence. The loop sequence can include DNA or PNA
segments. The first and second stems are preferably complementary
sequences.
[0023] The nanoparticle can be entirely a metal nanoparticle, or a
combination of metal and non-metal components. For example, in the
case of the combination metal and non-metal components, the
nanoparticle can comprise an electrically insulating core coated
with a metallic surface. Alternatively, the nanoparticle can
comprise a metallic core coated with a thin (e.g. several Angstroms
to nanometers thick) non-metal coating, such as silica, a polymer,
protein, antibody or other bioreceptor. The combination metal and
non-metal nanoparticles can have continuous or non-continuous
coating layers.
[0024] The at least one pin loop can comprise a plurality of pin
loops bound to the nanoparticle, the plurality of pin loops
providing at least two different loop sequences having different
labels for simultaneously detecting a plurality of target
sequences. Each loop sequences can be targeted to a different DNA
target sequence. This "multiplex" SERS molecular probe allows
diagnostics of multiple targets simultaneously.
[0025] In a related multiplex arrangement, the SMP can be part of
an interconnected SMP network, comprising a plurality of
nanoparticles bound to one another. Each nanoparticle can support a
very large number of SMPs, which can all be different, such as 100
or more. The nanoparticles can be bound to one another by DNA
strands or thiol chemistry.
[0026] The at least one SERS active label can comprise at least a
first and second SERS label, said first and second SERS label
providing different emission characteristics. By using a
combination of multiple labels, otherwise identical SMP probes can
be distinguished from one another thus extending the number of
distinguishable SMP types.
[0027] The SMP can include a bioreceptor attached thereto.
Bioreceptors can include an antibody, a protein, a biomimetic, an
enzyme, a gene, a cell receptor and an intact biological cell. The
bioreceptor adds functionality to SMP and allows it to be targeted
to specific biotargets. For example, an antibody targeted against
specific cancer cells to allow targeting the SMP to these specific
biotargets. This provides a "dual-functionality" to the SMP probe.
In this arrangement, the bioreceptor is for targeting and label
together with the nanoparticle is for diagnostics/detection.
[0028] A Raman detection system can comprise at least one
excitation light source for providing excitation radiation and at
least one SMP as described above. The system can include a
detection system communicably connected to the SMP for detection of
SERS signals emanating from the SMP. The at least one SMP can
comprise a plurality of SMPs, the plurality of SMPs bound to a
solid sampling platform. The detection system can include a
photomultiplier, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a charge injection
device (CID), photodiode, phototransistor or avalanche diode. The
detection system can be integrated circuit based.
[0029] When the at least one SMP comprises a plurality of SMPs, the
detection system can provide a separate photodetector channel for
receipt of SERS signals emanated from each of the plurality of
SMPs. In this embodiment, the separate photodetector channels
preferably include at least one selected from the group consisting
of an amplifier (e.g. op amp) and a filter.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one
probe comprises a plurality of probes, the plurality of probes
disposed in solution. This system can further include a
microfluidic system having a plurality of microfluidic channels,
the microfluidic system for directing samples through the
microfluidic channels to the plurality of probes. The microfluidic
system can comprise a capillary electrophoresis array, a liquid
chromatography array, a gas chromatography array and a
lab-on-a-chip system.
[0031] The system can include structure for application of energy
sufficient to kill selected cells in a location proximate to any of
the plurality of probes following detection of the target within a
body. The selected cells comprise cancer cells.
[0032] The system can utilize the "multiplex" SERS molecular
probe(s) to allow diagnostics of multiple targets simultaneously.
In this embodiment the at least one pin loop can comprises a
plurality of pin loops bound to the nanoparticle, the plurality of
pin loops providing at least two different loop sequences for
simultaneously detecting a plurality of target sequences.
[0033] A method of detecting targets comprises the steps of
introducing at least one oligonucleotide-based surface-enhanced
Raman spectroscopy molecular probe (SMP) as described above to
human or animal cells. The SMP is irradiated. It is then determined
if the target sequence is present in the body based on analysis of
SERS radiation scattered by the SMP responsive to the irradiating
step. The method can include the step of lysing the cells prior to
the introducing step, wherein the method is performed in-vitro.
Alternatively, the SMP can be introduced into the body of the
person or said animal, wherein said method is performed in-vivo. In
this embodiment, the SMP can be injected into the body, such as by
driving the SMP inside at least a portion of the cells.
[0034] The detection of the target sequence can indicate the
presence of an abnormal gene sequence. The abnormal gene sequence
can comprise cancer. When the determining step indicates the
presence and position of an abnormal gene, the method can include
the step of delivering energy to said position sufficient to kill
at least some cells proximate to the position. The energy applied
can comprise IR radiation from 700 to 900 nm. The nanoparticles can
absorb the applied energy and provide heat to the surrounding cells
thus allowing remote irradiation to affect the surrounding
tissue/cells for site-specific and disease-specific therapy.
[0035] By using the multiplex SMP described above, the determining
step can provide simultaneous detection for a plurality of
different target sequences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] A fuller understanding of the present invention and the
features and benefits thereof will be accomplished upon review of
the following detailed description together with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0037] FIGS. 1(A) and (B) show a single pin loop SERS molecular
probe (SMP) in the presence of no target sequence and in the
presence of its intended target sequence, respectively, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 2(A) shows a multiplex SERS molecular probe (SMP)
having a plurality of different pin loops each having different
labels, according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 2(B) shows a single pin loop SMP having two different
labels, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 3(A)-(D) each show different SMP probe designs,
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a multi-nanoparticle interconnected SMP
network, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a biochip including a first and second
microwell, where in the first microwell the target for the SMPs
therein is not present, while the target for the SMPs in the second
well is present, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a system for diagnosing the presence of
tumors including cancer cells using SMPs and for applying energetic
radiation to the regions in which the cancer cells are identified,
according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] An oligonucleotide-based SERS molecular probe (SMP) includes
at least one loop sequence complementary to at least one target
sequence. The loop sequence is disposed between a first stem
sequence including an attached SERS active label and a second stem
sequence including at least one attached nanoparticle, the
nanoparticle including at least a metal component. The SMP
generates a stronger SERS signal upon irradiation with excitation
radiation when not bound to the target as compared to a SERS signal
following hybridization of the probe with the target sequence. The
SMP can comprise DNA as well as PNA sequence segments, or a
combination of DNA and PNA segments.
[0045] FIG. 1(A) shows an exemplary single pin loop SERS molecular
probe (SMP) 100 when its complementary target sequence is not
present. SMP 100 includes a middle loop sequence 110 comprising an
exemplary 20-base oligonucleotide sequence which is complementary
to the gag gene region of the HIV1: ATAGTGGATCTTGAAATTTA. Middle
loop sequence 110 has first and second 7-nucleotide-long stem
sequences 140 and 120 attached to its respective ends, CGATTCA and
GCTAAGT. Typically, the middle loop sequence will include 16 to 25
bases, while the stems 140 and 120 will generally each include 5 to
8 bases. However, loop sequences and stem sequence lengths can be
above or below these ranges.
[0046] The first stem region 120 includes a SERS label molecule 118
attached to its end (T) and the second stem region 140 includes at
least one nanoparticle including at least a metal component 115
attached to its end (A). It is noted that although FIG. 1 shows
nanoparticle 115 having a size smaller that the other components of
SMP 100, this is generally not the case since nanoparticle 115 is
generally on the order of a 100 nm diameter, while other components
of SMP are generally on the order of several nanometers.
[0047] Nanoparticle 115 can be entirely a metal nanoparticle, or a
combination of metal and non-metal components. For example, in the
case of the combination metal and non-metal components, the
nanoparticle 115 can comprise an electrically insulating core
coated with a metallic surface. Alternatively, the nanoparticle can
comprise a metallic core coated with a thin (e.g. several Angstroms
to nanometers) non-metal coating, such as silica, a polymer,
protein, antibody or a plurality of other bioreceptors. The
combination metal and non-metal nanoparticles can have continuous
(encapsulating) or non-continuous coating layers.
[0048] Although label 118 and nanoparticle 115 are shown attached
to the end of their respective stem regions, label 118 and
nanoparticle 115 are in no way limited to this arrangement.
However, end attachment of label 118 and nanoparticle 115 is
generally preferred to provide maximum separation when the loop is
open (See FIG. 1(B)).
[0049] When the complementary target sequence is not present, the
two stem regions 140 and 120 remain hybridized as shown in FIG. 1
(A) to each other since they have complementary sequences, thus
forcing stemmed loop probe 100 to have SERS label 118 and
nanoparticle 115 in close physical proximity. For example, the
5'-end of the end of the sugar from the nucleotide with base T on
the end of stem 120 can be bound to SERS label molecule 118, with
the 3'-end the end of the sugar from nucleotide with base A on the
end of stem 140 bound to nanoparticle 115. This results in a strong
SERS signal through the SERS effect of SERS label molecule 118
together with nanoparticle 115 when irradiated.
[0050] However, as shown in FIG. 1(B), when the target DNA or other
sequence 150 is present, the middle loop sequence 110 opens up due
to hybridization with the target sequence 150 as shown in FIG.
1(B), thus moving the stem 120 and associated SERS label 118 and
stem 140 and associated nanoparticle 115 further apart. In the open
configuration shown in FIG. 1(B), SMP 100 produces either no Raman
signal or a substantially reduced Raman signal upon
irradiation.
[0051] SMPs 100 generally include one or more SERS labels or tags
attached thereto. In general, SMP 100 includes tags or labels but
the target does not. However, although not generally preferred, the
target can include a label, or both the target and SMP 100 can each
include labels. Examples of SERS labels that can generally be used
with SMP 100 include cresyl fast violet (CFV), cresyl blue violet,
brilliant cresyl blue (BCB), rhodamine-6G, para-aminobenzoic acid,
erythrosin, and aminoacridine.
[0052] The SMP 100 operating principle is based on the enhancement
mechanisms of the SERS effect induced between the SERS-active label
118 and the metal comprising nanoparticle 115. There are two main
sources of electromagnetic enhancement for the SMP 100. First, the
excitation source (e.g. laser) generated electromagnetic field is
enhanced due to the addition of a field caused by the polarization
of the metal comprising nanoparticle 115. Second, in addition to
the enhancement of the excitation laser field, there is also
another enhancement due to the label molecule 118 radiating an
amplified Raman field, which further polarizes the metal comprising
nanoparticle 115, thereby acting as an antenna to further amplify
the Raman signal.
[0053] A major contribution to electromagnetic enhancement is due
to surface plasmons. Surface plasmons are associated with
collective excitations of surface conduction electrons in metal
comprising nanoparticles 115. Raman enhancements result from
excitation of these surface plasmons by the incident radiation. At
the plasmon frequency, the metal comprising nanoparticle 115
becomes highly polarizable, resulting in large field-induced
polarizations and thus large local fields on its surface. These
local fields increase the Raman emission intensity, which is
proportional to the square of the applied field at the molecule.
Additional enhancement is due to excitation of surface plasmons by
the Raman emission radiation of the molecule. Electromagnetic
enhancement mechanisms are characterized by the dipole fields
induced in polarizable metal particles varying as the inverse cube
of the distance to the center of the particle. Due to this feature,
the SERS effect decrease rapidly when the distance between the SERS
label 118 and the metal comprising nanoparticle 115 increases.
[0054] The binding of SERS active labels such as Rhodamine-B to SMP
100 can be performed using well established procedures [L. Allain
and T. Vo-Dinh, "Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Detection
of a Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA1) Using Microarrays of
Silver-Based Substrates", Anal. Chim Acta, 2001]. For example,
Rhodamine-B can be coupled to amino-labeled DNA, after the
formation of a labile succinimidyl ester intermediate in MeCN. To
avoid hydrolysis competition, the DNA is dissolved in MeOH with 8%
H.sub.2O. In a sterile vial, 2.38 mg of Rhodamine B (4.97
.mu..sub.mM) and 2.40 mg of O--(N-succinimidyl)-N,N,-
N',N'-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (9.30 .mu..sub.m mol)
are then dissolved in 300 .mu..sub.m L of MeCN. To this solution,
5.0 .mu..sub.m L of diisopropylethylamine (29 .mu..sub.m mol) is
added, vortexed, and allowed to react overnight. A stock solution
of a 5'-amino labeled oligonucleotide is prepared by dissolving
3.69 mg (0.520 .mu..sub.m mol) in 90 .mu..sub.m L H.sub.2O and 950
.mu..sub.m L MeOH. From this stock solution, 100 .mu..sub.m L is
transferred to the Rhodamine-succinimidyl esther solution in MeCN,
and vortexed. After one day, the vial is refrigerated to -20 C.,
and 90 .mu..sub.m L of 3 M sodium acetate is added, along with 200
.mu..sub.m L of isopropanol (iPrOH) to force DNA precipitation. The
solution is lyophilized to a final volume of about 100 .mu..sub.m
L, after which 400 .mu..sub.m L of EtOH and 100 .mu..sub.m L of
iPrOH are added. The vial is then kept at -20 C. overnight. A large
amount of precipitate is observed. The system is centrifuged and
the precipitate is washed with EtOH. This washing step is repeated
five times, after which no free Rhodamine-B is observed in the
ethanolic wash solution. The solid is lyophilized, redissolved in
200 .mu..sub.m L of H.sub.2O, and kept at -20 C.
[0055] Binding metallic surfaces such as silver nanoparticles to
SMP 100 can also be performed using established procedures [L.
Allain and T. Vo-Dinh, "Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
Detection of a Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA1) Using
Microarrays of Silver-Based Substrates", Anal. Chim Acta, 2001].
For example, silver nanoparticles or nanoparticles freshly coated
with silver are kept under vacuum prior to use. EtOH is degassed
with N.sub.2 for 40 min. The Ag particles are immersed in 100
.mu..sub.m L of an ethanolic solution containing 0.4 .mu..sub.m M
of 1-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 4.0 .mu..sub.m M of
1-mercaptoundecanol for 30 min. The silver surfaces are washed with
the degassed EtOH and air-dried. A solution containing 15.3 mg of
O--(N-succinimidyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate
(50.8 .mu..sub.m mol), 50 .mu..sub.m L of diisopropylethylamine
(287 .mu..sub.m mol), and 1000 .mu..sub.m L of MeCN is distributed
over the clean Ag surfaces of the nanoparticles, and kept in an
air-tight container for 15 h. The chemically treated silver
surfaces are subsequently washed with MeCN (7 portions of 3 mL) and
air-dried. These substrates are then transferred to a Petri dish
vapor-saturated with 8% H.sub.2O in MeOH. A stock solution of the
5'-amino-labeled capture-probe sequence is prepared by dissolving
3.27 mg (0.457 .mu..sub.m mol) in 90 .mu..sub.mL H.sub.2O and 950
.mu..sub.mL MeOH. Aliquots (15 .mu..sub.m L) of this stock solution
are applied to the substrates (except for the blank), and
immediately exposed to broadband UV radiation for 60 s. The silver
substrates are re-hydrated with 8% H.sub.2O/MeOH, covered with a
microscope cover slide, and kept in an airtight container for 6
h.
[0056] Metal comprising nanoparticles can also be prepared and
bound to biomolecules (e.g. DNA) by a variety of other known
methods. For example, nanoparticles of metal colloid hydrosols can
be generally prepared by rapidly mixing a solution of AgNO.sub.3
with ice-cold NaBH.sub.4. The immobilization of biomolecules, such
as DNA, antibodies and enzymes to a solid support through covalent
bonds usually takes advantage of reactive groups such as amine
(--NH.sub.2) or sulfide (--SH) that naturally are present or can be
incorporated into the biomolecule structure. Amines can react with
carboxylic acid or ester moieties in high yield to form stable
amide bonds. Thiols (S--Au) can participate in maleimide coupling
yielding stable dialkylsulfides.
[0057] In the present invention, silver nanoparticles have
generally been used. The majority of immobilization schemes
involving Ag surfaces utilize a prior derivatization of the surface
with alkylthiols, forming stable linkages. Alkylthiols readily form
self-assembled monolayers (SAM) onto silver surfaces in micro molar
concentrations. The terminus of the alkylthiol chain can be
directly used to bind biomolecules, or can be easily modified to do
so. The length of the alkylthiol chain was found to be an important
parameter, keeping the biomolecules away from the surface.
Furthermore, to avoid direct, non-specific DNA adsorption onto the
surface, alkylthiols can be used to block further access to the
surface, allowing only covalent immobilization through the
linker.
[0058] Silver surfaces have been found to exhibit controlled
self-assembly kinetics when exposed to dilute ethanolic solutions
of alkylthiols. The tilt angle formed between the surface and the
hydrocarbon tail generally ranges from 0 to 15.degree.. There is
also a larger thiol packing density on silver, when compared to
gold.
[0059] After SAM formation on silver nanoparticles, alkylthiols can
be covalently coupled to biomolecules. The majority of synthetic
techniques for the covalent immobilization of biomolecules utilize
free amine groups of a polypeptide (enzymes, antibodies, antigens,
etc) or of amino-labeled DNA strands, to react with a carboxylic
acid moiety forming amide bonds. As a general rule, a more active
intermediate (labile ester) is first formed with the carboxylic
acid moiety and in a later stage reacted with the free amine,
increasing the coupling yield.
[0060] SMP 100 has a similar "hairpin" appearance to molecular
beacon probes first disclosed by Tyagi which were described in the
background of this application. Both molecular beacons and SMP 100
include a loop sequence disposed between two stem sequences.
However, the respective probes have several significant structural
and functional differences. First, Tyagi's molecular beacons
operate via fluorescence and include a fluorescent label on the end
of a first stem while SMP 100 operate via SERS and includes a SERS
label on the end of a first stem. SERS and fluorescent labels are
generally distinct species, although in some cases a fluorescent
labels can also provide Raman and SERs signals.
[0061] Second, molecular beacons include a quencher molecule on the
end of the second stem to quench the fluorescence from the
fluorophore on the first stem, while the SMP 100 includes a metal
nanoparticle on the end of stem opposite the label containing stem
to enhance the Raman signal. In addition, molecular beacons provide
a higher relative signal level in the presence in the target
sequence as compared to no target, while the SMP 100 provides a
higher signal level when no target sequence is present.
[0062] Diagnostics using SMP 100 are also superior to the
fluorescence molecular beacon technique because Raman spectroscopy
provides a much better multiplex advantage. For example, 100 Raman
labels may be used with SMP according to the invention instead of
3-4 labels in fluorescence. Improved multiplex capability of
Raman/SMP over fluorescence results because individual fluorescent
lines are generally 50 to 200 nm wide at room temperature, while a
SERS assay using SMP 100 results in a line width which is
substantially less than 1 nm. The Raman/SERS line width is defined
by the laser line width which is generally much less than 1
angstrom and the spectral resolution of the spectrometer or
detector system which can have a comparable spectral
resolution.
[0063] Another feature of the invention is a SMP adapted for
simultaneous multiplexed detection of a plurality of different
target sequences. FIG. 2(A) shows a multiplex SERS molecular probe
(SMP) 200 having a plurality of different pin loops 210, 220, 230,
240 and 250 all attached to a single metal comprising nanoparticle
260 when none of their respective target sequences are present,
according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0064] A single nanoparticle 260 can support a very large number of
SMPs. For example, assuming the nanoparticle 260 which typically
has a radius from about 10 nm to 100 nm has a radius (R) of 30 nm,
the surface area (S) of nanoparticle 260 is:
S=4.pi.R.sup.2=4.times.3.4.times.30.sup.2=4.times.3.4.times.900=12,240
nm.sup.2
[0065] The foot print of the SMP is defined by the distance (d)
between the DNA strands of the hybridized part, typically being 2
nm to 2.5 nm. Using d=2.5 nm, r=1.25 nm, and the associated
footprint (circular area ) is:
s=.pi.r.sup.2=4.5 nm.sup.2
[0066] Thus, the number of possible SMPs on a nanoparticle 260
having a radius=30 nm is:
N=S/s=2,720.
[0067] Even taking into account the steric hindrance of the pin
loop, estimated to be a factor 10 less), a single nanoparticle 260
having a radius of 30 nm can support about 270 SMPs.
[0068] Each pin loop has a different SERS label having different
and distinguishable emission spectra. Loop 210 includes label 212,
loop 220 includes label 222, loop 230 includes label 232, loop 240
includes label 242 and loop 250 includes label 252. Although not
shown in FIG. 2(A), pin loops 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 each open
independently when their target DNA is present. Thus, SMP 200 can
be used to simultaneously detect the presence of any combination of
five (5) different target sequences when irradiated. Although SMP
200 includes five (5) loops, this embodiment of the invention can
include more or less than five (5) loops.
[0069] FIG. 2(B) shows a single pin loop SERS molecular probe (SMP)
270 having loop 280, metal comprising nanoparticle 281 two
different SERS labels 272 and 274. Label 274 is bound to label 272,
while label 272 is attached to the end of one of the stem portions
of SMP 270. By using a combination multiple labels, the number of
distinguishable SMP types can be extended, such as each specific
for a target.
[0070] FIGS. 3(A)-(D) each show different SMP probe designs based
on different nanoparticle arrangements, according to another
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3(A) shows an SMP 310 including a
metallic nanoparticle 315 and label 311. This configuration is
analogous to SMP 100 shown in FIG. 1(A). FIG. 3(B) shows SMP 320
which comprises nanoparticle 325 and label 321, nanoparticle 325
including a metal nanoshell 326 on a non-metal core 327. FIG. 3(C)
shows SMP 330 which comprises nanoparticle 335 and label 331,
nanoparticle 335 including metal core 338 surrounded by non-metal
shell 339.
[0071] FIG. 3(D) shows SMP 340 which comprises nanoparticle 345 and
label 341, nanoparticle 345 including a metal nanoparticle 346 with
a bioreceptor 347 bound thereto. Bioreceptor 347 can comprise
antibody, a protein, a biomimetic, an enzyme, a cell receptor
intact biological cell or other bioreceptor. The bioreceptor adds
functionality to SMP 340 and allows it to be targeted to specific
biotargets. For example an antibody targeted against a specific
cell receptor or tumor cells allow targeting the SMP to these
specific biotargets. This provide a "dual-functionality" to the SMP
probe. The bioreceptor 347 is for targeting and label
341/nanoparticle 346 is for diagnostics/detection.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a multi-nanoparticle SMP network 400, according
to yet another embodiment of the invention. SMP network 400 shown
in FIG. 4 includes five metal nanoparticles 421-425 which are bound
together using linker 411. Each nanoparticle 421-425 is a component
of a multiplex SERS molecular probe (SMP) 431-435, each SMP 431-435
having a plurality of different pin loops each having different
labels, such as the SMP 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Linker 411 can
comprise DNA strands or other types of chemical bonds, such as
thiol bonding. Thiol bonding is generally the best linker between
metal nanoparticles, preferably using alkanedithiols
[HS(CH.sub.2)nSH, n=5, 6, 8, 9, 10 . . . ]. For more information on
linkage through alkanedithiols, see for example "Silver Ions
Adsorbed to Self-assembled Monolayers of Alkanedithols on Gold
Surfaces Form Ag-dithiol-Au Multilayer Structures" by Deng et al.,
Appl. Phys. A 71, 639-642 (2000).
[0073] In a typical assay using the invention a plurality of SMP
100 immobilized on a solid surface and are exposed to a sample
which may contain the target analyte. The probe is then irradiated.
It is then determined whether the target analyte is present in the
sample from analysis of SERS radiation scattered by SMP 100
responsive to the irradiating step, a low or non-measurable SERS
signal corresponding to the presence of the target.
[0074] The invention can be used for a broad range of applications.
For example, for development of low-cost diagnostic biochips for
medical diagnostics medical therapies, environmental monitoring,
high-throughput drug screening, and homeland defense
applications.
[0075] The detection can be placed remotely from the SMP-based
system or placed close to the SMP based system. In one embodiment
the detection system is communicably connected to the SMP 100. The
detector can be a photomultiplier, a phototransistor, a photodiode,
a photodiode or phototransistor array, a charge-coupled device
(CCD), a charge-injection device (CID) or other suitable
photometric detection system. In one embodiment, the detection
system part of an integrated circuit based "biochip" detection
system capable of receiving and processing an optical signals
emanating from SMP 100.
[0076] In a preferred biochip embodiment, the invention uses either
an integrated phototransistor detector array or integrated
photodiode detector array based detection system. For example, the
biochips can include a large-area, n-well integrated
amplifier-photodiode array designed as a single, custom integrated
circuit (IC), fabricated for the biochip. For example, photodiode
detector array based detection systems having 100 channels
(10.times.10 array) have been built to support multi-channel
biochip-based systems.
[0077] The IC detector is optically coupled to a multi-array
sampling platform which includes receptor probes and is designed
for monitoring very low light levels, such as 10.sup.-12 amperes,
or less. Individual photodiodes have been fabricated having a
900-.mu.m square size arrayed on a 1-mm spacing grid. These
photodiodes and the accompanying electronic circuitry have been
fabricated using a standard 1.2-micron n-well CMOS process,
although, current embodiments can make use of reduced feature size
processes, such as 0.10 .mu.m processes, or below. The use of this
type of standard process allows the production of photodiodes and
phototransistors as well as other numerous types of analog (e.g.
filters and amplifiers) and digital circuitry (e.g. digital signal
processors) on a single IC chip.
[0078] This feature is the main advantage of the CMOS technology in
comparison to other detector technologies such as charge-coupled
devices (CCD) or charge-injection devices. The photodiodes
themselves are produced using the n-well structure that is
generally used to make resistors or as the body material for
transistors. Since the anode of the diode is the p-type substrate
material, which is common to every circuit on the IC chip, only the
cathode is available for monitoring the photocurrent and the
photodiode is constrained to operate with a reverse bias.
[0079] SMPs 100 can be bound to a solid sampling platform of a SERS
biochip, such as integrated into biochip-based systems. For
example, SMP 100 can be applied to SERS biochip systems disclosed
in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/229,600 entitled SERS
DIAGNOSTIC PLATFORMS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING MICROARRAYS,
BIOSENSORS AND BIOCHIPS by the same inventor as the present
application. Application Ser. No. 10/229,600 is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety into the present application. However,
since SMP 100 includes metal comprising nanoparticle 115, the solid
sampling platform upon which SMP 100 are attached do not require
the SERS active surface upon which receptors are attached as
disclosed in application Ser. No. 10/229,600.
[0080] Besides being adaptable for immobilization on a solid
surface as noted above, SMP 100 can be used for the detection of
nucleic acids in solution obtained directly from environmental
samples by simple extraction protocols or after amplification by
PCR. It may also be possible to detect nucleic acids in intact
cells based on the non-Raman based work of Schofield et al.
[Schofield et al (Schofield, P., Pell, A. N., Kranse, D. O., Appl.
and Env. Microb., 63, 1143, 1997)].
[0081] For solution applications, SMPs can also be disposed within
microwells which are part of biochips. In this embodiment, SMP 100
can be contained in a microcavity wells of a biochip and preferably
interfaced with a microfluidics system, thus allowing homogeneous
assays analogous to systems shown in FIGS. 15A and B (single
chamber microfluidics) and FIGS. 16A and B (multiple independent
chamber microfluidics) in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/229,600.
[0082] FIG. 5 shows a 2-well portion of a biochip system 500.
System 500 includes excitation light source 505, such as a laser,
and a plurality of microwells, including microwells 520 and 540. A
microfluidics system is not shown for simplicity. Microchip 525
includes a plurality of photodetectors 545 and 546, such as
photodiodes, which convert an optical Raman signal into an
electrical signal. Optical filter layer 530 is preferably disposed
between the microwells 520 and 540 and microchip 525 to filter
light from light source 505 and pass the Raman signal 560 from SMP
510 to photodetectors 545 and 546. SMPs 510 include SERS label 505
and metal comprising nanoparticle 506.
[0083] SMPs 510 in well 520 are shown in the absence the intended
target. Since the target analyte (e.g. DNA) is not present, the two
stem regions of SMP 510 remain hybridized to each other since they
have complementary sequences, thus transmitting a significant Raman
signal 560 upon irradiation with light 508 which can be detected by
detector 545.
[0084] Well 540 includes its target 535. As a result, SMPs 510 in
well 540 hybridize with target 535 resulting in loss of physical
proximity between SERS label 505 and metal comprising nanoparticle
506. Thus, no Raman signal 560 is detected by photodetector
546.
[0085] The SMP can also be used in vivo for diagnostics, in vivo
molecular imaging and subsequent treatment of disease. Many
diseases are the result of gene mutations, which could induce some
change in gene expression processes. The genetic information stored
in the DNA is transcripted to the messenger RNA (mRNA) using the
enzyme RNA polymerase. The mRNA copy is then utilized at the second
stage of protein synthesis (translation) whereby the ribosome
directs the synthesis of proteins. The presence of a specific type
of mRNA is an indication of expression of the related gene. For
example, the molecular basis of cancer is now widely believed to
involve gene mutations which lead to dysregulated cellular
proliferation and decreases programmed cell death (apoptosis).
[0086] For example, mutations of the myc protein (an
apoptosis-inducing protein) or the loss of p53 protein function
could result in abnormal accumulation of cells, leading to
oncogenesis. In general, gene expression changes are manifested by
changes (an increase or decrease) in the corresponding mRNA systems
in cells. Therefore, it is possible to design SMP 100 to have the
middle loop region 110 to be a cDNA sequence segment complementary
to the mRNA targets of interest. For example hypoxia-inducible
factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcriptional factor of genes encoding
proteins involved in tumor angiogenesis. Overexpression of HIF-1,
which is correlated with tumor angiogenesis and breast cancer, can
be detected using SMP systems according to the invention targeted
to mRNA associated with HIF-1.
[0087] Another example for SMP diagnostics involve the HER-2/neu
receptor, which belongs to the epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGF-R) and is directly involved in tumor survival and
proliferation. Overexpression of the HER-2/neu receptor, which has
been linked to increased rate of relapse and metastasis in breast
cancer, can be diagnosed using SMP systems having the stem loop
region designed to be a cDNA sequence complementary to the MRNA
associated to HER/neu receptor. The genes and genes products noted
above are just a few examples of a wide variety of genes that can
be associated with diseases. Therefore, SMP-based systems according
to the invention can be used to detect and image gene expression
changes in the tumor microenvironments, and subsequent development
of treatment for theses specific tumor microenvironments without
affecting the nearby healthy cells or tissue microenvironments.
[0088] There are several methods of performing cell-based assays
using SMPs. One method consist of lysing the cells and then
performing the hybridization assay. Another method consists of
introducing SMPs inside the cells to be monitored. There are
several methods that can be used to deliver SMP inside cells.
[0089] SMPs in solution can be injected through a microinjector,
either by applying pressure, or if the SMP are magnetic (e.g., with
magnetic cores), by applying a magnetic field that drives the SMP
into the cells. Magnetic nanoparticles can be purchased
commercially and then coated with a layer of metal. If the
nanoprobes are electrically charged, a voltage can be applied to
drive the SMP into the cell as an ionic current. This is a
technique referred to as iontophoresis.
[0090] A pressurized microjet of an inert gas (e.g., helium) medium
containing an emulsion of SMPs can also be used to inject SMPs into
the cell. After injection, the gas molecules can diffuse out of the
cell.
[0091] The cell membrane can also be made transiently permeable to
the outside solution containing SMP by disrupting the membrane
structure with a brief but intense electric shock (e.g., 2000 volts
per cm for 200 .mu.sec). Membrane bound vesicles can also be loaded
with SMPs and then induced to fuse with the target cells.
[0092] The invention can be used for a variety of diagnostic and
therapeutic applications. SMPs can be used to detect pathogenic
species such as bacteria and viruses by targeting their DNA. For
example, the invention can be used to diagnose the presence of the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as by identifying the HIV
gag gene sequence using the invention. Infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV1) generally results in a
uniformly fatal disease. Unfortunately, standard HIV serologic
tests, including the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the
Western Blot Assay, are not useful in the diagnosis of HIV
infection during early infancy because of the confounding presence
of transplacentally derived maternal antibody in infants blood.
Thus, there is a need for a direct nucleic acid based test which
detects the presence of HIV viral sequences.
[0093] As noted earlier, SMP 100 shown in FIG. 1(A) has a middle
portion 110 having a 20-base oligonucleotide sequence complementary
to the gag gene region of the HIV1: (ATAGTGGATCTTGAAATTTA). The
middle region has two 7-nucleotide-long stem sequences 120 and 140,
each from each side: e.g, CGATTCA and GCTAAGT.
[0094] Under normal conditions, when the target sequence of the gag
region of the HIV1, TATCACCTAGAACTTTAAAT is not present, the two
stem regions of the SMP probe 120 and 140 are hybridized to each
other since they have complementary sequences, thus forming a
stemmed loop which brings the SERS label 118 and metal comprising
nanoparticle 115 in close proximity. Therefore, upon irradiation by
a radiation source such as a laser, a strong SERS signal from the
SERS label can be recorded.
[0095] When target sequences containing a sequence of the gag
region of the HIV1, TATCACCTAGAACTTTAAAT is present in the sampling
area, hybridization occurs between the target and middle loop
sequence 110, inducing a conformation change that separates the
stem sequences 120 and 140 of SMP 100. Separation of the stems of
SMP 100 results in an increased separation distance between the
label molecule 118 and the metal comprising nanoparticle 115. This
process produces a disappearance (or substantial decrease) in the
SERS signal from the label molecule 118. Such a SMP technique can
be very sensitive since single-molecule detection of SERS labels
such as CFV, Rhodamine-6G or Rhodamine B can be achieved.
[0096] The invention can also be used to detect other gene
sequences, such as abnormal gene sequences known to be associated
with human cancer cells. These abnormal gene sequences can be
identified in fluids using the invention, such as in urine. For
example, the biochip shown in FIG. 5 can be used for this
purpose.
[0097] Alternatively, the invention can be used in a system 600 to
identify gene sequences, including abnormal gene sequences within
tissue and organs, such as those of humans as shown in FIG. 6. In
this case, a solution containing SMPs targeted to a specific
disease (i.e., SMP with stem loop sequence complementary to mRNA of
interest) or a specific pathogen (i.e, SMP with stem loop sequence
complementary to DNA of pathogens of interest) can be injected into
a patient 660, such as using a syringe. The SMP 614 is transported
via the blood stream to the target tissue microenvironments of
interest, such as tumor 603. Alternatively, a solution of SMPs 614
can be delivered orally.
[0098] Due to their nanoscale sizes, the SMPs 614 can penetrate
into cellular environments, where they interact and hybridize with
the mRNA of interest. SMP molecules 614 which travel through the
blood stream inside the body towards tumor 603, can be monitored
using the excitation radiation 613 from laser 610, which passes
through optical system 612. Upon hybridization with the mRNA
target, the SMP stem loops open and the SERS signals decreases due
to the increased separation distance between the SERS labels and
the metal comprising nanoparticles as described previously. Due the
multiplex capability of the SMP, gene expression changes (over
expression, or under expression) of a large variety of genes can be
detected and imaged simultaneously in vivo using a variety of
different stem loop sequences each targeted to genes of interest.
Due to tissue scattering and absorption properties, it is
preferable to use laser excitation and subsequent Raman/SERS
detection within the diagnostic window of tissue which is generally
in the range from 700-900 nm (NIR). In this range, water does not
significantly absorb. Although generally less preferred, the
portion of the therapeutic window from 900-1200 nm may also be
used.
[0099] An exemplary detection and imaging system which can be used
to detect the SERS emission 615 from SMPs 614 includes a
multichannel detector (e.g., CCD) 618 equipped with a dispersive
device 617 (e.g., AOTF, monochromator, or optical filter) and
optical filter 616. The microenvironments of the tumor 603 can be
identified via interaction of SMPs 614, such as hybridization of
SMP stem loops with mRMA molecules at tumor cells, as discussed
previously.
[0100] Optionally, the system can also include structure for
performing therapy in selected locations following detection of the
target gene sequence. In the case of cancer, the therapy generally
comprises application of energy in an amount and for a duration
sufficient to kill the cancer cells detected. The application of
energy sufficient to kill the cancer cells is preferably applied
substantially contemporaneously following detection of the cancer
or other condition requiring therapy by system 600.
[0101] The structure for application of energy can be selected from
any of a variety of energetic sources. For example, focused
ultrasound beams or laser beams may be used. Other energy sources
involve focused beams of microwave or infrared radiation. The
treatment procedure can be initiated using delivery of energy into
the tumor site, using optional treatment components provided by
system 600. One example of therapy components comprises a source of
NIR radiation 619, such as an NIR laser 619 which provides NIR
radiation which is directed through focusing optics 620 to patient
660.
[0102] The absorption band of metallic comprising nanoparticles
provided by the SMP can be set to desired ranges to provide
selective heating of the SMP, which in turn can heat its
surrounding environment (e.g. tissue). As noted above, nanospheres
of dielectric materials coated with a metal nanoshell have been
found to be SERS active. The core diameter and the metal thickness
of nanoshells can be varied to modify the SERS properties of the
nanoparticles, including its absorption spectrum. The nanoparticles
and nanoshells can be designed to provide enhanced electromagnetic
absorption bands for a specific wavelength due to surface plasmons.
[R. L. Moody, T. Vo-Dinh, and W. H. Fletcher, "Investigation of
Experimental Parameters for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy,"
Appl. Spectrosc., 41, 966 (1987).] Gold nanoshells surrounding a
dielectric core have been developed which can be tuned to the
visible and NIR spectrum.[S. R. Sershen, S. L. Westcott, N. J.
Halas, and J. L. West, "Temperature-sensitive polymer-nanoshell
composites for photothermally modulated drug delivery", World
Biomaterials Congress 2000, May 15-20, 2000]. Therefore, the
nanoparticles can be used to more efficiently absorb more
electromagnetic energy and provide localized heating as compared to
directly heating a desired region. This selective heating effect
can be use to heat surrounding tissue for medical treatment, such
as killing tumor cells as described above, or to affect cellular
metabolism or growth. SMPs based on magnetic particles can also be
selectively heated using an applied magnetic field.
EXAMPLES
[0103] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments
described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that
various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested
to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the
spirit and purview of this application. The invention can take
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential
attributes thereof.
Example 1
Exemplary Raman Imaging System
[0104] A Raman imaging system was tested which included a CCD
mounted on a microscope device with a tunable filter such as an
acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF). This system is capable of
spectral imaging cells being monitored by (SERS medical) SERMED
nanoprobes. A laser such as helium-neon laser (5 mW, 632.8 nm) is
used a the excitation beam. After passing through a band pass
filter (Corion), the laser beam was expanded and recollimated using
a spatial filter/beam expansion module, prior to entering an
aperture of a microscope (e.g., Nikon, Microphot SA). Different
types of microscopes (inverted, epi-luminescence, or confocal
microscopes with various magnification powers) may be used
depending on the application. The laser beam is collimated by a
condenser lens and focused onto a sample containing cells to be
monitored on the microscope viewing field.
[0105] An objective with appropriate magnification is used to focus
and transmit the SERS image to the microscope image exit port
equipped with a CCD used to record 2-D images. Rejection of the
laser scatter was performed using a holographic notch filter (e.g.,
Kaiser, model HNPF-633-1.0) placed in the detection path. In the
system, we also use a second (optional) exit port of the microscope
to detect the SERS spectra of the sample. For the measurement of
the SERS spectra, another holographic notch filter (Kaiser, model
HNPF-633-1.0) is placed in the image beam, to reject the laser
scatter from the SERS emission which is then focused onto an
optical fiber (Fiberguide Industries). The SERS signals is
transmitted via the optical fiber onto the emission slit of a
spectrograph (ISA, model HR320) equipped with a thermo-electrically
cooled, red-enhanced, intensified CCD (ICCD, e.g., Princeton
Instruments, model RE/ICCD 5765).
[0106] If 2-D multispectral images are not required, a conventional
Raman spectrometer may be used. Another system was based on a
Jobin-Yvon/ISA Ramanor 2000M double-grating monochromator. The data
acquisition system was an LSI 11/23 minicomputer purchased from
Data Translation Corporation and a DSD/880 Winchester/floppy disk
drive. Photon counting was accomplished using a cooled RCA
C31034-02 photomultiplier tube. The excitation was provided by a
Spectra Physics Model 171 argon ion laser. Scanning electron
microscope (SEM) photographs are obtained with an ISI DS-130
scanning electron microscope. Another Raman spectrometer used was
an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) (Princeton Instruments,
model RE/ICCD) equipped with a polychromator (ISA Inc., model
HR-320).
Example 2
Sensitivity of SERS for Application to SERS Biochip and SERS
Molecular Probe (SMP)
[0107] Raman spectroscopy is an important analytical technique for
chemical monitoring, biological analysis and medical diagnostics
due to the wealth of information on molecular structures that can
extracted from experimental data. The Raman cross-section, however,
is inherently weak, thus preventing the possibility to achieve low
detection limit with normal Raman spectroscopy. This renewed
interest for Raman spectroscopy has been due to the observations of
enormous Raman enhancement of the SERS effect for molecules
adsorbed on special metallic surfaces. SERS detection of single
molecules using silver colloid media have been reported (-Nie S.,
and S. R. Emory, 1997, Science, 275, 1102; -Kneipp K., Wang Y., H.
Kneipp, L. T. Perelman, I. Itzkan, R. R. Dasari, M. Feld, 1997,
Phys. Rev. Lett., 78, 1667). Recent improvements have been achieved
towards the goal of single molecule detection of cresyl fast violet
(CFV) via Raman scattering using nanostructed solid substrates
including nanoparticles coated with silver (Stokes, Hueber et al,
1998; T. Vo-Dinh, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using
Metallic Nanostructures," Trends in Anal. Chem., 17,557 (1998) ).
These improvements are due to the optimization of a silver island
substrate which imparts a large surface-enhanced Raman scattering
(SERS) enhancement. Furthermore, a He--Ne laser enables obtaining
an additional resonance enhancement factor, again raising the
signal level. In the experiment performed, the detection system
utilized a spectrograph equipped with a red-enhanced intensified
CCD (RE-ICCD). A confocal excitation/collection geometry was
implemented with a 100.times. objective lens. The 0.9 numerical
aperture of this lens helped ensure a tight focus and efficient
scattered signal collection. The SERS spectrum of CFV which was
obtained from a 5.times.10.sup.-11 M solution. A 1-uL aliquot
ethanolic CFV solution (i.e., 3.times.10.sup.7 molecules) was
spotted on the solid SERS platform and allowed to dry after
spreading to a 6.5 mm diameter. The broadness of the 595 cm.sup.-1
band of this spectrum results from the use of a 500-.mu.m entrance
slit width to improve signal collection. Assuming a laser spot
diameter of 10 .mu.m and even distribution of CFV molecules within
the 6.5-mm diameter spot, the number of probed molecules was
estimated to be approximately 70.
[0108] The results showed SERS signals from fewer than 30 molecules
using CFV dyes. SERS detection of single molecules using silver
colloid media have been reported [Nie S., and S. R. Emory, 1997,
Kneipp et al, 1997, Vo-Dinh 1998; Stokes, Hueber et al, 1998]. When
these molecular probes find and hybridize to their DNA target(s),
the signals of these single SMP substantially disappear, indicating
the detection of single DNA targets.
[0109] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is
not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,
substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as described in the claims.
Sequence CWU 1
1
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ttgaaattta 20 2 20 DNA Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 2
tatcacctag aactttaaat 20 3 20 DNA Human immunodeficiency virus type
1 3 tatcacctag aactttaaat 20
* * * * *