Antibody and recombinant derivative for the detection of trinitrotoluene
Inventors
Liu, Jinny Lin • Zabetakis, Daniel • Goldman, Ellen R. • Anderson, George P.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10247716-B2
Publication Date
2019-04-02
Expiration Date
2032-10-17
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Abstract
Described herein are new recognition elements (antibodies or functional fragments thereof) that effectively bind to trinitrotoluene (TNT). Also disclosed is a single chain fragment recognition element.
Core Innovation
The invention describes new recognition elements, specifically antibodies or functional fragments thereof, that effectively bind to trinitrotoluene (TNT). It discloses a particular single chain fragment recognition element and sequences that provide high affinity binding to TNT. This includes an isolated antibody or functional fragment containing a heavy chain sequence identified as SEQ ID No: 1, or polypeptides with at least 85% sequence identity to this sequence.
The problem addressed is the need for antibodies with superior binding characteristics to improve TNT detection. While commercial antibodies for TNT detection exist, their limitations in specificity, affinity, and production complexity hinder effective sensor development. The invention provides improved recombinant antibodies, including single chain variable fragments (scFv) and VH domain fragments, that are easier to produce and tailor genetically, offering better or comparable affinity and performance in detection assays compared to existing antibodies.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim covering an isolated and purified antibody or functional fragment thereof binding to TNT with specific sequence modifications.
Antibody with specific heavy and light chain sequences and mutations
An isolated and purified antibody or functional fragment that binds to trinitrotoluene, comprising a heavy chain having the sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 with one or more mutations selected from N35S, Q39K, L45S, and W47Y, and a light chain having the sequence of SEQ ID No: 2.
The claim protects antibodies or functional fragments targeting TNT characterized by defined heavy and light chain sequences, including specific mutations in the heavy chain that contribute to binding and functional properties.
Stated Advantages
Recombinant single chain antibodies allow expression in E. coli, enabling easier and less expensive production compared to hybridoma culture.
The scFv fragment provides better limits of detection for TNT than parental monoclonal antibodies and commercially available antibodies, with strong signal and low variability.
The recombinant binding fragments facilitate improvements in TNT detection assays and sensors with higher affinity and specificity.
Documented Applications
Detection assays and sensors for trinitrotoluene (TNT) in contexts such as terrorism prevention and environmental remediation.
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