Rapid in situ testing for environmental contamination
Inventors
Eberly, Jed O. • Crocker, Fiona • Indest, Karl J.
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-9970013-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-15
Expiration Date
2035-06-03
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Abstract
The present invention provides synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX. In various embodiments, the synthetic RNA aptamers may include one or more aptamers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID 1-12. The synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX provide an inexpensive, in situ method for testing for RDX, which may be used for both soil and water samples.
Core Innovation
The invention provides synthetic RNA aptamers that bind 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). These synthetic RNA aptamers enable an inexpensive, in situ method for detecting RDX contamination in soil and water samples by assaying the sample for RDX after admixing it with a buffered solution of the aptamer. Furthermore, it offers a biosensor apparatus employing these aptamers linked to electrodes, facilitating electrical-chemical signal transduction for RDX detection.
The problem being addressed is the deficiency in current methods for detecting RDX contamination. RDX particles are irregularly dispersed in environmental samples and current high-sensitivity testing methods require expensive, off-site instrumentation that is not suitable for large-scale environmental remediation or rapid determination of contaminant dispersal patterns. These methods are costly, cause delays, and often fail to provide timely data for remediation planning and assessment of widespread contamination.
The invention overcomes these issues by enabling wide-scale, rapid, and cost-effective testing for RDX using synthetic RNA aptamers that have high affinity and specificity for RDX. These aptamers can be produced synthetically and configured in assays or biosensor devices that can be used in situ to detect RDX presence efficiently in soil and water, thereby providing actionable information for environmental clean-up efforts.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim that covers compositions comprising synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX, with multiple dependent claims specifying particular sequences.
Composition comprising synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX
A composition of matter including a synthetic RNA aptamer that binds 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), wherein the synthetic RNA aptamer consists of one or more optamers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12.
The claims focus on the composition of synthetic RNA aptamers specifically configured to bind RDX, defining the invention through particular nucleotide sequences that achieve this binding capability.
Stated Advantages
Provides an inexpensive, in situ method for detecting RDX that can be used on both soil and water samples.
Enables rapid testing suitable for wide-scale environmental remediation efforts, overcoming the limitations of costly, off-site, high-sensitivity testing.
Offers high affinity and specificity to RDX, allowing effective binding and detection without interference from similar compounds.
Facilitates biosensor development by linking aptamers to electrodes for electrical-chemical signal transduction, enabling electronic measurement of RDX presence.
Documented Applications
Detecting RDX contamination in soil samples.
Detecting RDX contamination in water samples.
Use in environmental remediation projects for mapping contaminant dispersal.
In situ testing of environmental samples to provide rapid data on RDX presence.
Biosensor apparatus employing synthetic RNA aptamers linked to electrodes to detect RDX through electrical-chemical signals.
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