Genetic code expansion (GCE) provides a powerful strategy for building next-generation molecular probes and biosensors. Our proprietary GCEngine platform enables the site-specific incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins, thereby expanding the genetic code and introducing novel chemical and functional capabilities beyond those of natural amino acids. This technology surpasses traditional protein engineering by enabling the design of novel biomolecules with tailored properties, thereby enhancing detection specificity and sensitivity.
Overview of Diagnostics & Biosensing
Modern healthcare and life sciences research increasingly demand fast, accurate, and information-rich molecular detection methods. Diagnostics and biosensing form the cornerstone of disease diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and fundamental biological discovery. Moving beyond traditional methods requires a new level of precision in probe design, where consistency, specificity, and signal clarity are paramount.
Fig.1 Principles underlying the integration of fluorescence nanoscopes and GCE for high-resolution protein labeling and imaging (adapted from Mihaila et al., 2022).
Application of ncAA Incorporation in Diagnostics & Biosensing
By leveraging the site-specific incorporation of ncAAs into proteins, GCE allows for the site-specific introduction of unique chemical handles, fluorophores, spin labels, or bio-orthogonal reactive groups directly into protein scaffolds. Such modifications are instrumental in developing ultra-sensitive immunoassays by creating homogenous, site-specifically labeled antibodies and antigens.
Our Services
As a dedicated partner from concept to implementation, our platform offers an integrated solution for developing high-performance diagnostic and biosensing components. From the initial identification of the optimal orthogonal aaRS/tRNA pairs to the final delivery of a validated, high-performance diagnostic or biosensing component, we provide the expertise and proprietary technology to accelerate the development of next-generation detection systems. This partnership empowers the creation of advanced tools with enhanced sensitivity and specificity for challenging diagnostic and research applications.
Advanced Diagnostics & Biosensing Solutions
Leveraging our proprietary GCEngine platform, we support a spectrum of diagnostics and biosensing applications. The services below are designed to address different classes of sensors, including peptide-based, protein-based, and antibody-based, while delivering concrete, high-quality outputs for your R&D programs.
ncAA Incorporated Peptide Sensor Development
Appropriate for detecting small molecules, metabolites, or short linear epitopes where minimal steric interference and rapid binding kinetics are critical. This service involves designing short peptide sequences with site-specifically incorporated ncAAs, serving as recognition elements or direct signal transducers. By tailoring ncAA side chains, the peptides achieve enhanced binding affinity and specificity toward target analytes such as disease biomarkers or pathogenic antigens.
ncAA Incorporated Protein Sensor Development
Suitable for developing conformation-sensitive detection systems or enzyme-based sensors requiring precise modulation of activity or environmental response. This platform focuses on engineering protein scaffolds (e.g., enzymes) through site-specific ncAA incorporation to create sensitive biosensors. The incorporated ncAAs enable direct signal transduction via environmentally sensitive probes or facilitate the construction of switch-based detection systems that respond to target binding with high specificity.
ncAA Incorporated Antibody Sensor Development
Recommended for generating highly consistent, superior-performance immunoassay reagents used in quantitative diagnostics and high-sensitivity detection platforms. This method generates homogeneously modified antibodies through site-specific ncAA incorporation, enabling precise conjugation of signal reporters via bio-orthogonal chemistry. The resulting immunoassays exhibit enhanced sensitivity, stability, and batch-to-batch reproducibility, ideal for ELISA, lateral flow assays, and other diagnostic platforms.
Contact Us
Ultimately, partnering with us provides access to a combination of deep GCE expertise and an advanced GCEngine platform, delivering diagnostic and biosensing solutions characterized by exceptional precision, enhanced sensitivity, and design flexibility to accelerate your R&D projects. For detailed inquiries and to explore a potential collaboration, please contact our expert team to initiate a conversation.
References
- Sappakhaw, Khomkrit et al. "A Genetic Code Expansion-Derived Molecular Beacon for the Detection of Intracellular Amyloid-β Peptide Generation." Angewandte Chemie 60.8 (2021): 3934-3939.
- Mihaila, Tiberiu S et al. "Enhanced incorporation of subnanometer tags into cellular proteins for fluorescence nanoscopy via optimized genetic code expansion." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 119.29 (2022): e2201861119.
