Description:
Measuring oxidative stress in living systems is a critical challenge—current detection methods rely on unstable ROS markers or harsh chemical assays that damage cells and prevent real-time analysis. This invention introduces biocompatible fluorescent probes that directly detect oxidative stress–induced carbonylation in live cells and tissues, enabling early, sensitive, and real-time monitoring without lysis, harsh chemicals, or washing steps.
Background:
A lack of tools for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of oxidative stress limits progress in disease research and drug discovery. Existing assays either target unstable ROS or require sample destruction, preventing dynamic studies in live systems. These approaches hinder accurate tracking of oxidative damage progression and reduce experimental throughput. New methods are needed to detect stable oxidative stress markers in living cells with high sensitivity, minimal disruption, and compatibility with scalable screening platforms.
Technology Overview:
The technology uses hydrazine-, hydrazide-, or alkoxyamine-functionalized fluorescent probes that react with carbonylated proteins and lipids under physiological conditions. Upon reaction, the probes form stable hydrazone or oxime bonds, triggering a fluorescence "turn-on" effect with red-shifted absorption and emission spectra. This enables live-cell and tissue imaging using microscopy or microplate readers. The system avoids strong acids or catalysts and minimizes background signal, allowing for simple and accurate visualization of oxidative damage in real time.
Advantages:
• Enables detection in live cells and tissues without harsh conditions
• Detects both protein and lipid carbonylation
• Significant fluorescence increase upon reaction, minimizing background signal
• Eliminates the need for cell lysis, washing, or secondary reagents
• Compatible with high-content and high-throughput screening
• High photostability and low toxicity of the probes
• Applicable across disease models, including cancer and neurodegeneration
Applications:
• Live-cell imaging for oxidative stress in disease research
• High-throughput drug screening for oxidative toxicity
• Diagnostics and prognosis of ROS-linked conditions
• Cancer tissue differentiation based on carbonylation levels
• Biomarker detection in neurodegenerative disease models
Intellectual Property Summary:
• Utility Patent Filed: US 17/321,088 (Filed May 14, 2021)
• Published Application: US 2021-0356472 A1 (Published October 19, 2022)
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
Licensing Potential:
Strong potential for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical developers, and research institutions focused on oxidative stress, disease diagnostics, and drug discovery seeking real-time, non-destructive, and high-throughput compatible detection tools.
Additional Information:
Information available upon request.
Inventors:
Kamalika Mukherjee, Susan Tuttle
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