Location History:
- Ann Harbor, MI (US) (2009)
- Ann Arbor, MI (US) (2015)
Company Filing History:
2 out of 832,880 Years Active: 2009-2015
Title: Carol Ann Fierke: Innovator in Bioluminescent Assays
Introduction
Carol Ann Fierke is a distinguished inventor based in Ann Arbor, MI (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the development of innovative methods for detecting metal ions. With a total of 2 patents, her work has advanced the understanding and measurement of metal ion concentrations in various environments.
Latest Patents
Fierke's latest patents include a bioluminescent metal ion assay, which provides a method for determining metal ions both qualitatively and quantitatively. This method utilizes emission from fluorescence resonance energy transfer from a luciferase-carbonic anhydrase conjugate or fusion protein to an acceptor ligand in the presence of metal ions bound to the protein. This innovative approach allows for the measurement of free metal ion concentrations down to picomolar levels, making it relatively insensitive to contaminants. As a result, it can be effectively used to measure metal ion concentrations in cells, body fluids, or environmental samples without extensive sample preparation.
Another notable patent is the excitation ratiometric fluorescent biosensor for zinc ions at picomolar levels. This highly selective and sensitive method is based on a carbonic anhydrase format for measuring zinc ions. The technique transduces zinc ion levels as the ratio of fluorescence intensities excited at two different wavelengths. This method achieves a detection limit of about 10 pM in zinc buffered systems, representing a ten to one thousand-fold improvement over traditional Fura indicators and a one hundred thousand-fold improvement over the recently described FuraZin-1.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Carol Ann Fierke has demonstrated a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Her work has not only contributed to the field of biochemistry but has also paved the way for new methodologies in metal ion detection.
Collaborations
Fierke has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Richard B. Thompson and Evgenia Matveeva. These partnerships have further enriched her research and contributed to the success of her innovative projects.
Conclusion
Carol Ann Fierke is a remarkable inventor whose contributions to biochemistry and metal ion detection have made a significant impact. Her innovative patents reflect her dedication to advancing scientific research and technology.