Northwestern University

Khalid K Alam

Julius B Lucks

Michael Christopher Jewett

Adam D Silverman

Jaeyoung K Jung

Disclosed are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for detecting an analyte or target molecule in a sample by regulated in vitro transcription. The compositions, systems, kits, and methods typically comprise and/or utilize one or more components selected from: (a) an RNA polymerase; (b) an allosteric transcription factor (ATT), wherein the ATT binds an analyte or target molecule as a ligand; (c) an engineered transcription template; and/or any combination thereof. The engineered transcription template typically comprises a promoter sequence for the RNA polymerase and an operator sequence for the ATT. The promoter sequence and operator sequence are operably linked to a sequence encoding an RNA, wherein the ATT modulates transcription of the encoded RNA when the ATT binds the analyte or target molecule as a ligand, wherein the transcribed RNA generates a detectable signal in conjunction with a reporter molecule.

Analytes' detection using regulated in vitro transcription

Disclosed are methods, devices, kits, components, and compositions for detecting a target molecule in a test sample using a cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) reaction. The methods, devices, kits, components, and compositions may be utilized for detecting target molecules which may include small molecules and/or metabolites of small molecules. The components and compositions used in the disclosed methods, devices, and kits may be dried or lyophilized and may be present or immobilized on a paper substrate, for example, as a paper test article.

Growing community of inventors

Evanston, IL, United States of America

Khalid K Alam