Out-of-Equilibrium Sensing with Unselective Artificial Receptors

• Applicant: Dr. Frank Biedermann
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Analytical Chemistry ; Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry ; Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: from 2016 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 287182843

An out-of-equilibrium sensing methodology utilizing non-selective artificial receptors will be developed that allows for the detection of biologically relevant analytes in aqueous media. First, it is shown that one can identify and quantify analytes by mere use of one non-selective receptor, which at first glance must appear highly unlikely to the reader. Our method can succeed because formerly unavailable analyte-related information can now be obtained using our novel out-of-equilibrium method that is coupled with a displacement or simultaneous-binding assay. In a complete contrast to established equilibrium-based assays with highly selective nature-derived receptors, this proposal enables for the first time the use of low-cost and robust but unselective artificial receptors for sensing under practical relevant circumstances. The concept-tested and patented out-of-equilibrium approach will be developed with the help of this research proposal a general sensing method (WP1) that is applicable for high-throughput screening (WP2). Furthermore, a kinetic array-based sensing method suitable for the detection and quantification of analytes in complex mixtures will be established (WP3).

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups