Biosensors utilizing ligand dependent intein-splicing: Application in a Diagnostic Pacifier

This year’s project will produce a novel, simple, portable, and point of care method for quantification of ligands present in a solution. To achieve this goal, we will be developing an engineered protein construct that utilizes ligand binding domains, intein-splicing, and a luminescent or fluorescent reporter domain. The resulting signal can then be measured and quantified, providing a dose-dependent method of measuring analytes. One application for this novel technology is to detect and quantify the amount of cortisol present in saliva. In addition to our engineered protein, we are building a complimentary pacifier with a built in luminometer detector. In practice, a child would be given the pacifier, which would allow for real time analysis of the baby’s salivary cortisol, and this information would then be wirelessly transmitted to the parent or a healthcare professional through a smartphone application.