Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring conformational changes and self-assembly/aggregation of proteins, especially the formation of amyloid fibrils, using conjugated polyelectrolytes. The conjugate polyelectrolyte is exposed to the protein whereby the conjugated polyelectrolyte and the protein of interest interact, and a change of a property of the polyelectrolyte in response to conformational changes of the protein is observed. The detected change is used to determine different conformations of the protein, especially the formation of amyloid fibrils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a pathogenic prion species in a sample comprising the steps—bringing the sample in contact with at least one conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE)—irradiating the CPE with electromagnetic radiation—measuring the radiation emitted or absorbed by the CPE at at least one wavelength, and—comparing the measured emitted or absorbed radiation to at least one reference value corresponding to the CPE interacting with a known prion species. Optionally, the emitted or absorbed radiation is measured at least two wavelengths and a ratio is formed of the values of the measured radiation. The method facilitates differentiation between different strains of pathogenic prion species. The invention also relates to devices for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring conformational changes and self-assembly/aggregation of proteins, especially the formation of amyloid fibrils, using conjugated polyelectrolytes. The conjugate polyelectrolyte is exposed to the protein whereby the conjugated polyelectrolyte and the protein of interest interact, and a change of a property of the polyelectrolyte in response to conformational changes of the protein is observed. The detected change is used to determine different conformations of the protein, especially the formation of amyloid fibrils.