Abstract: Provided is a method that utilises linear dichroism (LD) to identify the presence of a target molecule (L) in a sample. The method comprises providing an alignable scaffold (20), preferably biomolecular fibre M13, comprising a first binding region and having a high aspect ratio of greater than 5:1, providing a substrate (e.g. a substantially spherical non-alignable moiety (12)) comprising a second binding region which binds the first binding region in the absence of the target molecule in such a way that the LD signal of the alignable scaffold is reduced or minimised relative to the unbound and aligned scaffold, wherein one of the first and second binding regions is a receptor capable of binding the target molecule, exposing the substrate-bound scaffold to the sample such that binding of the target molecule, if present, to the receptor releases the scaffold from the substrate, and measuring the LD signal of the scaffold before and after exposure to the sample.

Abstract: A molecular sensor that utilises dichroism can be used to identify the presence of specific molecules in a substance. The molecular sensor includes a sensor element comprising (i) a scaffold moiety and (ii) one or more receptor molecules for the target molecule attached to the scaffold moiety to form a scaffold/receptor complex, wherein the scaffold/receptor complex is modified to incorporate a chromophore and the modified scaffold/receptor complex has a high aspect ratio.

Abstract: A molecular sensor that utilizes dichroism can be used to identify the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample, for example during or after amplification reactions such as PCR/thermocyling reactions and isothermal reactions. A sensor element for use in the molecular sensor may comprise an alignable scaffold/receptor complex, the receptor of said complex comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is complementary to at least a portion of a target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Provided is a method that utilises linear dichroism (LD) to identify the presence of a target molecule (L) in a sample. The method comprises providing an alignable scaffold (20), preferably biomolecular fibre M13, comprising a first binding region and having a high aspect ratio of greater than 5:1, providing a substrate (e.g. a substantially spherical non-alignable moiety (12)) comprising a second binding region which binds the first binding region in the absence of the target molecule in such a way that the LD signal of the alignable scaffold is reduced or minimised relative to the unbound and aligned scaffold, wherein one of the first and second binding regions is a receptor capable of binding the target molecule, exposing the substrate-bound scaffold to the sample such that binding of the target molecule, if present, to the receptor releases the scaffold from the substrate, and measuring the LD signal of the scaffold before and after exposure to the sample.

Abstract: A molecular sensor that utilises dichroism can be used to identify the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample, for example during or after amplification reactions such as PCR/thermocyling reactions and isothermal reactions. A sensor element for use in the molecular sensor may comprise an alignable scaffold/receptor complex, the receptor of said complex comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is complementary to at least a portion of a target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: A molecular sensor that utilises dichroism can be used to identify the presence of specific molecules in a substance. The molecular sensor includes a sensor element comprising (i) a scaffold moiety and (ii) one or more receptor molecules for the target molecule attached to the scaffold moiety to form a scaffold/receptor complex, wherein the scaffold/receptor complex is modified to incorporate a chromophore and the modified scaffold/receptor complex has a high aspect ratio.

Abstract: A method for releasing the content of the periplasmic space of bacterial cells is provided, which comprises incubating the bacterial cells in a solution containing styrene maleic acid copolymer (SMA). Also provided is a method of preparing a substantially pure sample of recombinant polypeptide. The methods find application in the recovery of materials, such as proteins, from bacterial cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for solubilising a membrane protein. The method is applied to cellular material comprising the membrane protein and an associated membrane lipid. A copolymer of styrene and maleic acid, wherein the styrene:maleic acid ratio is between 1:2 and 10:1, is mixed with the cellular material to cause the copolymer, lipid and protein to form soluble macromolecular assemblies.

Abstract: A method is provided for solubilising a membrane protein. The method is applied to cellular material comprising the membrane protein and an associated membrane lipid. A copolymer of styrene and maleic acid, wherein the styrene:maleic acid ratio is between 1:2 and 10:1, is mixed with the cellular material to cause the copolymer, lipid and protein to form soluble macromolecular assemblies.

Abstract: A molecular sensor (10) comprises a flow path (12) configured for flowing a solution (28) potentially containing a target molecule (26). A source of polarised light (16) is provided and a detector (18) arranged to receive light from the source after it has passed through the flow path. A sensor element (19) is provided comprising a scaffold moiety (20) with a high aspect ratio disposed, in use, within the flow path and a receptor moiety (24), for the target molecule, attached to the scaffold moiety. A method for sensing a target molecule in a flowing solution is also described.