Abstract:
A new process in bio-chemistry involves the manipulation of
molecules to defeat diseases, viruses, chemical warfare, and to reduce the
cost of bio-chemical engineering. This new process is refined in that the
researcher utilizes new computer technology to model the behavior of
certain molecules to insert a "slot" for discarding unwanted foreign
objects. These unwanted foreign objects are discarded by fixing the slot
to fit the objects. This slot can be customized, through manipulation and
modelling, to fit many different objects. Therefore, objects such as
viruses, poisonings, or bacteria, could be jetted out of ones body. This
aspect could one day benefit millions of people around the world.
Chemical Process:
Teams from universities successfully inserted instructions for
building an anti-fluorescein antibody in the DNA of bacteria. This
antibody binds with fluorescein molecules. Into this chunk of material,
they inserted instructions for buildin g a metal-ion binding sight. They
discovered where to put this slot by simulating the antibody on a large
computer. The resulting product revealed an anti-fluorescein antibody which
binds to metal ions. After physically inserting the genetic code in to E.
coli. bacteria, the researchers had a large batch of a new compound which
they named QM212. When copper was added to this new batch, it binded with
the metal-ion binding sight, decreasing the fluorescent emissions.
Applications:
The human immune system already uses similar antibodies for similar
tasks. Natural antibodies conform to the shape of foreign bodies and bind
to the outer surface. They then release enzymes to break down the
substance. In the experiment, c opper acted as the foreign body while
QM212 was the antibody.
One application of this process could be used by the military. The
military, utilizing bio-chemical tools, could engineer an antibody which
binds...
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