Device for detecting molecules, method for detecting molecules

Abstract

A construct is provided that is capable of binding a plurality of molecules, the construct comprising a first moiety with a first molecule binding region and a first molecule non-binding region; and a second moiety with a second molecule-binding region and a second molecule-non-binding region, whereby the first binding region and second binding region are at opposite ends of the construct. Also provided is a method for detecting protein having certain amino acid sequences, the method comprising supplying a collection of proteins each with unknown amino acid sequences, contacting the collection with a moiety having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding with the protein having certain amino acid sequences so as to form a moiety-protein complex, and mixing the complex with a marker specific for the moiety in an amount sufficient to indicate existence of the complex

1 . A molecule with two antigen binding sites, the molecule comprising: 
 a) a first light chain variable domain having a first end terminated by a first amino moiety and a second end terminated by a first carbonyl moiety; and    b) a second light chain variable domain having a first end terminated by a second amino moiety and a second end terminated by a second carbonyl moiety, whereby the second light chain variable domain is juxtaposed to the first light chain variable domain so that the first amino moiety and second amino moiety are counterpoised.    
     
     
         2 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein the first domain is covalently attached to the second domain.  
     
     
         3 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein wherein the light chain variable domains are modified light chain variable domains from immunoglobulin molecules.  
     
     
         5 . (not entered)  
     
     
         4 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein the first moiety is identical to the second moiety.  
     
     
         6 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein the first moiety and second moiety are produced from the same oligonucleotide sequence.  
     
     
         7 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein the expression of a single gene produces the first moiety and the second moiety.  
     
     
         8 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  having a molecular weight of between 20,000 daltons and 30,000 daltons.  
     
     
         9 . The molecule as recited in  claim 1  wherein the first moiety noncovalently communicates with the second moiety.  
     
     
         10 - 14 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . A method for detecting protein having a certain amino acid sequence, the method comprising: 
 a) supplying a collection of proteins;    b) contacting the collection with a moiety having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding with the protein having the certain amino acid sequence so as to form a moiety-protein complex; and    c) mixing the complex with a marker specific for the moiety in an amount sufficient to indicate existence of the complex.    
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the moiety is between 20,000 daltons and 30,000 daltons.  
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the moiety is a dimer of V L  domains.  
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the binding sites are counterpoised from each other on the moiety.  
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein a plurality of proteins having the certain amino acid sequence can be bound to the same moiety.  
     
     
         20 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the collection of proteins contains proteins with unknown amino acid sequences.