Methods and compositions for the diagnosis of sepsis using gamma peptide nucleic acids

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for compositions of γPNA probes. Additionally, the present disclosure provide for methods and kits using γPNA probes for the diagnosis of sepsis.

1 .- 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A composition comprising at least one γPNA probe having a sequence that is 1 or 2 nucleobases shorter at either one or both ends of at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOS: 1-309, any reverse, reverse complementary, or complementary sequence thereof, and any functional equivalent thereof. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40 , further comprising a support substrate. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 41 , wherein the support substrate is selected from the group consisting of: a magnetic bead, a well, a plate, a test tube, a stick, a plastic slide, a glass slide, and a biochip. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 42 , wherein the support substrate is coated with Avidin Neutravidin, or Streptavidin. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one γPNA probe comprises one or more functional moiety selected from the group consisting of: a binding molecule, a spacer group, a linker group, a hydrophobicity-changing group, a charge-inducing group, and a structural change-inducing group. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one γPNA probe emits a detectable signal selected from the group consisting of: fluorescence, luminescence, FRET, colorimetric, calorimetric, interference patterns, pH, resistance/conductivity, enzymatic function and kinetics, protein structure, and electrical potential. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the at least one γPNA probe comprises at least one poly(ethylene)glycol linker. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 46 , wherein the at least one poly(ethylene)glycol linker comprises of one or more biotinylation sites. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the γPNA probe comprises a carbon linker or spacer including one or more biotinylation sites, and an amino acid-based side chain. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 48 , wherein the carbon linker or spacer comprises 1-100 carbons. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 48 , wherein the carbon linker or spacer comprises poly(ethylene)glycol. 
     
     
         51 . A kit comprising the composition of  claim 40 . 
     
     
         52 . A method for diagnosing an infection in a subject comprising
 contacting genomic material from a clinical sample obtained from the subject with the composition of  claim 40  to form a mixture;   heating the mixture;   invading a plurality of targeted infection-related genomic material with the at least one γPNA probe of the composition; and   detecting the presence of one or more targeted genomic material that is indicative of an infection.   
     
     
         53 . A γPNA probe comprising
 (a) a peptide backbone, 
 (b) a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to a target gene from a bacterial or fungal pathogen, 
 (c) a poly(ethylene)glycol linker including more than one biotinylation site, and 
 (d) an amino acid-based side chain along the peptide backbone of γPNA probe. 
 
     
     
         54 . A method for diagnosing an infection in a subject comprising
 contacting genomic material from a clinical sample obtained from the subject with the γPNA probe of  claim 53  to form a mixture;   heating the mixture;   invading a plurality of targeted infection-related genomic material with the γPNA probe; and   detecting the presence of one or more targeted genomic material that is indicative of an infection.