Shelf-stable synthetic cannabinoid biosensor

Nano Terra will collaborate with the Center for Drug Discovery (CDD) at Northeastern University, to develop a sensor capable of detecting synthetic cannabinoids independently of their specific molecular structure. The sensor will be portable, label-free and most-importantly shelf stable. Our proposed sensor will employ a structurally stabilized mutant CB1 receptor as the recognition element in fluorescence-based competitive binding assay. We will develop a freeze-dried, shelf-stable form of the CB1 receptor that maintains binding activity after rehydration by encapsulation in a polymersome matrix. The fluorescence assay will be implemented with low-cost LED-based fluorimeter for detecting fluorescently tagged indicator ligands that are displaced by the target cannabinoid. Our approach will capitalize on the CDDs expertise in the synthesis of CB1-ligands, to design an indicator ligand with an optimal binding affinity, low non-specific binding and low detection limit. The Phase 1 work will focus on development of the shelf-stable receptor and demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed fluorescence-based approach for detecting at least three structurally distinct synthetic cannabinoids with >90% accuracy and identifying potential interferences.