The detection of a protein involved in coagulation using fluorescence

What is it about?

Thrombin is an important protein involved in blood coagulation. We demonstrate that the amount of these protein can be measured using a system composed of silica full of a fluorescent dye that is locked with a DNA molecule that has affinity to thrombin. The silica acts as a closed container of a fluorescent solution. When this container gets in contact with thrombin, the DNA lid binds to thrombin, liberating the fluorescent dye.

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Why is it important?

Measuring thrombin concentration in blood is important to control coagulation and the action of anticoagulants in patients. The analytical method is very sensitive due to the large number of fluorescenty dyes that can be liberated by a few molecules of thrombin.

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