Herein are disclosed materials and methods for isolating biomolecules, especially proteins, whose functions can be modulated by ligands or enzymes.

The method involves utilizing a library of chimeric biomolecules, wherein each member of the this library has a common portion which alone performs a function. Important functions include the enzymatic modifications of proteins or nucleic acids, and specific binding to other molecules.

In addition of the common portion, each library member comprises a second portion which is anticipated to modulate the function of the common portion. For example, if the common portion is a enzyme, the second portions could be contiguous polypeptide extensions as depicted in self explanatory Figure 1.

Other more complex chimeras wherein the second portions comprise an unnatural organic molecules are possible.

A similar process can be utilized to identify molecules whose functioning is inhibited, rather than activated, as shown in the self explanatory Figure 2.

An interesting utility of a binding molecule whose function is eliminated by a ligand or enzyme is shown in Figure 3, wherein a single-chain antibody is utilized in affinity isolation of a target protein.

This invention, as all the inventions described in this journal, is at the conceptual stage and a patent is anticipated. However, it is hoped that those with laboratories will investigate its full potential.

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