Lead Inventors:
Qiao Lin Ph.D.,
Jingyue Ju Ph.D.,
Milan N. Stojanovic Ph.D., Renjun PeiThai, Huu Nguyen, Chenmui Qiu
Tech Ventures Reference: IR M07-078, M07-079 and M08-036
Problem or Unmet Need:
The selective capture and release of molecules with minimal harm is critical to a number of applications including protein purifaction, detection, and drug delivery. Currently available technologies separate and capture target analytes (molecules in solution) based on rather indiscriminant criteria such as hydrophobicity or size, and require the use of harsh detergents to release the captured compounds. Depending on the intended subsequent use of the separated molecule, such as biomedical applications, the impurities included can prove harmful and the detergents can denature the molecule rendering it inert, or worse.
Details of the Invention:
The technology is microfluidic flow cell system for highly selective capture and release of target molecules. It utilizes avidin coated polystyrene beads immobilized in the main chamber with a number of inlet, outlet and control ports. Via the strong biotin-avidin binding couple biotin functionalized RNA aptamers can be attached to the bead surface rendering them selective for the capture of specifically targeted molecules. The captured analyte can be released either by heating the chamber (at temperatures sufficiently low as to not damage the molecule) or by competive displacement with a compound of higher binding affinity. The system can also be used to preconcentrate a target molecule and then the output fed to and analyzed by a mass spectrometer for better signal to noise in chemical detection.
Applications:
• As a highly sensitive chemical sensor when used as a preconcentrator in conjunction with analytical equipment such as a mass spectrometer
• As a purification system for capture, wash and release of target proteins, or other compounds, especially with low yield, low volume samples
• As a drug delivery system enabling not only controlled release of the therapeutic molecule but also the ability to recapture if so desired
Advantages:
• The RNA aptamer capture method is target specific, unlike size separation or hydrophobicity based method which contain contaminants possessing similar physical/chemical properties
• Captured compounds can be non-destructively released by heat, without requiring harsh elution buffers
• Microfluidics enable use of small sample volumes and are easily integrated with other analytical equipment
Patent Status: Patent Issued (WO/2008/119018) ~ see link below.
Licensing Status: Available for Licensing and Sponsored Research Support
Publications: T. Nguyen, R. Pei, M. Stojanovic and Q. Lin, "Programmed Affinity Extraction of Molecules on a Microfluidic Platform,"
IEEE Int. Conf. Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems (NEMS '07), pp. 997-1002, Bangkok, Thailand, 2007
T.H. Nguyen, R. Pei, M. Stojanovic and Q. Lin, "An Aptamer-Based Microfluidic Device for Thermally Controlled Affinity Extraction,"
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 6: 479-487, 2009.
