Microstructure for capturing and releasing microorganism

Inventors

Jung, Yong Gyun

Assignees

Quantamatrix Inc

Abstract

Provided is a method for capture and release of microorganisms using microstructures. The method includes providing microstructures coated with a protein for attachment/detachment of microorganisms, mixing the microstructures with a solution containing substances assisting in attachment of microorganisms in a solution containing microorganisms to prepare a mixed solution, stirring the mixed solution to attach the microorganisms to the microstructures, separating the microorganism-attached microstructures from the mixed solution; and exposing the microstructures to an environment where the substances assisting in attachment of the microorganisms are present at a low concentration to detach the microorganisms from the microstructures.

Core Innovation

A structure for capture and release of microorganisms is disclosed, comprising a microstructure that includes a protective layer where the protective layer is a silica-coated layer. A protein is coated on the microstructure such that the protein directly contacts the microstructure, and the protein is capable of attaching and detaching microorganisms. The microstructure supports the protein coated on the microstructure and the microorganisms attached and detached to the protein.

The protein is a calcium-dependent serum protein. The microstructure supports the calcium-dependent serum protein and microorganisms in a reversible attachment/detachment relationship in which the microorganisms are attached by the calcium-dependent mechanism and detached when the calcium-dependent attachment conditions are removed or reduced.

In a method aspect, microstructures with a silica-coated protective layer are provided and directly contacted with a calcium-dependent serum protein capable of attaching and detaching microorganisms. The microstructures are mixed with a solution containing microorganisms and substances assisting in attachment, then stirring is used to attach the microorganisms to the microstructures, followed by separating the microorganism-attached microstructures. The microorganism-attached microstructures are then exposed to an environment where the substances assisting in attachment are present at a low concentration so the microorganisms are detached from the microstructures.

Claims Coverage

The document contains three independent claims covering a microstructure-based capture and release structure and two method variants for capture and release using silica-coated microstructures with a calcium-dependent serum protein and calcium-ion-mediated attach/detach behavior. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on the silica-coated protective layer directly supporting a calcium-dependent serum protein that attaches and detaches microorganisms, together with calcium ions during attachment and detachment.

The independent claims consistently require silica-coated protective microstructures that directly support a calcium-dependent serum protein capable of reversible attachment and detachment of microorganisms, with the method claims defining capture by mixing and stirring with calcium-ion-assisted attachment conditions and release by exposure to low-calcium or substance-free environments where attachment conditions are reduced or eliminated.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications