Method for assembly of analyte filter arrays using biomolecules
Inventors
Savoy, Steve M. • Mitchell, Daniel R. • John, Jeremy J. • Murphy, George L.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10550494-B2
Publication Date
2020-02-04
Expiration Date
2031-03-23
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Analyte filter arrays and methods for making an analyte filter array are provided. The arrays are formed using a dispersion of filter particles having selected moieties attached to the surface of the particles and a microarray having complementary moieties formed in an array on a substrate, such that each filter particle is attached to a selected region of the microarray. The moiety on the substrate may be RNA or DNA or other molecule. The substrate may be a surface of a detector array, a membrane that may be placed in registration with the detector array or a stamp used to transfer the filter array to a detector array.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for assembling analyte filter arrays using biomolecules. It employs a dispersion of filter particles, such as polymer microspheres, each functionalized with specific moieties (for example, nucleic acids or other biomolecules) that bind to complementary moieties anchored in addressable regions of a microarray or detector substrate. The result is a highly organized, spatially coded array in which each filter particle is attached to a designated region, enabling precise positioning of functional filter elements for filtering molecules and ions.
This process addresses the limitations of conventional 'top-down' methods like lithography, which are slow and costly when fabricating dense or miniaturized microsensor arrays. The need exists for efficient, parallelized assembly methods that allow dense, compact arrays with tailored functionalities and high detection capacities. The invention's 'bottom-up' approach achieves this by leveraging biomolecular binding—such as DNA hybridization—for the assembly of micro- and nanoscale filter devices directly or via intermediate supports onto detector arrays or membranes.
A key feature is the ability to assemble a variety of filter particle types on pre-defined locations in a single batch step, with the potential for forming multilayer structures and transferring assembled arrays via intermediate substrates or stamps. The method uses batch processing and enables high selectivity, sensitivity, and customization of filter arrays for molecular or ionic mixtures, enhancing the functional capabilities of microdetector arrays.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims, each covering a distinct inventive feature in the assembly and function of filter particle arrays for filtering molecules and ions.
Batch assembly of filter particle arrays on detector arrays using specific biomolecular interactions
A method comprising: - Exposing a dispersion of derivatized polymer microsphere filter particles, each carrying binding moieties, to a detector array with multiple addressable regions, where the filter particles bind via their binding moieties to complementary anchor biomolecules at selected regions. - The dispersion may include multiple sets of filter particles with distinct binding moieties, enabling attachment to different regions. - Additional features include removing excess dispersion and the option of exposing subsequent dispersions for building multilayer arrays or combinatorial filter patterns.
Filtering mixtures with the assembled filter particle array attached to a detector array
A method wherein a mixture of molecules and/or ions is caused to traverse a filter particle array that is attached to a detector array. - The filter particle array is composed of one or more sets of derivatized polymer microsphere filter particles, each set attached to distinct addressable regions. - The filter particle composition can be selected to allow for the passage or removal of specific gas species or ionic species, enabling targeted analyte filtration corresponding to the array’s spatial configuration.
Transfer of assembled filter particle arrays from a substrate to a detector array
A method comprising: - Assembling a filter particle array on a substrate (such as a transfer stamp or membrane) with addressable regions, using complementary binding between filter particles (bearing binding moieties) and anchored biomolecules. - Removing excess dispersion to isolate the array. - Bringing the substrate with the array into contact with a detector array so that the addressable regions are registered, enabling transfer of the filter particle array to the detector array. - Optional features include further layering and the use of a linking or special function layer.
The inventive features center on biomolecule-guided, parallel batch assembly of functionalized filter particles for highly customizable analyte filter arrays, including methods for direct deposition, functional use in filtration, and transfer between substrates.
Stated Advantages
The method enables efficient, parallel fabrication and assembly of dense and compact micro- and nanoscale filter particle arrays for enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range, and background rejection in analyte detection.
Allows batch processing, thereby reducing the time and cost compared to serial or sequential assembly methods used in conventional lithography or printing.
Enables the creation of complex arrays with multiple types and configurations of filter particles in a single assembly step, increasing functional diversity and detection capacity.
Permits precise spatial registration of functional filter subunits, improving the specificity and customizability of filtering for complex mixtures.
Facilitates transfer and reuse of array templates, increasing manufacturability and adaptability of sensor systems.
Documented Applications
Complex gas mixture analysis and filtration using assembled filter particle arrays on detector arrays, including chemiresistive and semiconducting sensor elements.
Ionic solution mixture analysis and filtration (e.g., for blood chemistry analysis, industrial process fluid analysis, water purity and toxicity analysis, and food product characterization) using filter particle arrays with specific selectivity for ionic species.
Biomedical in vitro and in vivo detection devices utilizing miniaturized and compact sensor arrays with functionalized filtering capacity.
Discrete environmental monitoring for gases and ions, using micro- and nanoscale sensor arrays assembled with the described method.
“Odorprint” detection systems for analyzing complex vapor targets using differentially sensitized microdetector arrays.
Formation of multi-layer filter structures for expanded filtration functionality in a single detector platform.
Interested in licensing this patent?