Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces comprising target binding partner covalently coupled to polymer attached to substrate

Inventors

Jiang, Shaoyi • Zhang, Zheng • Chen, Shengfu • Vaisocherova, Hana

Assignees

WASHINGTON, University of • University of Washington

Abstract

Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, methods for making dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, and devices that include dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials. The dual-functional surfaces are nonfouling surfaces that resist non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The dual-functional surfaces and materials include covalently coupled biomolecules (e.g., target binding partners) that impart specific biological activity thereto. The surfaces and materials are useful in medical diagnostics, biomaterials and bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Core Innovation

The invention describes a substrate having a modified surface in which a substantially electronically neutral zwitterionic polymer is attached to a surface of the substrate. The polymer includes a plurality of carboxylic acid groups and a plurality of positive charged groups such that the polymer is substantially electronically neutral.

A target binding partner is covalently coupled to the zwitterionic polymer, and the target binding partner has affinity toward a target molecule. The covalent coupling provides specific affinity while reducing non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion as described for substantially low-fouling backgrounds.

The zwitterionic polymer platform is described with optional attachment architectures such as alkylene-motif self-assembled monolayers and polymer brushes. Target binding partners are immobilized onto the carboxylic acid/positive-charge polymer to form covalently coupled interfaces suitable for detection or binding in complex media, and the document reports embodiments including sensor-type use and microarray-type protein arrays.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims provide coverage for two core inventive features centered on the same modified-surface structure: an electronically neutral polymer containing carboxylic acid groups and positive charged groups, and a target binding partner covalently coupled to the polymer with affinity for a target molecule.

Across the two independent claims, the inventive coverage requires an electronically neutral polymer or polymer coating comprising both carboxylic acid groups and positive charged groups, together with a target binding partner covalently coupled to that polymer and having affinity toward a target molecule.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications