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-9828696-B2
Publication Date
2017-11-28
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 methods for assembling analyte filter arrays by leveraging biomolecular binding forces to attach micro- and nanoscale filter particles onto specific regions of a substrate, such as a detector array. The assembly process involves using a microarray of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, or other molecules, immobilized on the substrate. Filter particles bearing complementary moieties are introduced as a dispersion and bind selectively to predetermined sites on the microarray, enabling the creation of highly organized and functional filter arrays in a single batch step.
The problem addressed is the inefficiency, slow speed, and high cost of conventional 'top-down' methods—such as serial deposition, printing, or lithography—for sensitizing individual sensors within large-scale, dense microsensor arrays. Existing approaches inhibit the mass manufacture of compact and complex detector arrays needed for applications requiring high selectivity, sensitivity, and dynamic range, such as molecular or ionic detection. Efficient and scalable manufacturing for these arrays is lacking, especially methods allowing single-step deposition of multiple filter types onto miniaturized sensor arrays.
The invention's core innovation is the biomolecule-guided assembly method, which enables the precise placement of functionally diverse filter particles onto addressable detector regions, forming multilayer or patterned arrays. The process supports various substrates, including detector arrays, membranes, or transfer stamps, and allows for the overlapping or repeating of attachment steps to create multilayered structures. This technique can expand to various geometric array patterns and is compatible with existing microarray synthesis and particle modification technologies, making it suitable for gas, solution, and ionic detection systems.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim, which establishes the main inventive features of the detection system utilizing biomolecule-guided filter particle assembly on addressable detector arrays.
Detection system for molecules and ions using microarray-guided filter particle assembly
The system comprises: - A substrate with a chemiresistive semiconductor detector array having a plurality of addressable regions. - A microarray of biomolecules formed on the substrate. - A plurality of filter particles, each possessing a moiety that is complementary to and bound to a specific biomolecule on an addressable detector region. The inventive feature is that filter particles, functionalized with specific chemical groups, are precisely positioned via biomolecular complementarity on designated regions of the semiconductor array. These filter particles serve to remove or reduce the concentration of specific molecules or ions in mixtures traversing the array. The system detects the filtered molecule or ion in the filtrate using the underlying semiconductor detector array.
The independent claim covers a detection system integrating microarray-based assembly of chemically functionalized filter particles onto a semiconductor detector, enabling targeted filtering and detection of molecules and ions.
Stated Advantages
Provides an efficient batch manufacturing process for assembling filter particle arrays with precisely positioned functional subunits at specific locations.
Enables the creation of dense and compact microsensor arrays, enhancing selectivity, sensitivity, and dynamic range for detection of complex mixtures.
Facilitates the parallel detection capability of microsensor arrays and improves background rejection in the measurement of complex gas, liquid, molecular, or ionic mixtures.
Allows for flexible design of array geometries and multilayer filter assemblies suitable for various detection applications.
Documented Applications
Complex vapor and solution analysis, such as odorprint detection and blood analyte panels.
Miniaturized sensors for uses including small waste streams, biomedical in vitro and in vivo devices, and environmental monitoring.
Industrial fluid stream analysis and targeted drug delivery.
Molecular detection in air or water, including gas phase detection using solid-state chemiresistive arrays and ion-selective detection in solutions.
Filters for blood chemistry or waste analysis, industrial process fluid analysis, water purity and toxicity analyses, and food product characterization.
Interested in licensing this patent?