Nanoscale array biomolecular bond enhancer device
AssigneeSRI International
InventorPatrick Lincoln
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention teaches the use of an addressable nanoscale device to create a programmable substrate useful in selectively attracting proteins, nucleating protein crystals and growing protein crystals of a size amenable to diffraction analysis. Further taught is the use of nanoscale assemblies to create charge patterns, where such charge patterns are useful in purifying, nucleating or crystallizing protein molecules. Charge extension moieties, including water, are taught. The invention provides rapid and efficient identification, purification and detection of proteins and protein-related complexes.
Claims21
A method of using a nanoscale device to promote bonding among molecules of interest, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) programming a charge pattern on a surface of said nanoscale device, said charge pattern enabled by means of one or more addressable nanoscale arrays in the nanoscale assembly;
- and
- b) exposing, by means of a fluid medium where said medium contains at least one variety of a molecule of interest, said variety of molecule of interest to charge pattern on said nanoscale array, so as to promote bond formations between molecules of interest.
A device for promoting the bonding of biomolecules comprising:
- an addressable nanoscale array wherein a charge pattern is impossible on a first surface;
- means for dispensing a fluid containing a molecule of interest on the first surface of the addressable nanoscale array such that bonding between instances of the molecule of interest is fostered, thereby promoting bonding of said molecules.
A device for improved purification of biomolecules, said device comprising:
- a nanoscale substrate programmable with charge patterns for selective molecule attraction;
- a means of exposing biomolecules, where said biomolecules are in a form amenable to a directable flow, to the nanoscale substrate in a manner such that the biomolecules may be collected, thereby improving purification of said biomolecules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.