Protein Microarray Fabrication with Novel Functionalization

Introduction Protein microarrays are enjoying increasing use in both research and diagnostic applications. One of the key challenges in protein microarray manufacture is the fixation of the protein or the protein ligands of interest on the microarray surface with a robust linkage that doesn’t alter the protein properties. Technology description The inventors have developed a method to functionalize metallic gold surfaces that allow proteins to be covalently coupled to the surface in pre-selected areas. In a simple, two-step process an effective protein binding surface is created. These functionalized, gold-coated slides can then be spotted with protein solutions using a robotic pin microarrayer. The bound proteins retain their original activity and selectivity, with a greater resistance to the effects of pH change or oxidation than is seen with other commonly used surface modification approaches. Business opportunity The market for proteomics products is currently in excess of $1 billion per year and is projected to grow to over $2 billion per year by 2008. Microarray spotting and visualization tools are in widespread use for both nucleic acids and proteins. Improved protein microarray disposables that can be used with the currently available spotting and visualization equipment have the potential to be rapidly adopted in the marketplace. Stage of development Protein microarrays have been created on functionalized gold coated glass slides. The retention of activity and selectively has been demonstrated for the bound proteins. Intellectual property position The UW is assessing patent protection for this technology.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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