Adding bioactive proteins to the surfaces of medical devices makes it possible to create a broad range of new, innovative functions without changing the bulk of the device. Yet this poses several challenges, as the delicate structure of proteins, which is integral to their design and purpose, is prone to denaturing. Moreover, proteases can attack the amide bonds that hold the molecule together. A method to immobilize and protect proteins on the surface of medical devices in order to enable their function as chemical sensors, scaffolds for regenerative medicine, and tools to influence and control tissue behavior could change this. Current methods include keeping the device in a saline solution at cold temperatures, which is impractical for physiologic purposes and increases the chance of hydrolytic degradation of the protein and the linkage between the protein and substrate.
Description
Creating a nanoparticle-textured surface on the medical device can improve the ability of proteins to remain immobilized and stabile on the surface without needing to keep the device submerged or at low temperatures. Researchers have shown that modifying surfaces with silica nanoparticles creates a highly textured surfaces that greatly increases protein binding density and improves protein stability in both physiological conditions and ambient dry conditions. This uniquely textured substrate allows protein-treated surfaces to be stored in dry conditions and at room temperature, prolonging the lifetime and shelf-life of these devices and enabling easy packaging, storing, and transporting such devices. This innovation opens doors for highly stable and effective immunoassays, protein arrays, enzyme-based biosensors, and peptide-functionalized medical implants.
Applications
· Enhancing medical devices with bioactive proteins without inconvenient and expensive storage and transportation methods and without risk of denaturing bioactive proteins
Advantages
· Allows surface-treated medical devices to be stored in dry conditions at ambient temperatures
· Prolongs the shelf life of the device
· Makes it possible to package, store, and transport
Invention Readiness
In vivo data
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220105039A1
