Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Analytical Instrumentation, Methods & Materials
Analytical Instrumentation Methods Materials
Microfluidics Platform and Method That Mimic the Cellular Environment
WARF: P04153US

Inventors: David Beebe, Jaisree Moorthy, Richard Burgess

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a microfluidics-based platform for mimicking the environment within a cell.
Overview
Most biochemical interactions are studied in solutions containing dilute concentrations of molecules. However, the complexity of the cellular environment makes it difficult to compare the results of studies performed in dilute solutions to the actual interactions inside cells. On the other hand, studies performed inside cells are often difficult to interpret because so many interactions are occurring simultaneously and because of the variation that exists between cells.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a microfluidics-based platform for mimicking the environment within a cell. This model environment is simpler than a cell, yet captures the basic characteristics of the cellular nano-environment, including charge, crowding, water content and structure. It has many advantages over current systems, including the fact it uses much less protein, can detect weaker interactions and requires less time for experiments.

The platform includes a microfluidic device that contains a chamber. At least one hydrogel post is positioned within the chamber. Each post may contain a different density of polymers or a different cross-linker to simulate various crowding or caging effects. A solution containing proteins of interest is introduced into the chamber and the proteins diffuse into the hydrogel posts. The interactions between the proteins are then observed inside the posts.
Applications
  • Studying drug interactions
  • Developing improved sensors or more effective therapeutics
  • Understanding the basic mechanisms of cell signaling and behavior
  • High throughput screening
Key Benefits
  • Simply and easily captures the basic characteristics of the cellular nano-environment
  • Provides a more natural and in vivo-like environment for studying protein-protein interactions than current systems
  • Dramatically reduces time needed for studies because experiments occur on the microscale
  • Very little protein is needed.
  • Weaker interactions can be detected than with conventional methods because crowding enhances weaker binding between biomolecules.
  • Nano-environment can be adjusted to control the selectivity of monoclonal antibodies.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846

WARF