Method for Producing an Array of Planar Microparticles with Surface Molecular Multiplexing, Resulting Array and Use Thereof

Abstract

A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and / or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and / or biological applications.

Description

SECTOR AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is aimed at the application of new technologies for the manufacture of arrays of microparticles in the broad field of engineering. Due to the very nature of the array produced as well as the microparticles it contains, and which may be singled out by mechanical means, the area of application of this invention is very broad, encompassing the sectors of chemistry, cellular biology, medicine and pharmacology.STATE OF THE ART[0002]In the field of engineering and material science, a particle is understood to be any body with a micrometric or nanometric scale and having a mass, and which may be obtained naturally or artificially by means of physical and chemical methods. At present, the different existing techniques for obtaining micro- and nanoparticles may be classified into two large groups, based on whether they are produced directly in an individual manner, or whether they are produced in the form of an ordered matrix or a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method for manufacturing an array of small particles with a functionalized surface, which can be used in various applications such as chemical and biological detection and sensing. The method involves depositing a layer of microparticle starting material on a substrate, shaping the microparticles using microelectronics techniques, and then engraving the substrate to create a foot that supports each microparticle. The feet are fragile and can be easily broken to release the microparticles for individual use. The method allows for the parallel functionalization of a large number of microparticles in a controlled manner. The functionalization can be done using molecular components such as proteins or nucleic acids, and the microparticles can be released from the substrate for further use. The technical effects of this invention include the creation of a versatile and efficient tool for molecular detection and sensing, as well as the ability to release individual microparticles for further use.

Problems solved by technology

The main drawback of these particle-manufacture methods is that strictly chemical methods must be applied for their functionalization, whereby either a total and single (identical) functionalization may be obtained for all of them, or a combination of two or more functionalizations, by using chemical substances, as long as these do not affect one another.

It is a difficult and highly complex process due to the multiple incompatibilities that this entails (neither versatility nor discretization).

The lack of multiplexing on a single particle of the ones containing these suspensions, a characteristic multiplexed chips do offer, constitutes a significant limitation when it comes to analyzing small volumes (for example, the inside of a cell).

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