Biomolecule Collection Substrates with Tailored Surface Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomolecule collection systems are limited by off-target analyte binding and target molecule dynamic exchange, resulting in low sensitivity and profiling depth, particularly for low abundance biomolecules.
Innovation Solution
The use of substrates with tailored surface area to mass ratios and surface functionalizations to form biomolecule coronas, allowing for the identification of a higher number of different biomolecules by modifying sample conditions and adjusting substrate properties such as size, shape, and surface chemistry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional substrates are used for biomolecule collection, then the assay can be performed with standard protocols, but the sensitivity and profiling depth are limited due to off-target binding and dynamic exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate surface is modified with specific functional groups (carboxyl, amine, hydroxyl) at controlled densities to create localized binding environments that preferentially capture low abundance biomolecules while reducing off-target binding. This local chemical differentiation enables selective interaction with target analytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention systematically varies substrate parameters including surface area to mass ratio, surface functional group density, and particle size to optimize biomolecule collection efficiency. By changing these parameters, the substrate achieves enhanced sensitivity for low abundance biomolecules while maintaining assay reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If substrates with higher surface area are used to increase biomolecule collection capacity, then more biomolecules can be captured, but the mass of substrate increases which may affect assay dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the surface area to mass ratio as a critical parameter, using nanoparticle substrates that provide high surface area relative to their mass. This allows maximum biomolecule collection capacity while minimizing substrate mass that could interfere with assay dynamics and biomolecule exchange processes.
3Quantity of substance
If sample dilution is performed to reduce high abundance proteins, then the dynamic range can be expanded, but the relative signals of low abundance biomolecules may be further overshadowed
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate creates localized high-affinity binding sites that concentrate low abundance biomolecules from the sample, effectively amplifying their signal without requiring sample concentration. This local enrichment occurs at the substrate-biomolecule interface, preserving signal intensity while expanding the detectable dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting substrate surface functional group density and composition, the invention optimizes binding affinity to match the concentration range of low abundance biomolecules. This parameter optimization enables direct analysis of diluted samples without losing sensitivity for trace analytes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the dynamic range and profiling depth of biomolecule analysis, enabling direct deep compositional analysis of biological samples with minimal sample perturbation and improved sensitivity for low abundance biomolecules.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the biological sample with the substrate to form thereon a biomolecule corona which comprises biomolecules from the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are particles and methods of using said particles in assays for detection of biomolecules in a sample. Various methods of the present disclosure utilize particles for biomolecule adsorption. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods which utilize multiple particle concentrations to differentially fractionate biological samples. In further aspects, the present disclosure provides methods which utilize low particle concentrations to enhance adsorbed biomolecule diversity.