Ligand-Functionalized Membranes with Multivalent Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane-based technologies for biomaterial separation and purification have limited biomaterial binding capacities, making them less effective for large-scale purifications, and existing methods for ligand-functionalization are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
Development of ligand-functionalized substrates, specifically membranes, using monomers with a multivalent spacer group that links ethylenically unsaturated groups and ligand functional groups by a chain of at least six catenated atoms, enhancing biomaterial binding capacities and allowing for simple, cost-effective preparation through free radical polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If functionalized membranes are used for biomaterial separation, then separation and purification can be performed, but biomaterial binding capacity is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing multivalent spacer groups (with at least six catenated atoms) that specifically position ligand functional groups at optimized distances from the membrane surface. This local structural modification enhances binding capacity for large biomolecules without requiring complex global changes to the membrane structure or manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of spacer length (at least six catenated atoms) to optimize the distance between ligand functional groups and the membrane surface. This parameter change enables improved binding capacity while maintaining simplicity in the functionalization process and membrane structure.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional ligand-functionalization methods are used, then membranes can be functionalized, but the process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the multivalent spacer group directly into the monomer structure before polymerization. This pre-functionalized monomer approach simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for complex post-synthesis functionalization steps, reducing both process complexity and cost while maintaining high binding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spacer group and ligand functional group into a single integrated monomer unit. This combination simplifies the functionalization process by reducing the number of separate components and steps required, thereby decreasing device complexity and manufacturing cost while achieving enhanced biomaterial binding capacity.
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
The ligand-functionalized substrates exhibit significantly higher biomaterial binding capacities, enabling efficient capture and purification of biomaterials such as viruses, proteins, and nucleic acids, while simplifying the preparation process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a multivalent spacer group that is directly bonded to the monovalent groups so as to link at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one ligand functional group by a chain of at least six catenated atoms
Implementation Method 2
When free radically polymerized, such monomers provide polymer bearing ligand functional groups that are separated or spaced from the resulting polymer chain or polymer backbone by the linking chain of at least six catenated atoms
Implementation Method 3
Detection, quantification, isolation, and purification of target biomaterials... based on any of a number of binding factors or mechanisms including the presence of an ionic group, the size of the target biomaterial, a hydrophobic interaction, an affinity interaction, the formation of a covalent bond
Data Source
AI summary
An article that can be used for biomaterial capture comprises(a) a porous substrate; and(b) borne on the porous substrate, a polymer comprising interpolymerized units of at least one monomer consisting of (1) at least one monovalent ethylenically unsaturated group, (2) at least one monovalent ligand functional group selected from acidic groups, basic groups other than guanidino, and salts thereof, and (3) a multivalent spacer group that is directly bonded to the monovalent groups so as to link at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one ligand functional group by a chain of at least six catenated atoms.