Programmed adsorption and release of proteins in a microfluidic device.

Huber, Dale L; Manginell, Ronald P; Samara, Michael A; Kim, Byung-Il; Bunker, Bruce C · Science · 2003

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

A microfluidic device has been developed that can adsorb proteins from solution, hold them with negligible denaturation, and release them on command. The active element in the device is a 4-nanometer-thick polymer film that can be thermally switched between an antifouling hydrophilic state and a protein-adsorbing state that is more hydrophobic. This active polymer has been integrated into a microfluidic hot plate that can be programmed to adsorb and desorb protein monolayers in less than 1 second. The rapid response characteristics of the device can be manipulated for proteomic functions, including preconcentration and separation of soluble proteins on an integrated fluidics chip.

Medical subject headings