Layered Structure for Specific Cell Capturing

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel layered biointerface structure designed for highly specific cell capture, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood or other body fluids. The structure consists of three engineered layers: a rough nanostructured base layer of linear polyglycerol nanoparticles, a coating of hyperbranched polyglycerol that provides bio-inert and antifouling properties, and a ligand layer that enables the attachment of specific antibodies. This arrangement mimics natural extracellular matrices, enhances selective cell capture, and allows captured cells to be released on-demand with gentle chemical treatment.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patient blood samples for cancer diagnostics and monitoring.
• Capturing specific cell types for biomedical research, including rare cell detection or enrichment.
• Use in microfluidic or lab-on-chip diagnostic devices to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of cell-based assays.
• Preparation of specialized culture substrates for selective cell growth or tissue engineering applications.
• Enabling single-cell analysis and molecular profiling by selectively isolating and recovering viable cells from biological samples.
• Potential therapeutic applications in in vivo diagnostics or cell-based therapies, such as targeted cell removal from body fluids.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Very high capture efficiency (>95%) and purity (>97%) for target cells such as CTCs, even at extremely low concentrations.
• Bio-inert, antifouling background reduces nonspecific protein and blood cell binding, improving selectivity and reducing noise.
• On-demand, gentle release of captured cells (using sugars like sorbitol) preserves their viability and integrity for downstream analysis.
• Surface roughness and chemistry can be precisely tuned to optimize for different cell types or applications.
• Universal and flexible system—various bioligands/antibodies can be attached, adapting the biointerface for different target cells.
• Simple and scalable dip-coating manufacturing process enables easy production and integration with various substrates (glass, plastics, magnetic nanoparticles, etc.).

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a layered structure, comprising a) a base layer of nanoparticles of crosslinked molecules of a linear polyglycerol derivative, wherein the linear polyglycerol derivative has at least one first terminal catechol group; b) a coating layer comprising a hyperbranched polyglycerol derivative having at least one second terminal catechol group, wherein the hyperbranched polyglycerol derivative is covalently bound via the second terminal catechol group to the nanoparticles of the base layer; and c) a ligand layer comprising a ligand covalently bound to the hyperbranched polyglycerol derivative of the coating layer, wherein the ligand is capable of non-covalently bonding an antibody.