These polymer fibers, used as stationary phases in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enable a high level of selectivity and throughput, thus increasing efficiency. Chromatography is a method used by scientists to separate organic and inorganic compounds for further analysis. Currently, over 60% of chemical analysis worldwide is done in conjunction with some form of chromatography. The global market for chromatography media was valued at $372.3 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $528.1 million by 2023. Because of the rising role of biopharmaceuticals, there is increasing need in the market for specialized phases to isolate specific proteins. This technology has the potential to fill this need in the market.
Application Stage of Development
Selective bioassays for high performance, Fuctional Prototype
liquid chromatography
Advantages
• Customizable lipid head groups allowing for control of solute interacting in chromatography
• Micron-sized channels that span entire length of column allowing for faster flow rates and minimal back pressure
• High surface area on polymers, improving mass transfer
Technical Summary
This technology us used as the stationary phase in HPLC, featuring a novel polymeric fiber support that is modified with a series of bi-functional lipid molecules. The molecules are composed of anchoring “legs” which can be of varying hydrophobicity, from alkanes to polyethylene glycol chains. The functional head groups be customized to possess functional groups such as NH3, COOH, or biotin. The lipids can can be further modified with virtually an unlimited number of head groups, chosen such that the target species in the mobile phase can have varying degrees of affinity.
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Inventor: Dr. Kenneth Marcus, Dr. Kenneth Christensen
Patent Type: Utility
Serial Number: 14/333,561
CURF Ref No: 2012-094