This technology utilizes nanostructures with transferrin-family proteins conjugated to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles to capture extracellular vesicles or pathogens, which are then separated and concentrated using a magnetic field. The linkage between the nanoparticles and proteins is designed with a multifunctional crosslinker or a silane coupling agent-derived linker, allowing for cleavage during the recovery phase.
Extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, are small, low-density, and present in low concentrations, making selective isolation difficult. Traditional methods require complex experiments using expensive antibodies or precision equipment like ultracentrifuges. Consequently, despite growing demand in diagnostics, drug delivery, and cosmetic development, it has been challenging to obtain them easily and cost-effectively.
This technology leverages both the selective binding of transferrin-family proteins and the electrostatic interaction of positively charged nanostructures to capture negatively charged vesicles and pathogens with high efficiency in a short time, followed by easy separation using only a magnetic field. Applicable to exosome-based diagnostic kits, sample preparation equipment, and virus/bacteria concentration testing, it enables the acquisition of analytical samples at a low cost without the need for antibodies or ultracentrifugation.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for the development of a band-type integrated theranostic system for the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
US2023-0028744A1
