Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2006-2009
Title: **Innovations by Natanya R. Civjan in Membrane Scaffold Proteins**
Introduction
Natanya R. Civjan, an esteemed inventor based in Urbana, IL, is known for her significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. With a total of two patents to her name, Civjan focuses on innovative solutions to the challenges posed by membrane proteins, paving the way for advancements in drug discovery and biological research.
Latest Patents
Natanya Civjan's latest patents revolve around the development of membrane scaffold proteins (MSPs). These groundbreaking proteins are designed to assemble with hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins, forming soluble nanoscale particles that help preserve native structures and functions. Her innovations demonstrate marked improvements over traditional systems like liposomes and detergent micelles, particularly in terms of stability and biological activity preservation. In the presence of phospholipids, MSPs create nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the exterior of the bilayer domain. This unique structure allows for the manipulation of incorporated proteins in various solutions or on solid supports, which is essential for surface-sensitive techniques such as scanning probe microscopy and surface plasmon resonance. The robustness of these nanoscale particles enhances their integrity and sustains the biological activity of the proteins they incorporate, making them invaluable for pharmaceutical research, structure/function correlations, bioseparations, and drug discovery.
Career Highlights
Natanya Civjan is a key researcher affiliated with the University of Illinois. Her work is instrumental in furthering the understanding of membrane proteins, which often present challenges in terms of expression, purification, and characterization due to their hydrophobic properties. Natanya's research not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also has practical implications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Natanya has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Stephen G. Sligar and Timothy H. Bayburt. These partnerships have enabled her to expand the reach and impact of her innovations, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages advancements in research and development.
Conclusion
Natanya R. Civjan stands out as an innovative inventor whose work with membrane scaffold proteins is reshaping the landscape of biochemistry and pharmaceutical research. Her patents not only enhance the fundamental understanding of protein interactions but also pave the way for new methodologies in drug discovery and biophysics. With her ongoing contributions, Civjan continues to inspire future generations of scientists and inventors in their pursuit of transformative innovations.