Princeton University

The Molecular Sciences Institute, Inc.

Robert H Carlson

Robert H Austin

Roger Brent

Ian E Burbulis

Methods and apparatus for sorting microstructures, such as macromolecules, viruses, cells, and minute particles, in a fluid using microlithographic sorting array that is reversibly sealed by a cover. A silicone elastomer cover is used in one embodiment. In another, silicon microstructures are used to case elastomeric replicas of obstacle arrays, the tops of which reversibly seal against a flat surface. The reversible seal allows access to fractionated microstructures within the structure for further analysis.

Reversibly sealable microstructure sorting devices

A system and method for characterizing protein molecules. A protein molecule of interest is isolated from other types of protein molecules. The protein molecule of interest is modified to a one-dimensional structure from the natural three-dimensional structure of the protein molecule. Each of a first type of amino acid residue of the protein molecule is labeled with a first tag. Each of a second type of amino acid residue of the protein molecule is labeled with a second tag. The first and second tags impart to the protein molecule a detectable set of characteristic ancillary properties that facilitates distinction of the protein molecule of interest from other types of protein molecules. When these ancillary properties are detected, a fingerprint of the protein molecule is revealed. A listing of known protein molecules and of the fingerprints corresponding to each of the known protein molecules serves as a library to facilitate identification of unknown proteins. A fingerprint of a protein molecule of interest determined in the same manner as the fingerprints of known proteins listed in the library is compared with fingerprints of the known protein molecules to identify the protein molecule of interest.

Growing community of inventors

Union City, CA, United States of America

Robert H Carlson