Rivka Zusman

Title: Rivka Zusman: Innovator in Gel-Fiberglass Technology

Introduction

Rivka Zusman is a prominent inventor based in Jerusalem, Israel. She has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development of innovative gel-fiberglass technologies. With a total of 5 patents to her name, Zusman's work has the potential to impact various applications in diagnostics and therapy.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is focused on gel-fiberglass and a method for its preparation. This gel-fiberglass, known as GFG, is a newly-formed sol-gel glass polymerized from tetramethoxysilane on the surface of activated glass wool fibers. GFG serves as a support for trapped chemical or biochemical reagents. A thin layer of these reagents is entrapped in the gel glass during its preparation, which is present on the surface of a lattice of glass fibers. Columns for affinity chromatography have been prepared from GFG membranes with entrapped antigens or antibodies, which are used to isolate various proteins, including tumor-associated antigens. The GFG membrane has demonstrated high effectiveness and stability, allowing for the isolation of proteins in extremely high amounts. These membranes can be utilized in diagnostic practices, the generation of specific antibodies, and therapeutic applications.

Another notable patent involves doped sol-gel glasses for obtaining chemical interactions. This sol-gel glass is doped with one or more reagents that facilitate chemical interactions with diffusible solutes or components in an adjacent liquid or gas phase. The reagents, solutes, or components can include any organic or inorganic compounds or materials of biological origin, such as enzymes. The doped sol-gel glass, available in various forms, is useful as an analytical test, chromatographic medium, sensor, catalyst, biocatalyst, electrode, or enzyme electrode, among other detection devices.

Career Highlights

Rivka Zusman has worked with Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd., where she has contributed to various research projects and innovations. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the field of materials science and biotechnology.

Collaborations

Zusman has collaborated with notable individuals in her field, including David Avnir and Michael Ottolenghi. These collaborations have further enriched her research and development efforts.

Conclusion