The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 23, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 07, 1999
Congyuan Guo, Columbia, MO (US);
Rhys N. Thomas, Fayette, MO (US);
Fayette Environmental Services, Inc., Fayette, MO (US);
Abstract
The present invention relates to a series of nanospheres, having diameters of less than about 50 nm, and having probe ion cores surrounded by layers of surfactant and by a polymer shell. The surface of the shell is functionalized with acid compounds, at least one of which includes a spacer between the nanosphere surface and the acid functionality. In some alternative embodiments, the surface is also functionalized with long-chain ester and alcohol groups. The probe ion core improves the sensitivity and reproducibility of immunoassay procedures. The acid compounds on the surface minimize self-agglomeration of the nanospheres and improve the coupling of the nanosphere with antibodies. The ester and alcohol groups enhance the aqueous suspension characteristics and the shelf life of the nanospheres.