Lodhi M.A., Opperman G.W., Wall J.V., Anderson A.B.
SurModics, Inc., US
Keywords: diagnostics, drug delivery, microarrays, surface chemistry
Availability of DNA sequence data on numerous organisms has revolutionized the way biological queries are addressed today. Focus of activity has largely shifted from discovery to application. Things that were considered far-fetched only a few years ago seem to be within our reach, such as personalized medicines. New informatics and research tools have been devised to handle and analyze the influx of huge amount of data such as gene chips and microarrays or newly introduced nanoarrays. These devices are used to monitor biochemical and molecular interactions in a highly parallel and automated fashion. Such applications are also multiplexed on microspheres for diagnostics purposes. Due to the advantages of high throughput and high sensitivity, arrays and microspheres are fast becoming indispensable tools in diagnostics, drug discovery, toxicology, clinical trials and other disciplines. Of all the components needed to make sensitive and robust devices, surface chemistry is of the key importance since it not only controls the tethering of biomolecules but also affects molecular interactions. SurModics uses photochemistry to modify surface characteristics of devices for numerous medical applications, such as biomolecule attachment, drug delivery, passivation, hemocompatibility and cell therapy. Surface coatings vary from sub micron to several microns in thickness.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 389 - 392
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 0-9767985-0-6