Hydrogel platform for aqueous two-phase concentration of a target to enhance its detection

US11327075B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Daniel Takashi Kamei · Monterey Park, US
• Benjamin M. Wu · San Marino, US
• David Yuan Pereira · Los Angeles, US
• Chloe Michelle Wu · San Marino, US
• Matthew Foosing Yee · Saratoga, US
• Joshua Anthony Keefe · Sunnyvale, US
• Christina Caroline Pearce · Orinda, US
• Amir Dailamy · Calabasas, US
• Vincent K. Wong · Taipa, CN
• Nguyen Khoi Le · Sacramento, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 21, 2017
• Grant date: May 10, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 13, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2333/183
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

It was discovered that hydrogel scaffolds can be used to induce phase separation as aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) pass through and/or rehydrate the scaffolds, allowing for concentration of target analyte(s) (e.g., biomolecule(s)) into a particular phase of the ATPS or into a leading front. Accordingly, in various embodiments methods and devices are provided that utilize aqueous two-phase systems and hydrogel scaffolds to improve the sensitivity of assays (e.g., of point-of-care assays) without sacrificing cost or ease of use.