The University of Massachusetts Amherst

RENEWABLE SURFACES FOR CAPTURE, KILLING AND RELEASE OF BACTERIA

LEAD INVENTOR:
Maria M. Santore, Ph.D.
 
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

•       Continuous monitoring, on-line sensors for bacteria in fluids

•       Non-leaching antibacterial surfaces, tubing and fittings for life sciences applications

•       Non-leaching antibacterial catheters

•       Whole-cell diagnostic surfaces that selectively capture bacterial targets

 
ADVANTAGES

•       Does not require toxic, leached agents, such as ionic silver, for bacterial killing

•       Does not require harsh/toxic chemicals for bacterial removal

•       Does not require multiple processing steps for surface regeneration

•       Can be engineered to selectively capture bacteria in the presence of proteins or to discriminate between different broad bacterial classes

 
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention provides economical, renewable surfaces and related methods for selective capture of bacteria in a fluid medium and for killing and/or release of the captured bacteria. The fabrication of these surfaces or surface-treated substrate materials does not require the use of expensive biomolecules and toxic chemicals. The surfaces capture and kill bacteria on contact without leaching any toxic antimicrobial agents. The surfaces can rapidly release captured or killed bacteria via mechanical means, and thus are easily renewable for subsequent round of bacterial capture, killing and release, which makes them ideal for use in on-line bacterial sensor systems. In addition, the surfaces can be engineered to selectively capture bacteria from complex fluid media or selectively capture one bacterial strain over another.
ABOUT THE LEAD INVENTOR
Dr. Maria M. Santore is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering. Her research group creates new materials and methods for biomedical and other applications.
AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKET:
UMA 13-027
PATENT STATUS:
US Patent Issued: US 9,920,353
Contact:
Nikki Hoang
Licensing Officer
University of Massachusetts
nikkihoang@research.umass.edu
Inventor(s):
Maria Santore
Bing Fang
Keywords: