TITLE Functionalizing Nanoporous Membranes for Protein Separation (FnMPS) PRIMARY INVENTORS Sankaran Thayumanavan DESCRIPTION A straightforward platform technology has been developed to functionalize nanoporous membranes. The versatile technology allows one to tune the pore size (capability to obtain 6nm) as well as the functionalities inside the pore. This versatility allows for separation of molecules based on size, charge, and specific functionalities. APPLICATIONS ·          Molecular filters for separation of molecules and proteins ·          Proxy for 2-D electrophoresis ·          Separations of all molecules (>6nm) based on size, charge and hydrophobicity ·          Separate proteins to pinpoint culprit for causing disease, or the catalyst for physiological process ·          Improve efficiency of biomarker discovery, protein research and pharmaceutical development. ADVANTAGES ·          Enhanced proteomic research through enhanced accuracy and sensitivity ·          Overcomes major shortcomings of 2-DE ·          Scalability of the technology facilitates mass production of inexpensive devices ·          Wide range of selectivity in separation ·          Short fabrication time ·          Stability across full pH range of 114 allows application in a variety of solutions ·          Use of environmentally friendly modification process ·          Versatile functionalization with broad range of inexpensive commercially available materials ·          Fine tuning of pore size with nanometer precision ·          Flexibility of membranes enhances tolerance to stress ·          No electrical double layer complications ·          No receptor clustering PATENT STATUS Patent Process Initiated LICENSING STATUS Available for further development and licensing DOCKET UMA 06-27 NOTES FOR MORE INFORMATION Commercial Ventrues & Intellectual Property Phone: 413-545-3606 E-Mail: cvip@research.umass.edu