VITRIFIED IMMOBILIZED PROTEINS AND LIGANDS

The overall objective of this research is to develop a new process and laboratory instrument capable of synthesizing microspots of vitrified immobilized proteins and ligands. Immobilized proteins and ligands stored in a vitrified (glassy) sugar matrix would be well preserved at room and even elevated temperatures. The ability to create such microspots could generate significant improvements in performance, cost, convenience, and storage requirements for applications requiring immobilized proteins and ligands. Examples of applications that could be improved include immunoassays, syntheses using immobilized enzymes, purifications involving affinity chromatography, and sensors using immobilized antibodies, enzymes, and ligands. We propose to use a microjet printer, designated SCAMP, to create vitrified microspots. We developed SCAMP as a laboratory instrument to print peptide microarrays. We propose to modify SCAMP to print protein/sugar solutions, and determine the conditions that yield vitrified microspots. The microspots printed would initially be of dimensions typical for an ink jet printer: 100 picoliters volume, creating a spot 60 - 100 micrometers in diameter. The advantages and drawbacks in using this technology will also be determined.