MEM's

Proteomics is the analysis of the most ubiquitous class of molecules in the body - proteins - and the one that shoulders the major duties of both structure and function. Recently, there has been a major focus in biomedical research on the study of these molecules. Proteomic research is predicted to be more complex than Genomic research, as there is a factor of 2000 more molecular species predicted and as there is no analog to PCR to allow the amplification of rare molecules. A company with a material advantage in the study of these molecules should be capable of novel insight into biological process and drug discovery.

BIOwulf and its licensor have started the development of an advantaged multiplexed protein analysis scheme that allows the interrogation of a huge number of potential protein-protein interactions along with the mathematical capability to gather unique information out of these interactions. This combination of tools is expected to allow rapid parallel analysis of proteins and protein extracts, using pattern recognition to ease the analytical pressure presently faced in available techniques.

Magnetic manipulation has been commonly used in the biomolecular sciences, since force can be delivered in unique ways through liquids without physical contact. This ability is especially valuable in the manipulation of paramagnetic microparticles, from stirring to separation to immobilization in a flowing stream. Magnetic applications have been integral in immunoassays systems, genetic probe analysis systems, Genomic and protein sequencing systems and cell based sorting and identification. In general, magnetism has made many of the breakthroughs in commercial delivery of biochemistry possible, although scientists have been hesitant to apply magnetics to manipulate fluids and particles at the microscopic level because magnetic forces theoretically do not scale well. We believe that we are overcoming this theoretical problem.

We are working closely with a researcher who has developed breakthrough technology in the field. This individual has created miniaturized electromagnets that can be brought into close proximity with paramagnetic particles labeled with both proteins of interest and complementary binding molecules. These electromagnets can be turned off and on and juxtaposed in space such that mixing and controlled movement can be achieved and the theoretical scaling problem avoided.

He has also created a set of plastic microflow channel schemes for sample preparation and other manipulations. These tools allow a set of reactions to be accomplished with on-board microdevices. He has also developed a micropipetting device that allows the manipulation of ultrasmall aliquots of both binding targets and sample molecules. These micropipettes will be critical for the formation of reaction fields that allow nanoassays and other manipulations.