Patent ID: 7220596
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for capturing and concentrating a selected antigen from an aqueous medium containing a mixture of antigens comprising: (a) causing a first volume of the aqueous medium containing the mixture of antigens to flow through a module containing at least two antibody-bead conjugates, wherein each of the antibody-bead conjugates comprises a bead, a polymeric spacer comprises polythreonine covalently coupled to the bead, and an antibody covalently coupled to the polymeric spacer, wherein the antibody is configured for binding the selected antigen, at a first flow rate such that the antibody-bead conjugates form a fluidized bed and the selected antigen binds to the antibody-bead conjugates; (b) washing the antibody-bead conjugates having the selected antigen bound thereto by causing a wash medium to flow through the module at a second flow rate such that the antibody-bead conjugates having the selected antigen bound thereto form a fluidized bed; and (c) holding the washed antibody-bead conjugates having the selected antigen bound thereto in a second volume of a second wash medium, wherein the second volume is smaller than the first volume.