U.S. patent application number 12/317797 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-10 for nanofiber surface for use in enhanced surfaces area appications.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nanosys, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert S. Dubrow, Chunming Niu.
Application Number | 20100140160 12/317797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46124012 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100140160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dubrow; Robert S. ; et
al. |
June 10, 2010 |
Nanofiber surface for use in enhanced surfaces area appications
Abstract
This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrates and structures comprising such substrates, as well as
methods and uses for such substrates.
Inventors: |
Dubrow; Robert S.; (San
Carlos, CA) ; Niu; Chunming; (Palo Alto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NANOSYS INC.
2625 HANOVER ST.
PALO ALTO
CA
94304
US
|
Assignee: |
Nanosys, Inc.
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
46124012 |
Appl. No.: |
12/317797 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10840794 |
May 5, 2004 |
7579077 |
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12317797 |
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10792402 |
Mar 2, 2004 |
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10840794 |
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60468606 |
May 5, 2003 |
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60468390 |
May 6, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/348 ;
210/497.01; 977/762 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 20/3204 20130101;
B01J 20/3219 20130101; B01J 20/3272 20130101; Y10T 428/2918
20150115; B01L 2400/0406 20130101; A61M 1/1698 20130101; B01J
20/28057 20130101; B01J 20/3234 20130101; B01J 20/28007 20130101;
B01J 20/3236 20130101; Y10T 428/2929 20150115; B01J 20/281
20130101; G01N 33/54393 20130101; F28D 15/046 20130101; A61L
2400/12 20130101; B01L 2300/069 20130101; B01J 20/3265 20130101;
B01L 2200/16 20130101; F28F 2245/04 20130101; Y10S 977/762
20130101; Y10T 428/2915 20150115; B01L 2300/0636 20130101; B01J
20/3291 20130101; Y10T 428/298 20150115; B01J 20/3274 20130101;
B01J 20/3212 20130101; F28F 2245/02 20130101; B01L 2300/161
20130101; B01J 20/3246 20130101; B01J 20/327 20130101; Y10S 977/773
20130101; Y10S 977/813 20130101; B01J 20/321 20130101; B82Y 30/00
20130101; H01J 49/0418 20130101; Y10T 428/29 20150115; Y10T 428/292
20150115; B01L 2300/0681 20130101; Y10T 428/2913 20150115; G01N
30/92 20130101; G01N 33/54346 20130101; B01J 20/3289 20130101; B01L
3/5027 20130101; Y10S 977/764 20130101; Y10S 977/904 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/348 ;
210/497.01; 977/762 |
International
Class: |
B01D 24/02 20060101
B01D024/02 |
Claims
1. A separation system or device comprising: a separation matrix
comprising a plurality of nanofibers, one or more source of one or
more material to be separated, and a fluid delivery device.
2. The separation system or device of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of nanofibers is not attached to a substrate.
3. The separation system or device of claim 1, wherein the device
comprises a cylindrical column comprising the plurality of
nanofibers.
4. The separation system or device of claim 1, wherein the device
comprises a substantially planar substrate comprising the plurality
of nanofibers.
5. The separation system or device of claim 1, wherein one or more
of the plurality of nanofibers is crosslinked to one or more other
nanofiber of the plurality.
6. The separation system or device of claim 1, wherein
substantially all members of the plurality of nanofibers are
crosslinked to one or more other nanofiber of the plurality.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No.
10/840,794, filed May 5, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of,
and claims benefit of and priority to, U.S. Ser. No. 10/792,402,
filed Mar. 2, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application Nos.
60/468,606 filed May 5, 2003, and 60/468,390 filed May 6, 2003, all
entitled "NANOFIBER SURFACES FOR USE IN ENHANCED SURFACE AREA
APPLICATIONS." These prior applications are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates primarily to the field of
nanotechnology. More specifically, the invention pertains to
nanofibers, and nanofiber structures having enhanced surface areas,
as well as to the use of such nanofibers and nanofiber structures
in various applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Numerous scientific and commercial processes involve the
interaction of one or more compounds (often in liquid form or
present in a liquid carrier or the like) with one or more surface
area. Such surfaces can be functionalized to perform specific
actions, e.g., to bind certain compounds, to indicate the presence
of specific compounds, to catalyze specific reactions, to change
the relative temperature of compounds/liquids/gasses/etc. that come
into contact with the surface, to prevent binding to the surface,
to release drugs, etc. For example, common uses of surface/compound
interactions include separation columns or filters, heat exchanges,
microarray assays, chemical sensors, bio-sensors, medical devices,
etc. Other examples are replete throughout the literature and,
indeed, throughout everyday usage.
[0004] In almost all instances, however, the efficiency or use of
such processes and devices is limited, at least in part, by the
area of the surface which is in contact with the one or more
compound or desired constituent (e.g., the liquid, gas, etc.). This
limitation is true in several aspects. First, space limitations are
of concern. For example, only a finite number of functional units
(e.g., antibodies, catalysts, etc.) can physically exist per unit
area of a surface (i.e., within a certain footprint). Thus, the
action to be accomplished can be limited by the number of
functional units, which is in turn limited by the unit area or
footprint of the surface which contains the functional units. One
answer to such problems is to increase the unit area or size of the
footprint involved. However, besides being inelegant, such response
is often problematic due to cost restraints and size limitations
imposed on the footprint itself (e.g., the reaction might need to
be performed in a limited space in a device, etc.)
[0005] Second, such processes and devices are often also limited in
terms of resolution or sensitivity. For example, in situations such
as detection, the activity allowing detection of a compound or
constituent can sometimes be `weak` or difficult to detect.
Alternatively, the compound may only briefly or imperfectly
interact with a moiety on the surface (i.e., one involved in the
detection process). In such situations, even increasing the
footprint size might not be enough to improve detection, since a
weak response is still a weak response when spread out over a
larger area (i.e., the response per unit area would still be the
same). A similar problem can occur in column reactions and can
result in faint or diffuse bands.
[0006] In a number of conventional or current applications, the
surface area of a matrix is increased by providing the material
making up the surface with a number of holes or pores. By providing
the matrix as a porous solid, rather than just a solid surface, one
increases the amount of available surface area without increasing
the amount of space that the material occupies (i.e., the footprint
size). While such porous configurations do increase the surface
area of the matrix, a number of issues arise to limit the
effectiveness of such measures. In particular, due to the tortuous
and narrow nature of the paths offered by these pores, materials
are typically prevented from being actively flowed into contact
with the relevant surfaces in the interior of the pores. As a
result, materials must drift into contact with these surfaces via
diffusion, which is limited by available time, and also by the size
of the molecules of interest, e.g., larger molecules diffuse more
slowly. Even in cases where porous networks do allow flow-through,
the narrow and elongated nature of such networks results in back
pressures that typically force materials to flow through less
tortuous paths, e.g., around the matrix entirely. Thus, in other
words, a third problem often arises in the "path" involved in
reactions, etc. For example, in some current traditional
separation/detection devices, an analyte needs to wind its way
through a complex pathway in order to reach the appropriate
detection element or to achieve separation or the like. Such
tortuous paths can increase processing times (i.e., decrease
throughput).
[0007] A final, but not trivial, problem concerns cost. Larger
devices/surfaces/structures that are needed, e.g., to allow
inclusion of greater numbers of areas or functional units, can be
quite expensive.
[0008] A welcome addition to the art would be surfaces having
enhanced surface areas and structures/devices comprising such, as
well as methods of using enhanced area surfaces and devices, which
would have the benefits of, e.g., increased functionality per unit
area, short and/or non-tortuous processing paths and the like. The
current invention provides these and other benefits which will be
apparent upon examination of the following.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In some aspects the current invention comprises a substrate
comprising at least a first surface, a plurality of nanofibers
attached to the first surface, and, one or more specific moiety
attached to one or more member of the plurality of nanofibers. In
typical instances, the moiety is an exogenous moiety, e.g., one
that is a naturally arising or an un-manipulated oxide layer or the
like on the nanofibers. In some embodiments, the nanofibers can
comprise an average length of from about 1 micron or less to at
least about 500 microns, from about 5 micron or less to at least
about 150 microns, from about 10 micron or less to at least about
125 microns, or from about 50 micron or less to at least about 100
microns. Additionally, in some embodiments the nanofibers can
comprise an average diameter of from about 5 nm or less to at least
about 1 micron, from about 5 nm or less to at least about 500 nm,
from about 10 nm or less to at least about 500 nm, from about 20 nm
or less to at least about 250 nm, from about 20 nm or less to at
least about 200 nm, from about 40 nm or less to at least about 200
nm, from about 50 nm or less to at least about 150 nm, or from
about 75 nm or less to at least about 100 nm. Furthermore, in other
embodiments, the nanofibers can comprise an average density of from
about 0.11 (or about 0.1) nanofiber per square micron or less to at
least about 1000 nanofibers per square micron, from about 1
nanofiber per square micron or less to at least about 500
nanofibers per square micron, from about 10 nanofibers per square
micron or less to at least about 250 nanofibers per square micron,
or from about 50 nanofibers per square micron or less to at least
about 100 nanofibers per square micron. In such embodiments the
substrates can also have moieties (either specific or nonspecific)
which provide one or more interaction site for one or more analyte.
In various embodiments, the moiety and the analyte can be, e.g.,
proteins, peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid
analogs, metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts, metallic groups,
antibodies, ions, ligands, substrates, receptors, biotin,
hydrophobic moieties, alkyl chains from about 10 to about 20 carbon
atoms in length, phenyl groups, an adhesive enhancing group, and
co-factors, etc. In different embodiments, the plurality of
nanofibers can be either grown in the place it is to be used, or,
it can be grown at another location and transferred to the location
it is to be used. In either case, the nanofibers can be either
substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular, or a mixture
of parallel and perpendicular in relation to the substrate (which
can comprise, e.g., silicon, glass, quartz, plastic, ceramic,
metal, polymers, TiO, ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS,
HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe, MgTe, CaS, CaSe, CaTe, SrS, SrSe, SrTe, BaS,
BaSe, BaTe, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, PbS, PbSe,
PbTe, AlS, AlP, AlSb, SiO.sub.1, SiO.sub.2, silicon carbide,
silicon nitride, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyetherketone,
polyimide, an aromatic polymer, and an aliphatic polymer, etc.). In
yet other embodiments, the moieties can be attached to the
nanofibers through a thiol group and there can also be a plurality
of nanoparticles dispersed among the plurality of nanofibers.
[0010] In other aspects the invention comprises a substrate which
comprises a microarray comprising a first and at least a second
region (each region comprising at least a first surface and a
plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface and one or
more specific moiety attached to one or more member of the
plurality of nanofibers). In such embodiments, the first region can
comprise a different specific moiety than the second region (or
indeed each separate region can comprise different moieties). In
some embodiments, such substrates can have at least a third region,
which third region separates the first and second regions, and
wherein the at least third region comprises a substantially lower
density (or even substantially zero) of nanofibers than the first
and second regions, thus providing a buffer region having
substantially lower density of moiety between the first and second
regions. In some embodiments, the first region and at least second
region comprise an enhanced surface area, that is from about
2.times. to about 10,000.times. or more greater, from about
5.times. to about 5,000.times. or more greater, or from about
10.times. to about 1000.times. or more greater, or from about
100.times. to about 750.times. or more greater, or from about
250.times. to about 500.times. or more greater in area than a
planar substrate of (substantially) similar footprint dimensions or
than an area of the third region of (substantially) similar
footprint dimensions. In some embodiments, such third region
comprises substantially no nanofibers. In some embodiments, the at
least third region (whether or not it comprises a similar, greater,
or lesser amount or density of nanofibers than the first and at
least second regions) comprises a hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity
polarity opposite to a hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity polarity of
the nanofibers of the first and at least second regions, thus
providing a barrier region between the first and second regions.
Such substrates can also comprise wherein the third region
comprises nanofibers having one or more hydrophobic or hydrophilic
moiety (e.g., a moiety which in of itself is hydrophobic or
hydrophilic or is lipophobic or lipophilic or is amphiphobic or
amphiphilic or which confers such property upon the nanofibers).
Other embodiments comprise wherein the property is
super-hydrophobicity, super-lipophobicity or super-amphiphobicity.
Such at least third region can optionally comprise a continuous
wickable flow-path for one or more fluid, which fluid is contained
within the third region by the difference in
hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity polarity between the third region and
the first and at least second regions.
[0011] In some embodiments herein, the substrate(s) can comprise a
separation substrate, which substrate comprises at least a first
surface, a plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface,
and one or more specific moiety attached to or associated with one
or more member of the plurality of nanofibers. In such embodiments
the nanofibers and/or the moiety separate (or identify or isolate
or the like) one or more analyte from one or more sample. Such
substrate(s) optionally comprise an enhanced surface area that is
from about 2.times. to about 10,000.times. or more greater in area
than a substrate of substantially similar footprint dimensions
without nanofibers. Such substrate(s) can comprise nanofibers of an
average length of from about 1 micron to at least about 200
microns; an average diameter of from about 5 nm to at least about 1
micron; and, an average density of from about 1 nanofiber per
square micron to at least about 1000 nanofibers per square micron.
The enhanced surface area of such substrates can comprise an
enhanced surface area that is from about 5.times. to about
5000.times. or more, from about 10.times. to about 1000.times. or
more, from about 100.times. to about 750.times. or more, from about
250.times. to about 500.times. or more greater than a planar
substrate of substantially similar footprint dimensions. In such
substrates, the one or more moiety and/or the one or more material
(e.g., that is separated, isolated, identified, etc.) is selected
from the group consisting of organic molecules, inorganic
molecules, metals, ceramics, proteins, peptides, polypeptides,
nucleic acids, nucleic acid analogs, metallo-proteins, chemical
catalysts, metallic groups, antibodies, cells, ions, ligands,
substrates, receptors, biotin, hydrophobic moieties, alkyl chains
from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms in length, phenyl groups,
adhesive enhancing groups, co-factors, etc. The specific moiety can
interact specifically or nonspecifically with one or more analyte
in the material to be separated, etc. Thus, for example, the moiety
can optionally bind to or otherwise identify/separate
nonspecifically, e.g., identify/separate, etc. all proteins, all
molecules above a certain size/conformation, etc., or can
optionally bind to or otherwise identify/separate specifically,
e.g., bind/identify/separate/etc. only a specific protein, or a
specific antigen on a class of proteins, or a specific nucleic acid
sequence, etc. Such substrate(s) can optionally further comprise
one or more source of the material(s) to be separated and a fluid
delivery device that delivers the one or more material to be
separated/isolated/identified/etc. into contact with the separation
substrate.
[0012] In other embodiments, the substrates of the invention can
comprise part of a mass spectrometry device. Such substrate can
comprise a microarray having a first and at least a second region
wherein each region comprises at least a first surface and a
plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface. The mass
spectrometry analysis can optionally comprise laser desorption
ionization, MALDI, SELDI, etc. Such substrate(s) can comprise
microarray(s) which have a plurality of regions with each region
having at least a first surface and a plurality of nanofibers
attached to it. Each region can optionally comprise one or more
analyte to be assayed (e.g., through mass-spectrometry). In other
embodiments, substantially each region can comprise a different
analyte to be assayed. Such analyte(s) can be optionally attached
to or associated with one or more member of the plurality of
nanofibers, e.g., the analytes can be optionally immobilized and/or
dried and/or lyophilized and/or comprised within a matrix. In other
embodiments, the analyte(s) is not comprised within a matrix. Other
embodiments comprise wherein substantially each region comprises a
different analyte to be assayed. The one or more analyte to be
analyzed by the mass-spectrometry can optionally be selected from
the group consisting of organic molecules, inorganic molecules,
metals, ceramics, proteins, peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids,
nucleic acid analogs, metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts,
metallic groups, antibodies, cells, ions, ligands, substrates,
receptors, biotin, hydrophobic moieties, alkyl chains from about 10
to about 20 carbon atoms in length, phenyl groups, adhesive
enhancing groups, co-factors, etc. For such mass-spectrometry
substrates, the members of the plurality of nanofibers comprise an
average length of from about 1 micron to at least about 200
microns; an average diameter of from about 5 nm to at least about 1
micron; and, an average density of from about 1 nanofiber per
square micron to at least about 1000 nanofibers per square micron.
Other embodiments comprise wherein the members of the plurality of
nanofibers comprise an average diameter of from about 5 nm to at
least about 1 micron or more, from about 10 nm to at least about
500 nm or more, from about 20 nm to at least about 250 nm or more,
from about 40 nm to at least about 200 nm or more, from about 50 nm
to at least about 150 nm or more, or from about 75 nm to at least
about 100 nm or more. The enhanced surface area of such substrates
can optionally comprises an area that is from about 5.times. to
about 5000.times. or more greater, from about 10.times. to about
1000.times. or more greater, from about 100.times. to about
750.times. or more greater, or from about 250.times. to about
500.times. or more greater than a planar substrate of substantially
similar footprint dimensions. Also such substrates can have a
plurality of nanofibers which comprises an average density of from
about 0.1 nanofiber per square micron to at least about 1000 or
more nanofibers per square micron, from about 1 nanofiber per
square micron to at least about 500 or more nanofibers per square
micron, from about 10 nanofibers per square micron to at least
about 250 or more nanofibers per square micron, or from about 50
nanofibers per square micron to at least about 100 nanofibers per
square micron. Such substrates can also optionally further comprise
one or more moiety attached to or associated with one or more
member of the plurality of nanofibers. Such moiety optionally can
provide one or more interaction site for one or more analyte. Each
region of the substrate can optionally comprise one or more moiety
for specifically or nonspecifically binding one or more analyte.
Also substantially each region can comprise a different moiety for
binding one or more analyte (e.g., different analytes). The
plurality of nanofibers in such substrates optionally can be grown
on a second surface (or multiple second surfaces) and transferred
to the first surface or optionally the nanofibers can be
grown/constructed directly upon the first surface. The substrates
and nanofibers of such embodiments can be comprised of material(s)
independently selected from the group consisting of: silicon,
glass, quartz, plastic, ceramic, metal, polymers, TiO, ZnO, ZnS,
ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe, MgTe, CaS,
CaSe, CaTe, SrS, SrSe, SrTe, BaS, BaSe, BaTe, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb,
InN, InP, InAs, InSb, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlS, AlP, AlSb, SiO.sub.1,
SiO.sub.2, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, polyacrylonitrile
(PAN), polyetherketone, polyimide, an aromatic polymer, an
aliphatic polymer, etc.
[0013] In yet other embodiments, the substrates of the invention
can comprise implantable substrate(s) to be implanted into a
subject (e.g., a human, a non-human primate, a mammal, an
amphibian, a reptile, a bird, a plant, etc.). Such substrates
typically comprise at least a first surface and a plurality of
nanofibers attached to the first surface. The plurality of
nanofibers can provide a scaffold for tissue attachment of the
subject to the first surface. Optionally such substrates can an
anti-biofouling surface. The implantable substrates can optionally
comprise one or more specific moiety (e.g., hydroxyapatite) and can
optionally comprise a coating on one or more nanofiber. In such
substrates the nanofibers and/or the substrate can comprise
TiO.sub.x.
[0014] Other embodiments herein comprise substrates comprising drug
delivery devices for introduction of one or more substance into a
subject (e.g., a human, a non-human primate, a mammal, an
amphibian, a reptile, a bird, a plant, etc.). Such substrate
typically comprises at least a first surface, a plurality of
nanofibers attached to the first surface, and a reservoir of the
one or more substance comprised amongst the plurality of
nanofibers. The reservoir further can comprises one or more storage
matrix. The storage matrix can comprise one or more polymer.
[0015] In other aspects the invention comprises a system or device
having a substrate comprising at least a first surface; a plurality
of nanofibers attached to the first surface; and one or more
specific moiety attached to one or more member of the plurality of
nanofibers. In some embodiments the moiety is an exogenous moiety.
Furthermore, such systems/devices can comprise one or more material
delivery system (e.g., wherein the material delivery system
delivers one or more material into contact with the first surface,
etc.). In some such systems/devices the members of the plurality of
nanofibers comprise an average length of from about 1 micron to at
least about 200 microns; an average diameter of from about 5 nm to
at least about 1 micron; and, an average density of from about 1
nanofiber per square micron to at least about 1000 nanofibers per
square micron. Also, in some such systems/devices the one or more
moiety provides one or more specific or nonspecific interaction
site for one or more analyte. The moiety and the analyte can
optionally be selected from the group consisting of organic
molecules, inorganic molecules, metals, ceramics, proteins,
peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid analogs,
metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts, metallic groups, antibodies,
cells, ions, ligands, substrates, receptors, biotin, hydrophobic
moieties, alkyl chains from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms in
length, phenyl groups, adhesive enhancing groups, co-factors,
etc.
[0016] In yet other aspects the invention comprises a microarray
comprising a substrate having a first and at least a second region,
each region comprising at least a first surface and a plurality of
nanofibers attached to the first surface and one or more moiety
(e.g., an exogenous moiety) attached to one or more member of the
plurality of nanofibers. In some such embodiments, the first region
comprises a different moiety than the at least second region. In
yet other embodiments, the microarray comprises at least a third
region which separates the first and second regions and which
comprises a substantially lower density of nanofibers than the
first and second regions. Such third region(s) thus provide a
buffer region having substantially lower density of nanofibers
between the first and second regions. In some embodiments, the
microarrays comprise wherein the first region and the at least
second region comprise an enhanced surface area that is from about
2.times. to about 10,000.times. or more greater, from about
5.times. to about 5000.times. or more greater, from about 10.times.
to about 1000.times. or more greater, from about 100.times. to
about 750.times. or more greater, or from about 250.times. to about
500.times. or more greater in area than a planar substrate of
substantially similar footprint dimensions or than an area of the
third region of substantially similar footprint dimensions. In some
embodiments, such third region comprises substantially no
nanofibers. In some embodiments, the microarrays herein comprise
third region(s) that do not comprise a moiety attached to any of
the fibers (or substantially all of the nanofibers do not comprise
a moiety attached to or associated with them). In yet other
embodiments, microarrays herein comprise third region(s) that
separate the first and at least second regions and which has
nanofibers with a hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity polarity opposite
to a hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity polarity of the nanofibers of
the first and second regions, thus providing a barrier region
between the first and second regions. In such embodiments, the
nanofibers of the third region can comprise one or more hydrophobic
or hydrophilic moiety. Also, the third region can comprise a
continuous wickable flow-path for one or more fluid. Such fluid is
contained within the third region by the difference in
hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity polarity between the third region and
the first and at least second regions.
[0017] The invention also comprises methods of identifying the
presence of at least a first material in a mixture of the first
material and at least a second material. Such methods typically
comprise providing a substrate having a first and at least a second
region, each region comprising at least a first surface and a
plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface and one or
more specific moiety (e.g., an exogenous moiety) attached to one or
more member of the plurality of nanofibers. After contacting the
mixture with the substrate such moiety interacts with the first
material, thus, identifying the presence of the material. In some
embodiments, the first region comprises a different specific moiety
than the at least second region. Additionally, in some embodiments,
the substrate comprises at least a third region which separates the
first and second regions and which comprises a substantially lower
density of nanofibers than the first and second regions, thus
providing a buffer region having substantially lower density of
nanofibers between the first and second regions. In some
embodiments, such methods further comprise quantifying the presence
of the at least first material based on a level of interaction with
the one or more moiety.
[0018] The invention also comprises microarrays comprised of a
first and at least a second region, each region having an enhanced
area silicon surface and one or more specific moiety attached to
such surface wherein fluorescence from nonspecific binding of one
or more analyte to the surface is quenched by proximity to the
surface. Also, in such embodiments the fluorescence from specific
binding of one or more analyte to the surface is not quenched by
proximity to the surface.
[0019] The invention also comprises separation systems/devices
which have a separation substrate comprising least a first surface,
a plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface, one or
more source of one or more material comprising one or more analyte
to be separated. Such systems/devices also typically comprise one
or more specific moiety (e.g., an exogenous moiety) attached to one
or more member of the plurality of nanofibers. The substrates in
such systems/devices typically comprise an enhanced surface area of
from about 2.times. to about 10,000.times. or more greater area
than a planar substrate of substantially similar footprint
dimensions. Such systems/devices typically comprise nanofibers of
an average length of from about 1 micron to at least about 200
microns; an average diameter of from about 5 nm to at least about 1
micron, and an average density of from about 1 nanofiber per square
micron to at least about 1000 nanofibers per square micron. The
enhanced surface area of such systems/devices typically comprises
an area that is from about 5.times. to about 5000.times. or more
greater, from about 10.times. to about 1000.times. or more greater,
from about 100.times. to about 750.times. or more greater, or from
about 250.times. to about 500.times. or more greater than a planar
substrate of substantially similar footprint dimensions. The
moiety(ies) are optionally selected from the group consisting of
organic molecules, inorganic molecules, metals, ceramics, proteins,
peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid analogs,
metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts, metallic groups, antibodies,
cells, ions, ligands, substrates, receptors, biotin, hydrophobic
moieties, alkyl chains from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms in
length, phenyl groups, adhesive enhancing groups, co-factors, etc.
Also the specific moiety can interact specifically or
nonspecifically with one or more analyte in the material to be
separated. Some such systems/devices further comprise a fluid
delivery device which delivers the one or more material to be
separated into contact with the separation matrix.
[0020] The invention also comprises methods to separate at least a
first material from a mixture (e.g., of the first material and at
least a second material). Such methods comprise providing at least
a first surface having a plurality of nanofibers attached thereto
and flowing the mixture through the nanofibers, thus separating the
first material from the at least second material. Such separations
can be based upon a difference in size between the first material
and the at least second material, a difference in electrical charge
of the first material and the at least second material, etc. In
some such embodiments, the plurality of nanofibers further comprise
one or more specific moiety (e.g., an exogenous moiety) attached to
or associated with one or more member of the plurality of
nanofibers. The one or more specific moiety can be specific for one
or more aspect of the first material or second material and
separation can be based upon selective interaction between the one
or more specific moiety of the nanofibers and the one or more
aspect of the first or second material.
[0021] The invention also includes separation systems/devices
having a separation substrate comprising a plurality of nanofibers
attached thereto, wherein the substrate comprises an enhanced
surface area, which area is from about 2.times. to about
10,000.times. or more greater in area than a planar substrate of
substantially similar footprint dimensions; one or more source of
one or more material to be separated; and, a fluid delivery device.
Some embodiments of such systems/devices include wherein members of
the plurality of nanofibers comprise an average length of from
about 1 micron to at least about 200 microns or more; an average
diameter of from about 5 nm to at least about 1 micron or more, and
an average density of from about 1 nanofiber per square micron to
at least about 1000 nanofibers per square micron or more. In some
embodiments the enhanced surface area comprises an area that is
from about 5.times. to about 1000.times. or more greater, from
about 10.times. to about 1000.times. or more greater, from about
100.times. to about 750.times. or more greater, or from about
250.times. to about 500.times. or more greater than a planar
substrate of substantially similar footprint dimensions. In some
such embodiments the density and/or arrangement of the nanofibers
allows separation of one or more analyte from the material based
upon one or more of: the size of the analyte, the electrical charge
of the analyte, or the conformation of the analyte.
[0022] Also included in the invention are separation
systems/devices that comprise a separation matrix having a
plurality of nanofibers, one or more source of one or more material
to be separated, and a fluid delivery device. In some such
embodiments, the plurality of nanofibers optionally is not attached
to a substrate.
[0023] In the various separation systems/devices of the invention,
the devices can optionally comprise cylindrical column(s)
comprising the plurality of nanofibers. Also, the various
separation systems/devices of the invention can include devices
that are substantially planar substrates having a plurality of
nanofibers. Furthermore, the various separation systems/devices
herein optionally can include ones in which one or more of the
plurality of nanofibers is crosslinked to one or more other
nanofiber of the plurality or in which substantially all members of
the plurality of nanofibers are crosslinked to one or more other
nanofiber of the plurality.
[0024] The invention also includes mass spectrometry
systems/devices that comprise a substrate having a first surface
with at least a first region comprising a plurality of nanofibers
disposed thereon and having at least a first analyte associated
therewith. Such mass spectrometry systems/devices also have a laser
positioned to direct energy at the at least first region to desorb
the first analyte from the first region and a mass spectrometer
instrument positioned to receive the at least first analyte
desorbed from the substrate. Such mass spectrometry systems/devices
can comprise MALDI, SELDI, or other types of mass spectrometry. In
some such systems/devices, the substrate comprises a plurality of
regions, each one having at least a first surface and a plurality
of nanofibers attached thereto. Each such region can optionally
comprise one or more analyte to be assayed. In some embodiments,
substantially each region comprises a different analyte to be
assayed. In the various mass spectrometry systems/devices herein,
each region of substrate can comprises one or more moiety (e.g., an
exogenous moiety) for specifically or nonspecifically binding one
or more analyte. Additionally, the various mass spectrometry
systems/devices herein can include wherein substantially each
region of the substrate comprises a different moiety for binding
one or more analyte. The analytes can optionally be selected from
the group consisting of organic molecules, inorganic molecules,
metals, ceramics, proteins, peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids,
nucleic acid analogs, metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts,
metallic groups, antibodies, cells, ions, ligands, substrates,
receptors, biotin, hydrophobic moieties, alkyl chains from about 10
to about 20 carbon atoms in length, phenyl groups, adhesive
enhancing groups, co-factors, etc. Additionally, such
systems/devices can comprise substrates and/or nanofibers made of,
and independently selected from, materials such as, silicon, glass,
quartz, plastic, ceramic, metal, polymers, TiO, ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe,
ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe, MgTe, CaS, CaSe,
CaTe, SrS, SrSe, SrTe, BaS, BaSe, BaTe, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN,
InP, InAs, InSb, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlS, AlP, AlSb, SiO.sub.1,
SiO.sub.2, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, polyacrylonitrile
(PAN), polyetherketone, polyimide, an aromatic polymer, an
aliphatic polymer, etc. The various mass spectrometry
systems/devices herein can include nanofibers that comprise an
average diameter of from about 5 nm to at least about 1 micron or
more, from about 10 nm to at least about 500 nm or more, from about
20 nm to at least about 250 nm or more, from about 40 nm to at
least about 200 nm or more, from about 50 nm to at least about 150
nm or more, or from about 75 nm to at least about 100 nm or more.
Additionally, such mass spectrometry systems/devices can include
those in which the enhanced surface area comprises an area that is
from about 5.times. to about 5000.times. or more greater, from
about 10.times. to about 1000.times. or more greater, from about
100.times. to about 750.times. or more greater, or from about
250.times. to about 500.times. or more greater than a planar
substrate of substantially similar footprint dimensions. Also, the
various mass spectrometry systems/devices herein include those in
which the plurality of nanofibers comprises an average density of
from about 0.1 nanofiber per square micron to at least about 1000
or more nanofibers per square micron, from about 1 nanofiber per
square micron to at least about 500 or more nanofibers per square
micron, from about 10 nanofiber per square micron to at least about
250 or more nanofibers per square micron, or from about 50
nanofiber per square micron to at least about 100 or more
nanofibers per square micron. Some embodiments of such systems
devices also in clued those in which members of the plurality of
nanofibers comprise an average length of from about 1 micron to at
least about 200 microns; an average diameter of from about 5 nm to
at least about 1 micron; and, an average density of from about 1
nanofiber per square micron to at least about 1000 nanofibers per
square micron. Various mass spectrometry systems/devices herein
also include those in which at least first analyte is attached to
or associated with one or more member of the plurality of
nanofibers (e.g., the analyte is immobilized, is dried, is
lyophilized, is comprised within a matrix, etc.). The analyte is
also optionally not comprised within a matrix.
[0025] The invention also includes methods of performing mass
spectrometry by providing a substrate comprising a first surface
having at least a first region comprising a plurality of nanofibers
disposed thereon and having at least a first analyte associated
therewith; providing a laser positioned to direct energy at the at
least first region; providing a mass spectrometer instrument
positioned to receive the analyte desorbed from the substrate; and
desorbing the first analyte from the first region with the energy
from the laser. Such methods can include wherein the mass
spectrometry analysis is MALDI, wherein the mass spectrometry
analysis is SELDI, or wherein the analysis is another form of mass
spectrometry. Such methods can include those in which the substrate
comprises a plurality of regions, each one having at least a first
surface and a plurality of nanofibers attached thereto. Each of
such regions can comprises one or more analyte to be assayed and/or
substantially each region can comprise a different analyte to be
assayed. Also, each region can comprise one or more moiety for
specifically or nonspecifically binding one or more analyte. Such
analyte is typically attached to or associated with one or more
member of the plurality of nanofibers. Thus, the analyte can be
immobilized, dried, lyophilized, comprised within a matrix (or not
comprised within a matrix), etc.
[0026] The current invention also includes implantable devices that
can be implanted into a subject (e.g., a human, a non-human
primate, a mammal, an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, a plant, etc.),
which devices comprises a substrate, having at least a first
surface and a plurality of nanofibers attached thereto. Such
plurality of nanofibers provides a scaffold for tissue attachment
of the subject to the first surface of the device.
[0027] Other aspects of the current invention include implantable
devices to be implanted into a subject (e.g., a human, a non-human
primate, a mammal, an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, a plant, etc.)
that provide an anti-biofouling surface. Such devices typically
comprise a substrate having at least a first surface, and a
plurality of nanofibers thereto.
[0028] The various implantable devices of the current invention can
include those in which the nanofibers therein comprise one or more
specific moiety (e.g., hydroxyapatite). Furthermore, the specific
moiety can optionally comprise a coating on one or more nanofiber.
In some embodiments, the nanofibers and/or the substrate can
comprise TiO.sub.x.
[0029] The invention also includes methods of providing tissue
attachment of a subject to an implantable device. Such methods
comprising providing a substrate having at least a first surface
and a plurality of nanofibers attached thereto; and implanting or
injecting the device into the subject.
[0030] The invention also includes methods of suppressing the
formation of a biofilm on a medical device in a subject. Such
method comprising providing one or more surface of the medical
device having a plurality of nanofibers and which surface comes
into contact with the subject (e.g., with a tissue or biological
material of the subject).
[0031] Yet another aspect of the current invention are drug
delivery devices for introduction of one or more substance into a
subject. Such devices can comprise a substrate having at least a
first surface, a plurality of nanofibers attached to the first
surface, and a reservoir (e.g., comprising one or more storage
matrix, e.g., comprising one or more polymer) of the one or more
substance comprised between the members of the plurality of
nanofibers.
[0032] In yet other aspects, the invention comprises a volatizer
(or volatilizer) device having a substrate having at least a first
surface; a plurality of nanofibers attached to the first surface;
and one or more specific moiety attached to one or more member of
the plurality of nanofibers, which moiety comprises an affinity for
one or more fluid to be thinly dispersed over and volatilized from
the substrate. Such embodiments can also comprise one or more
heating source.
[0033] Other aspects of the invention include volatizer devices
having a substrate (having at least a first surface), a plurality
of nanofibers attached to the first surface (wherein one or more
fluid is thinly dispersed over and volatized from the substrate),
and, a fluid delivery system. Such embodiments can also include,
e.g., one or more heating source.
[0034] Other aspects of the invention include a method of
volatilizing one or more material, by providing a substrate having
at least a first surface and a plurality of nanofibers attached to
the first surface; providing a fluid delivery system; and, thinly
dispersing one or more fluid comprising the material over the
substrate. In such embodiments, one or more specific moiety can
also be attached to one or more member of the plurality of
nanofibers, which moiety comprises an affinity for the one or more
fluid.
[0035] These and other objects and features of the invention will
become more fully apparent when the following detailed description
is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The patent of application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0037] FIG. 1, Displays schematic diagrams representing a
functionalized planar substrate and a functionalized nanofiber
enhanced substrate.
[0038] FIG. 2, Displays an electronmicrograph of a representative
nanofiber surface.
[0039] FIG. 3, Presents diagrams comparing unpatterned and
patterned (microarrayed) nanofiber surfaces.
[0040] FIG. 4, Displays the variability of DNA distributed within
spotting on traditional DNA arrays.
[0041] FIG. 5, Panels A-C, Displays exemplary arrangements of
patterned nanofiber wicking tracks/channels.
[0042] FIG. 6, Displays a schematic of an exemplary nanofiber
wicking arrangement.
[0043] FIG. 7, Displays electronmicrograph images of typical
nanofiber surfaces.
[0044] FIGS. 8-14, Display nanofiber arrays of the invention
produced through shadow-mask gold film techniques
[0045] FIG. 15, Displays an example of a nanofiber array of the
invention.
[0046] FIG. 16, Panels A and B, Displays an example of a nanofiber
array of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 17, Panels A and B, Displays electronmicrographs of
nanofiber surfaces of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 18, Displays a schematic diagram of a
hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned nanofiber substrate.
[0049] FIG. 19, Displays a photograph of a water droplet on a
super-hydrophobic, enhanced nanofiber substrate.
[0050] FIG. 20, Displays a schematic of an exemplary hedge/pixel
arrangement of a nanofiber microarray of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 21, Displays a schematic representation of nanofibers
compared with a size representation of HPLC packing material.
[0052] FIG. 22, Shows a schematic of substrates covered with thin
nanofiber layers.
[0053] FIG. 23, Illustrates a membrane formed by coating a thin
nanowire layer on a macroporous media.
[0054] FIG. 24, Displays a schematic representation of nanofibers
grown/deposited inside capillary tubes.
[0055] FIG. 25, Displays a schematic representation of a device
comprising nanofibers grown/deposited inside capillary tubes.
[0056] FIG. 26, Displays particles made from nanofibers.
[0057] FIG. 27, Displays a sample chromatography column packed with
particles made from nanofibers.
[0058] FIG. 28, Panels A and B, Displays data comparing the wicking
ability of a planar substrate and a nanofiber enhanced substrate of
the invention.
[0059] FIG. 29, Displays a schematic of an exemplary nanofiber
wicking arrangement.
[0060] FIG. 30, Displays a fluorescent assay of a nanofiber wicking
arrangement.
[0061] FIG. 31, Displays a fluorescent assay of a nanofiber wicking
arrangement.
[0062] FIG. 32, Displays a graph produced through analysis of a
nanofiber array by a conventional array scanner.
[0063] FIG. 33, panels A and B, Shows dark-field and fluorescent
images of exemplary nanofiber arrays of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 34, Shows a schematic of a sample nanofiber
hybridization assay system.
[0065] FIG. 35, Compares fluorescent signal intensity between
hybridization on planar surfaces and nanofiber surfaces.
[0066] FIG. 36, panels A and B, Shows graphs comparing dynamic
range of nanofiber versus planar surfaces.
[0067] FIG. 37, panels A and B, Shows graphs comparing binding
kinetics of nanofiber versus planar surfaces.
[0068] FIG. 38, panels A and B, Shows comparison of protein binding
to nanofiber and planar substrates.
[0069] FIG. 39, panels A and B, Shows signal intensity and dynamic
range comparison between nanofiber substrates and planar surface
substrates.
[0070] FIG. 40, Compares direct spotting of fluorescent protein on
planar substrates and nanofiber (nanowire) substrates.
[0071] FIG. 41, Shows spotting of chemistry followed by incubation
with a fluorescent target.
[0072] FIG. 42, panels A-D, Show intraspot and interspot
variability for traditional arrays and nanofiber arrays of the
invention.
[0073] FIGS. 43-46, Display protein/nucleic acid binding to
nanofiber surfaces.
[0074] FIG. 47, Shows a normalized comparison indicating limits of
detection of a planar versus a nanofiber surface.
[0075] FIG. 48, Shows comparison of intensity per unit area of
nanofiber substrate versus planar substrate.
[0076] FIG. 49, Displays Initial assessment of binding rates to
nanofiber versus planar surfaces.
[0077] FIG. 50, Compares uniformity of signal on planar versus
nanofiber substrates.
[0078] FIG. 51, Displays chemical structures for exemplary
derivatization reagents of nanofiber surfaces.
[0079] FIG. 52, Displays chemical structures for exemplary
compounds analyzed via mass spectroscopy on nanofiber surfaces.
[0080] FIGS. 53-55, Display mass spectroscopy analysis of exemplary
compounds on nanofiber surfaces.
[0081] FIG. 56, Panels A-D, Display mass spectroscopy analysis of
exemplary compounds on nanofiber surfaces.
[0082] FIG. 57, Shows a shadow mask for generating alumina pattern
for a nanofiber enhanced substrate used for mass spectrometry.
[0083] FIG. 58, Shows results from mass spectrometry analysis of
samples on a nanofiber enhanced substrate of the intention.
[0084] FIG. 59, Shows a configuration of an exemplary laser
desorption/ionization MS set-up.
[0085] FIG. 60, Shows laser desorption/ionization from silylated
silicon nanowires. FHV digest peptides are SEQ ID NOS: 3-8 (from
left to right); BSA digest peptides are SEQ ID NOS:9-16 (from left
to right).
[0086] FIG. 61, Displays a plot of laser energy per pulse against
MALDI settings for a laser desorption/ionization analysis using
silicon nanowires and porous silicon and a comparison of the laser
energy needed to desorb/ionize select small molecules on such
platforms.
[0087] FIG. 62, Shows silicon nanowires as a platform for
chromatographic separation of an exemplary mixture and mass
spectrometry of such separation.
[0088] FIG. 63, Shows quenching of non-specifically bound
fluorescence on native versus grown oxides on nanofiber (nanowire)
surfaces.
[0089] FIG. 64, Shows quenching of non-specifically bound
fluorescence on native versus grown oxides on silicon (planar and
nanofiber, nanowire, surfaces).
[0090] FIG. 65, Shows a schematic representation of DNA and protein
hybridization to silicon substrates.
[0091] FIG. 66, Shows schematic representations of fluorescent
quenching on nanofiber substrate assays.
[0092] FIG. 67, Panels A and B, Shows comparison of dynamic
intensity range for DNA and protein hybridization for nanofiber
(here nanowire) surfaces and planar surfaces.
[0093] FIGS. 68-71, Show photographs of nanofibers grown within
capillary tubes
[0094] FIG. 72, Displays photographs comparing bacterial growth on
planar silicon substrates and nanofiber (nanowire) substrates.
[0095] FIG. 73, Shows growth of CHO cells on select areas of a
scratched nanofiber substrate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0096] The current invention comprises a number of different
embodiments focused on nanofiber enhanced area surface substrates
and uses thereof. As will be apparent upon examination of the
present specification, figures, and claims, substrates having such
enhanced surface areas present improved and unique aspects that are
beneficial in a wide variety of applications ranging from materials
science, to medical use, to art. It will be appreciated that
enhanced surface areas herein are sometimes labeled as "nanofiber
enhanced surface areas" or "NFS" or, alternatively depending upon
context, as "nanowire enhanced surface areas" or "NWS." While some
illustrations, examples, etc. herein are described in terms of
nanowires, unless stated otherwise, other nanofiber constructs
herein are also included in various embodiments.
[0097] A common factor in the embodiments is the special morphology
of nanofiber surfaces (typically silicon oxide nanowires herein,
but also encompassing other compositions and forms) which are
typically functionalized with one or more moiety. For example, the
vastly increased surface area presented by NFS substrates is
utilized in, e.g., creation of improved microarray devices, as well
as super-hydrophobic surfaces and improved efficiency heat
exchangers. In most aspects herein, it is thought that such
benefits detailed accrue from the unique morphology of the
nanofiber surfaces (especially form the vastly increased surface
area) and optionally from the greater concentration of functional
units per unit substrate, but the various embodiments herein are
not necessarily limited by such theory in their construction, use,
or application.
[0098] Again, without being bound to a particular theory or
mechanism of operation, the concept of the majority of benefits of
the invention is believed to operate, at least in part, on the
principle that the nanofiber surfaces herein present a greatly
enhanced surface area in relation to the same footprint area
without nanofibers. In some embodiments, benefits are also thought
to arise from the related concept of a non-tortuous path. In other
words, various analytes, etc., can access specific moieties, or the
like, on the increased surface areas, without having to wind
through a convoluted tortuous path as would be the case in more
traditional packing materials (e.g., as found in typical separation
columns or the like, sol-gel coatings or other conventional
membranes or surface coatings).
[0099] Numerous additional nanofiber applications related to
concepts herein can be found in, e.g., U.S. Application No.
60/466,229, filed Apr. 28, 2003 and US Pub. 20050181195 filed Apr.
27, 2004, both entitled "Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods of
Their Construction and Uses Therefor"; U.S. Application Nos.
60/463,766, filed Apr. 17, 2003 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,409, U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/825,861, filed Apr. 16, 2004, Taiwanese
Application No. 93110667 filed Apr. 16, 2004, PCT/US04/12194, filed
Apr. 19, 2004, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,294, all entitled
"Structures, Systems and Methods for Joining Articles and Materials
and Uses Therefor"; U.S. Pub. 20050038498, filed Jul. 29, 2004,
entitled "Medical Device Applications of Nanostructured Surfaces";
and U.S. Pub. 20070190880 Sep. 15, 2004, entitled "Porous
Substrates, Articles, Systems and Compositions Comprising
Nanofibers and Methods of Their Use and Production," all of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
I) Characteristics of Nanofiber Surface Substrates
[0100] As noted previously, increased surface area is a property
that is sought after in many fields (e.g., in substrates for assays
or separation column matrices). For example, fields such as
tribology and those involving separations and adsorbents are quite
concerned with maximizing surface areas. The current invention
offers surfaces and applications having increased or enhanced
surface areas (i.e., increased or enhanced in relation to
structures or surfaces without nanofibers).
[0101] A "nanofiber enhanced surface area" herein corresponds to a
substrate comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires,
nanotubes, etc.) attached to the substrate so that the surface area
within a certain "footprint" of the substrate is increased relative
to the surface area within the same footprint without the
nanofibers. In typical embodiments herein, the nanofibers (and
often the substrate) are composed of silicon oxides. It will be
noted that such compositions convey a number of benefits in certain
embodiments herein. Also, in many preferred embodiments herein, one
or more of the plurality of nanofibers is functionalized with one
or more moiety. See below. However, it will also be noted that the
current invention is not specifically limited by the composition of
the nanofibers or substrate, unless otherwise noted.
[0102] Thus, as an illustrative, but not limiting, example, FIGS. 1
and 2 present schematic and actual representations of nanofiber
enhanced surface area substrates of the invention. FIG. 1a
represents a non-enhanced surface area substrate comprising a
finite number of functional units (e.g., moieties such as
catalysts, antibodies, etc.), 120. As can be seen, only a certain
number of functional units fit within a footprint on the substrate,
100. FIG. 1b, however, presents one possible embodiment of the
current invention. The substrate in 1b presents the same footprint
as that of 1a, but because of the number of nanofibers, 110, the
surface area is greatly increased and, thus, the number of
functional units, 120, (in embodiments comprising such) are greatly
increased as well. FIG. 2 displays a photomicrograph of an enhanced
surface area nanofiber substrate. It will be noted that the number
and shape and distribution of the nanofibers allows ample
opportunity for multi-functionalization, etc. Again, it is to be
emphasized that such examples are merely to illustrate of the
myriad possible embodiments of the current invention.
[0103] Another benefit of many embodiments of the current invention
involves the issue of non-tortuous pathways. In a many applications
involving steps such as filtration or separation via column, etc.,
the surface area of typical matrices is increased by providing
holes or pores of the appropriate size in the matrices. The
holes/pores provide a greater amount of surface area to come into
contact with, e.g., liquids or the like that are passed through the
column. However, the pores create tortuous and narrow pathways for
analytes to travel through the matrices. Thus, if analytes are to
reach an appropriate moiety (e.g., a specific antibody, ligand,
etc.) they must travel this gauntlet to do so. In other words, the
analytes, etc. are typically prevented from being actively flowed
into contact with the relevant surfaces in the interior of the
pores. Because of this, the analytes have to "drift" into contact
with the appropriate surface or moiety via diffusion. In turn, the
diffusion is limited by available time (i.e., how quickly the
analyte is being forced, or is moving, through the device), and by
the size of the molecules of interest, e.g., larger molecules
diffuse more slowly. Typically, higher pressures must also be used
to force analytes through such tortuous pathways as well. Pressures
can typically force materials to flow through less tortuous paths,
e.g., around the matrix entirely. As will be greatly appreciated
therefore, another benefit of the current invention is that, in
many embodiments, it presents a needed increased surface area
(e.g., thus providing a greater number of moieties specific for
analytes, etc.), but without forcing the analytes to wind their way
through a difficult tortuous path.
[0104] The various embodiments of the current invention are
adaptable to, and useful for, a great number of different
applications. For example, as explained in more detail below,
various permutations of the invention can be used in, e.g., binding
applications (e.g., microarrays and the like), separations (e.g.,
HPLC or other similar column separations), bioscaffolds (e.g., as a
base for cell culture and/or medical implants, optionally which
resist formation of biofilms, etc.), and controlled release
matrices, etc. Other uses and embodiments are examined herein.
[0105] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, in
numerous materials the surface properties can provide a great deal
of the functionality or use of the material. For example, in
various types of molecular separations, the selectivity is provided
by interaction of the surface of the column or packing material
with the appropriate analytes. Thus, embodiments herein comprise
numerous uses of NFS substrates of the invention in various
separation procedures and the like. For example, as explained
below, the current invention finds application in separation
columns (e.g., HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, etc.) as well as
thin film separations and the like.
[0106] Also, as explained in greater detail below, another aspect
of the current invention is its use in DNA arrays (and other
similar nucleotide and/or protein assays) where, typically, flat
glass slides are used. In the current invention, by coating a
surface with nanofibers (e.g., by growing nanofibers thereon) and
then spotting or arranging the array on the coated surface, the
surface area density, and thus sensitivity, can be increased
dramatically without sacrificing hybridization time (as would occur
with tortuous path porous coatings, etc.).
[0107] In other embodiments, amplified detection of cells or tissue
is optionally achieved with metal-terminated nanofibers. In such
embodiments, the surface of the fibers is coated with any number of
fluorescent molecules. The gold tip optionally has a binding
molecule specific to a desired target. Thus, the fiber acts as an
arrow targeted at the surface. In usage, many of the nanofibers
could "hit" the target and allow detection (i.e., through
fluorescence, or, optionally, through other detection means, if the
nanofiber is so modified). In yet other embodiments, it will be
appreciated that properties such as surface lubricity and
wetability are also dramatically altered on a wide variety of
materials through creation of an enhanced area nanowire
surface.
[0108] Examined in more detail below, are other beneficial uses of
various embodiments of the current invention. For example, the
distinct morphology of the nanofiber surfaces herein can be
utilized in numerous biomedical applications such as scaffolding
for growth of cell culture (both in vitro and in vivo). In vivo
uses can include, e.g., aids in bone formation, etc. Additionally,
the surface morphology of some of the embodiments produces surfaces
that are resistant to biofilm formation and/or
bacterial/microorganismal colonization. Other possible biomedical
uses herein, include, e.g., controlled release matrices of drugs,
etc. See below.
[0109] As also will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,
many aspects of the current invention are optionally variable
(e.g., surface chemistries on the nanofibers, surface chemistries
on any end of the nanofibers or on the substrate surface, etc.).
Specific illustration of various modifications, etc. herein, should
therefore not be taken as limiting the current invention. Also, it
will be appreciated that the length to thickness ratio of the
nanofibers herein is optionally varied, as is, e.g., the
composition of the nanofibers. Furthermore, a variety of methods
can be employed to bring the fibers in contact with surfaces.
Additionally, while many embodiments herein comprise nanofibers
that are specifically functionalized in one or more ways, e.g.,
through attachment of moieties or functional groups to the
nanofibers, other embodiments comprise nanofibers which are not
functionalized. For example, some enhanced surface areas of the
invention can comprise, e.g., filters for purification, or the
like, based upon molecule size, which are comprised of nanofibers
that are not functionalized to particular analytes to be
filtered.
II) Nanofibers and Nanofiber Construction
[0110] In typical embodiments herein the surfaces (i.e., the
nanofiber enhanced area surfaces) and the nanofibers themselves can
optionally comprise any number of materials. The actual composition
of the surfaces and the nanofibers is based upon a number of
possible factors. Such factors can include, for example, the
intended use of the enhanced area surfaces, the conditions under
which they will be used (e.g., temperature, pH, presence of light
(e.g., UV), atmosphere, etc.), the reactions for which they will be
used (e.g., separations, bio-assays, etc.), the durability of the
surfaces and the cost, etc. The ductility and breaking strength of
nanowires will vary depending on, e.g., their composition. For
example, ceramic ZnO wires can be more brittle than silicon or
glass nanowires, while carbon nanotubes may have a higher tensile
strength.
[0111] As explained more fully below, some possible materials used
to construct the nanofibers and nanofiber enhanced surfaces herein,
include, e.g., silicon, ZnO, TiO, carbon, carbon nanotubes, glass,
and quartz. See below. The nanofibers of the invention are also
optionally coated or functionalized, e.g., to enhance or add
specific properties. For example, polymers, ceramics or small
molecules can optionally be used as coating materials. The optional
coatings can impart characteristics such as water resistance,
improved mechanical or electrical properties or specificities for
certain analytes. Additionally, specific moieties or functional
groups can also be attached to or associated with the nanofibers
herein.
[0112] Of course, it will be appreciated that the current invention
is not limited by recitation of particular nanofiber and/or
substrate compositions, and that, unless otherwise stated, any of a
number of other materials are optionally used in different
embodiments herein. Additionally, the materials used to comprise
the nanofibers can optionally be the same as the material used to
comprise the substrate surfaces or they can be different from the
materials used to construct the substrate surfaces.
[0113] In yet other embodiments herein, the nanofibers involved can
optionally comprise various physical conformations such as, e.g.,
nanotubules (e.g., hollow-cored structures), etc. A variety of
nanofiber types are optionally used in this invention including
carbon nanotubes, metallic nanotubes, metals and ceramics.
[0114] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
particular configurations, which can, of course, vary (e.g.,
different combinations of nanofibers and substrates and optional
moieties, etc. which are optionally present in a range of lengths,
densities, etc.). It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a nanofiber"
optionally includes a plurality of such nanofibers, and the like.
Unless defined otherwise, all scientific and technical terms are
understood to have the same meaning as commonly used in the art to
which they pertain. For the purpose of the present invention,
additional specific terms are defined throughout.
[0115] A) Nanofibers
[0116] The term "nanofiber" as used herein, refers to a
nanostructure typically characterized by at least one physical
dimension less than about 1000 nm, less than about 500 nm, less
than about 250 nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm,
less than about 50 nm, less than about 25 nm or even less than
about 10 nm or 5 nm. In many cases, the region or characteristic
dimension will be along the smallest axis of the structure.
[0117] Nanofibers of this invention typically have one principle
axis that is longer than the other two principle axes and, thus,
have an aspect ratio greater than one, an aspect ratio of 2 or
greater, an aspect ratio greater than about 10, an aspect ratio
greater than about 20, or an aspect ratio greater than about 100,
200, 500, 1000, or 2000. In certain embodiments, nanofibers herein
have a substantially uniform diameter. In some embodiments, the
diameter shows a variance less than about 20%, less than about 10%,
less than about 5%, or less than about 1% over the region of
greatest variability and over a linear dimension of at least 5 nm,
at least 10 nm, at least 20 nm, or at least 50 nm. Typically the
diameter is evaluated away from the ends of the nanofiber (e.g.
over the central 20%, 40%, 50%, or 80% of the nanofiber). In yet
other embodiments, the nanofibers herein have a non-uniform
diameter (i.e., they vary in diameter along their length). For
example, a wide range of diameters could be desirable due to cost
considerations and/or to create a more random surface. Also in
certain embodiments, the nanofibers of this invention are
substantially crystalline and/or substantially monocrystalline.
[0118] It will be appreciated that the term nanofiber, can
optionally include such structures as, e.g., nanowires,
nanowhiskers, semi-conducting nanofibers, carbon and/or boron
nanotubes or nanotubules and the like. Also, nanostructures having
smaller aspect ratios (e.g., than those described above), such as
nanorods, nanotetrapods, nanoposts and the like are also optionally
included within the nanofiber definition herein (in certain
embodiments). Examples of such other optionally included
nanostructures can be found, e.g., in published PCT Application No.
WO 03/054953 and the references discussed therein, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0119] The nanofibers of this invention can be substantially
homogeneous in material properties, or in certain embodiments they
are heterogeneous (e.g. nanofiber heterostructures) and can be
fabricated from essentially any convenient material or materials.
The nanofibers can comprise "pure" materials, substantially pure
materials, doped materials and the like and can include insulators,
conductors, and semiconductors. Additionally, while some
illustrative nanofibers herein are comprised of silicon (or silicon
oxides), as explained above, they optionally can be comprised of
any of a number of different materials, unless otherwise stated.
Composition of nanofibers can vary depending upon a number of
factors, e.g., specific functionalization (if any) to be associated
with or attached to the nanofibers, durability, cost, conditions of
use, etc. The composition of nanofibers is quite well known to
those of skill in the art. As will be appreciated by such skilled
persons, the nanofibers of the invention can, thus, be composed of
any of a myriad of possible substances (or combinations thereof).
Some embodiments herein comprise nanofibers composed of one or more
organic or inorganic compound or material. Any recitation of
specific nanofiber compositions herein should not be taken as
necessarily limiting.
[0120] Additionally, the nanofibers of the invention are optionally
constructed through any of a number of different methods, and
examples listed herein should not be taken as necessarily limiting.
Thus, nanofibers constructed through means not specifically
described herein, but which fall within the parameters as set forth
herein are still nanofibers of the invention and/or are used with
the methods of the invention.
[0121] In a general sense, the nanofibers of the current invention
often (but not exclusively) comprise long thin protuberances (e.g.,
fibers, nanowires, nanotubules, etc.) grown from a solid,
optionally planar, substrate. Of course, in some embodiments herein
the nanofibers are deposited onto their ultimate substrates, e.g.,
the fibers are detached from the substrate on which they are grown
and attached to a second substrate. The second substrate need not
be planar and, in fact, can comprise a myriad of three-dimensional
conformations, as can the substrate on which the nanofibers were
grown originally. In some embodiments herein, the substrates are
flexible. Also, as explained in greater detail below, nanofibers of
the invention can be grown/constructed in, or upon, variously
configured surfaces, e.g., within capillary tubes, etc. See
infra.
[0122] In various embodiments herein, the nanofibers involved are
optionally grown on a first substrate and then subsequently
transferred to a second substrate which is to have the enhanced
surface area. Such embodiments are particularly useful in
situations wherein the substrate desired needs to be flexible or
conforming to a particular three-dimensional shape that is not
readily subjected to direct application or growth of nanofibers
thereon. For example, nanofibers can be grown on such rigid
surfaces as, e.g., silicon wafers or other similar substrates. The
nanofibers thus grown can then optionally be transferred to a
flexible backing such as, e.g., rubber or the like. Again, it will
be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to
particular nanofiber or substrate compositions. For example,
nanofibers are optionally gown on any of a variety of different
surfaces, including, e.g., flexible foils such as aluminum or the
like. Additionally, for high temperature growth processes, any
metal, ceramic or other thermally stable material is optionally
used as a substrate on which to grow nanofibers of the invention.
Furthermore, low temperature synthesis methods such as solution
phase methods can be utilized in conjunction with an even wider
variety of substrates on which to grow nanofibers. For example,
flexible polymer substrates and other similar substances are
optionally used as substrates for nanofiber growth/attachment.
[0123] As one example, the growth of nanofibers on a surface using
a gold catalyst has been demonstrated in the literature.
Applications targeted for such fibers are based on harvesting them
from the substrate and then assembling them into devices. However,
in many other embodiments herein, the nanofibers involved in
enhanced surface areas are grown in place. Available methods, such
as growing nanofibers from gold colloids deposited on surfaces are,
thus, optionally used herein. The end product that results is the
substrate upon which the fibers are grown (i.e., with an enhanced
surface area due to the nanofibers). As will be appreciated,
specific embodiments and uses herein, unless stated otherwise, can
optionally comprise nanofibers grown in the place of their use
and/or through nanofibers grown elsewhere, which are harvested and
transferred to the place of their use. For example, many
embodiments herein relate to leaving the fibers intact on the
growth substrate and taking advantage of the unique properties the
fibers impart on the substrate. Other embodiments relate to growth
of fibers on a first substrate and transfer of the fibers to a
second substrate to take advantage of the unique properties that
the fibers impart on the second substrate.
[0124] For example, if nanofibers of the invention were grown on,
e.g., a non-flexible substrate (e.g., such as some types of silicon
wafers) they could be transferred from such non-flexible substrate
to a flexible substrate (e.g., such as rubber or a woven layer
material). Again, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art,
the nanofibers herein could optionally be grown on a flexible
substrate to start with, but different desired parameters may
influence such decisions.
[0125] A variety of methods may be employed in transferring
nanofibers from a surface upon which they are fabricated to another
surface. For example, nanofibers may be harvested into a liquid
suspension, e.g., ethanol, which is then coated onto another
surface. Additionally, nanofibers from a first surface (e.g., ones
grown on the first surface or which have been transferred to the
first surface) can optionally be "harvested" by applying a sticky
coating or material to the nanofibers and then peeling such
coating/material away from the first surface. The sticky
coating/material is then optionally placed against a second surface
to deposit the nanofibers. Examples of sticky coatings/materials
which are optionally used for such transfer include, but are not
limited to, e.g., tape (e.g., 3M Scotch.RTM. tape), magnetic
strips, curing adhesives (e.g., epoxies, rubber cement, etc.), etc.
The nanofibers could be removed from the growth substrate, mixed
into a plastic, and then surface of such plastic could be ablated
or etched away to expose the fibers.
[0126] The actual nanofiber constructions of the invention are
optionally complex. For example, FIG. 2 is a photomicrograph of a
typical nanofiber construction. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the
nanofibers form a complex three-dimensional pattern. The
interlacing and variable heights, curves, bends, etc. form a
surface which greatly increases the surface area per unit substrate
(e.g., as compared with a surface without nanofibers). Of course,
in other embodiments herein, it should be apparent that the
nanofibers need not be as complex as, e.g., those shown in FIG. 2.
Thus, in many embodiments herein, the nanofibers are "straight" and
do not tend to bend, curve, or curl. Additionally, in some
embodiments, such straight or non-curling fibers are tiled (or
substantially most of such nanofibers are), e.g., at a desired
orientation or angle, etc. However, such straight nanofibers are
still encompassed within the current invention. In either case, the
nanofibers present a non-tortuous, greatly enhanced surface
area.
[0127] B) Functionalization
[0128] Some embodiments of the invention comprise nanofiber and
nanofiber enhanced area surfaces in which the fibers include one or
more functional moiety (e.g., a chemically reactive group) attached
to or associated with them. Functionalized nanofibers are
optionally used in many different embodiments, e.g., to confer
specificity for desired analytes in reactions such as separations
or bio-assays, etc. Beneficially, typical embodiments of enhanced
surface areas herein are comprised of silicon oxides, which are
conveniently modified with a large variety of moieties. Of course,
other embodiments herein are comprised of other nanofiber
compositions (e.g., polymers, ceramics, metals that are coated by
CVD or sol-gel sputtering, etc.) which are also optionally
functionalized for specific purposes. Those of skill in the art
will be familiar with numerous functionalizations and
functionalization techniques which are optionally used herein
(e.g., similar to those used in construction of separation columns,
bio-assays, etc.).
[0129] For example, details regarding relevant moiety and other
chemistries, as well as methods for construction/use of such, can
be found, e.g., in Hermanson Bioconjugate Techniques Academic Press
(1996), Kirk-Othmer Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
(1999) Fourth Edition by Grayson et al. (ed.) John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., New York and in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology Fourth Edition (1998 and 2000) by Grayson et al. (ed.)
Wiley Interscience (print edition)/John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
(e-format). Further relevant information can be found in CRC
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (2003) 83.sup.rd edition by CRC
Press. Details on conductive and other coatings, which can also be
incorporated onto nanofibers of the invention by plasma methods and
the like can be found in H. S. Nalwa (ed.), Handbook of Organic
Conductive Molecules and Polymers, John Wiley & Sons 1997. See
also, ORGANIC SPECIES THAT FACILITATE CHARGE TRANSFER TO/FROM
NANOCRYSTALS U.S. Ser. No. 60/452,232 filed Mar. 4, 2003 by
Whiteford et al. Details regarding organic chemistry, relevant for,
e.g., coupling of additional moieties to a functionalized surface
of nanofibers can be found, e.g., in Greene (1981) Protective
Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons, New York, as well
as in Schmidt (1996) Organic Chemistry Mosby, St Louis, Mo., and
March's Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and
Structure, Fifth Edition (2000) Smith and March, Wiley Interscience
New York ISBN 0-471-58589-0, and Attorney Docket No. 40-002410US
filed Apr. 27, 2004, entitled "Super-hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods
of Their Construction and Uses Therefor." Those of skill in the art
will be familiar with many other related references and techniques
amenable for functionalization of NFS herein.
[0130] Thus, again as will be appreciated, the substrates involved,
the nanofibers involved (e.g., attached to, or deposited upon, the
substrates), and any optional functionalization of the nanofibers
and/or substrates, and the like can be optionally varied in various
embodiments. For example, the length, diameter, conformation and
density of the fibers can be varied, as can the composition of the
fibers and their surface chemistry.
[0131] C) Density and Related Issues
[0132] In terms of density, it will be appreciated that by
including more nanofibers emanating from a surface, one
automatically increases the amount of surface area that is extended
from the basic underlying substrate. This, thus, increases the
amount of intimate contact area between the surface and any
analyte, etc. coming into contact with the nanofiber surfaces. As
explained in more detail below, the embodiments herein optionally
comprise a density of nanofibers on a surface of from about 0.1 to
about 1000 or more nanofibers per micrometer.sup.2 of the substrate
surface. Again, here too, it will be appreciated that such density
depends upon factors such as the diameter of the individual
nanofibers, etc. See below. The nanowire density influences the
enhanced surface area, since a greater number of nanofibers will
tend to increase the overall amount of area of the surface.
Therefore, the density of the nanofibers herein typically has a
bearing on the intended use of the enhanced surface area materials
because such density is a factor in the overall area of the
surface.
[0133] For example, an illustrative typical flat planar substrate,
e.g., a silicon oxide chip or a glass slide, can comprise 10,000
possible binding sites for an analyte or 10,000 possible
functionalization sites, etc. per square micron (i.e., within a
square micron footprint). However, if such a substrate surface were
coated with nanofibers, then the available surface area would be
much greater. In some embodiments herein each nanofiber on a
surface comprises about 1 square micron in surface area (i.e., the
sides and tip of each nanofiber present that much surface area). If
a comparable square micron of substrate comprised from 10 to about
100 nanofibers per square micron, the available surface area is
thus 10 to 100 times greater than a plain flat surface. Therefore,
in the current illustration, an enhanced surface area would have
100,000 to 10,000,000 possible binding sites, functionalization
sites, etc. per square micron footprint. It will be appreciated
that the density of nanofibers on a substrate is influenced by,
e.g., the diameter of the nanofibers and any functionalization of
such fibers, etc.
[0134] Different embodiments of the invention comprise a range of
such different densities (i.e., number of nanofibers per unit area
of a substrate to which nanofibers are attached). The number of
nanofibers per unit area can optionally range from about 1
nanofiber per 10 micron.sup.2 up to about 200 or more nanofibers
per micron.sup.2; from about 1 nanofiber per micron.sup.2 up to
about 150 or more nanofibers per micron.sup.2; from about 10
nanofibers per micron.sup.2 up to about 100 or more nanofibers per
micron.sup.2; or from about 25 nanofibers per micron.sup.2 up to
about 75 or more nanofibers per micron.sup.2. In yet other
embodiments, the density can optionally range from about 1 to 3
nanowires per square micron to up to approximately 2,500 or more
nanowires per square micron.
[0135] In terms of individual fiber dimensions, it will be
appreciated that by increasing the thickness or diameter of each
individual fiber, one will again, automatically increase the
overall area of the fiber and, thus, the overall area of the
substrate. The diameter of nanofibers herein can be controlled
through, e.g., choice of compositions and growth conditions of the
nanofibers, addition of moieties, coatings or the like, etc.
Preferred fiber thicknesses are optionally between from about 5 nm
up to about 1 micron or more (e.g., 5 microns); from about 10 nm to
about 750 nanometers or more; from about 25 nm to about 500
nanometers or more; from about 50 nm to about 250 nanometers or
more, or from about 75 nm to about 100 nanometers or more. In some
embodiments, the nanofibers comprise a diameter of approximately 40
nm.
[0136] In addition to diameter, surface area of nanofibers (and
therefore surface area of a substrate to which the nanofibers are
attached) also is influenced by length of the nanofibers. Of
course, it will also be understood that for some fiber materials,
increasing length may yield increasing fragility. Accordingly,
preferred fiber lengths will typically be between about 2 microns
up to about 1 mm or more; from about 10 microns to about 500
micrometers or more; from about 25 microns to about 250 microns or
more; or from about 50 microns to about 100 microns or more. Some
embodiments comprise nanofibers of approximately 50 microns in
length while yet other embodiments can comprise lengths of from
about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns. Some embodiments herein
comprise nanofibers of approximately 40 nm in diameter and
approximately 50 microns in length.
[0137] Nanofibers herein can present a variety of aspect ratios.
Thus, nanofiber diameter can comprise, e.g., from about 5 nm up to
about 1 micron or more (e.g., 5 microns); from about 10 nm to about
750 nanometers or more; from about 25 nm to about 500 nanometers or
more; from about 50 nm to about 250 nanometers or more, or from
about 75 nm to about 100 nanometers or more, while the lengths of
such nanofibers can comprise, e.g., from about 2 microns (e.g., 0.5
microns) up to about 1 mm or more; from about 10 microns to about
500 micrometers or more; from about 25 microns to about 250 microns
or more; or from about 50 microns to about 100 microns or more
[0138] Fibers that are, at least in part, elevated above a surface
are particularly preferred, e.g., where at least a portion of the
fibers in the fiber surface are elevated at least 10 nm, or even at
least 100 nm above a surface, in order to provide enhanced surface
area available for contact with, e.g., an analyte, etc.
[0139] Again, as seen in FIG. 2, the nanofibers optionally form a
complex three-dimensional structure. The degree of such complexity
depends in part upon, e.g., the length of the nanofibers, the
diameter of the nanofibers, the length:diameter aspect ratio of the
nanofibers, moieties (if any) attached to the nanofibers, and the
growth conditions of the nanofibers, etc. The bending, interlacing,
etc. of nanofibers, which help affect the degree of enhanced
surface area available, are optionally manipulated through, e.g.,
control of the number of nanofibers per unit area as well as
through the diameter of the nanofibers, the length and the
composition of the nanofibers, etc. Thus, it will be appreciated
that enhanced surface area of nanofiber substrates herein is
optionally controlled through manipulation of these and other
parameters. It will also be appreciated that the degree of
"tortuous-ness" of any path an analyte takes through or past a
nanofiber substrate of the invention can also be influenced by such
factors.
[0140] Also, in some, but not all, embodiments herein, the
nanofibers of the invention comprise bent, curved, or even curled
forms. As can be appreciated, if a single nanofiber snakes or coils
over a surface (but is still just a single fiber per unit area
bound to a first surface), the fiber can still provide an enhanced
surface area due to its length, etc.
[0141] D) Nanofiber Construction
[0142] As will be appreciated, the current invention is not limited
by the means of construction of the nanofibers herein. For example,
while some of the nanofibers herein are composed of silicon, the
use of silicon should not be construed as necessarily limiting. The
formation of nanofibers is possible through a number of different
approaches that are well known to those of skill in the art, all of
which are amenable to embodiments of the current invention.
[0143] Typical embodiments herein can be used with various methods
of nanostructure fabrication, as will be known by those skilled in
the art, as well as methods mentioned or described herein. In other
words, a variety of methods for making nanofibers and nanofiber
containing structures have been described and can be adapted for
use in various of the methods, systems and devices of the
invention.
[0144] The nanofibers can be fabricated of essentially any
convenient material (e.g., a semiconducting material, a
ferroelectric material, a metal, ceramic, polymers, etc.) and can
comprise essentially a single material or can be heterostructures.
For example, the nanofibers can comprise a semiconducting material,
for example a material comprising a first element selected from
group 2 or from group 12 of the periodic table and a second element
selected from group 16 (e.g., ZnS, ZnO, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe,
CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe, MgTe, CaS, CaSe, CaTe, SrS, SrSe,
SrTe, BaS, BaSe, BaTe, and like materials); a material comprising a
first element selected from group 13 and a second element selected
from group 15 (e.g., GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb,
and like materials); a material comprising a group 14 element (Ge,
Si, and like materials); a material such as PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlS,
AlP, and AlSb; or an alloy or a mixture thereof.
[0145] In some embodiments herein, the nanofibers are optionally
comprised of silicon or a silicon oxide. It will be understood by
one of skill in the art that the term "silicon oxide" as used
herein can be understood to refer to silicon at any level of
oxidation. Thus, the term silicon oxide can refer to the chemical
structure SiO.sub.x, wherein x is between 0 and 2 inclusive. In
other embodiments, the nanofibers can comprise, e.g., silicon,
glass, quartz, plastic, metal, polymers, TiO, ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe,
CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe, MgTe, CaS, CaSe, CaTe,
SrS, SrSe, SrTe, BaS, BaSe, BaTe, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP,
InAs, InSb, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlS, AlP, AlSb, SiO.sub.1, SiO.sub.2,
silicon carbide, silicon nitride, polyacrylonitrile (PAN),
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS),
poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETG), polyaniline, metal-organic
polymers, polycarbonate, organic polymers, polyetherketone,
polyimide, aromatic polymers, aliphatic polymers, polyvinyl
alcohol, polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, and combinations
thereof.
[0146] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
nanofibers can comprise the same material as one or more substrate
surface (e.g., a surface to which the nanofibers are attached or
associated), while in other embodiments, the nanofibers comprise a
different material than the substrate surface. Additionally, the
substrate surfaces can optionally comprise any one or more of the
same materials or types of materials as do the nanofibers (e.g.,
such as the materials illustrated herein).
[0147] As previously stated, some, but by no means all, embodiments
herein comprise silicon nanofibers. Common methods for making
silicon nanofibers include vapor liquid solid growth (VLS), laser
ablation (laser catalytic growth) and thermal evaporation. See, for
example, Morales et al. (1998) "A Laser Ablation Method for the
Synthesis of Crystalline Semiconductor Nanowires" Science 279,
208-211 (1998). In one example approach, a hybrid pulsed laser
ablation/chemical vapor deposition (PLA-CVD) process for the
synthesis of semiconductor nanofibers with longitudinally ordered
heterostructures, and variations thereof, can be used. See, Wu et
al. (2002) "Block-by-Block Growth of Single-Crystalline Si/SiGe
Superlattice Nanowires," Nano Letters Vol. 2:83-86.
[0148] In general, multiple methods of making nanofibers have been
described and can be applied in the methods, systems and devices
herein. In addition to Morales et al. and Wu et al. (above), see,
for example, Lieber et al. (2001) "Carbide Nanomaterials" U.S. Pat.
No. 6,190,634 B1; Lieber et al. (2000) "Nanometer Scale Microscopy
Probes" U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,742; Lieber et al. (2000) "Method of
Producing Metal Oxide Nanorods" U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,774; Lieber et
al. (1999) "Metal Oxide Nanorods" U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,945; Lieber
et al. (1999) "Preparation of Carbide Nanorods" U.S. Pat. No.
5,997,832; Lieber et al. (1998) "Covalent Carbon Nitride Material
Comprising C.sub.2N and Formation Method" U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,435;
Thess, et al. (1996) "Crystalline Ropes of Metallic Carbon
Nanotubes" Science 273:483-486; Lieber et al. (1993) "Method of
Making a Superconducting Fullerene Composition By Reacting a
Fullerene with an Alloy Containing Alkali Metal" U.S. Pat. No.
5,196,396; and Lieber et al. (1993) "Machining Oxide Thin Films
with an Atomic Force Microscope: Pattern and Object Formation on
the Nanometer Scale" U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,835. Recently, one
dimensional semiconductor heterostructure nanocrystals, have been
described. See, e.g., Bjork et al. (2002) "One-dimensional
Steeplechase for Electrons Realized" Nano Letters Vol. 2:86-90.
[0149] It should be noted that some references herein, while not
specific to nanofibers, are optionally still applicable to the
invention. For example, background issues of construction
conditions and the like are applicable between nanofibers and other
nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals, etc.).
[0150] In another approach which is optionally used to construct
nanofibers of the invention, synthetic procedures to prepare
individual nanofibers on surfaces and in bulk are described, for
example, by Kong, et al. (1998) "Synthesis of Individual
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Patterned Silicon Wafers," Nature
395:878-881, and Kong, et al. (1998) "Chemical Vapor Deposition of
Methane for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes," Chem. Phys. Lett.
292:567-574.
[0151] In yet another approach, substrates and self assembling
monolayer (SAM) forming materials can be used, e.g., along with
microcontact printing techniques to make nanofibers, such as those
described by Schon, Meng, and Bao, "Self-assembled monolayer
organic field-effect transistors," Nature 413:713 (2001); Zhou et
al. (1997) "Nanoscale Metal/Self-Assembled Monolayer/Metal
Heterostructures," Applied Physics Letters 71:611; and WO 96/29629
(Whitesides, et al., published Jun. 26, 1996).
[0152] In some embodiments herein, nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) can
be synthesized using a metallic catalyst. A benefit of such
embodiments allows use of unique materials suitable for surface
modifications to create enhanced properties. A unique property of
such nanofibers is that they are capped at one end with a catalyst,
typically gold. This catalyst end can optionally be functionalized
using, e.g., thiol chemistry without affecting the rest of the
wire, thus, making it capable of bonding to an appropriate surface.
In such embodiments, the result of such functionalization, etc., is
to make a surface with end-linked nanofibers. These resulting
"fuzzy" surfaces, therefore, have increased surface areas (i.e., in
relation to the surfaces without the nanofibers) and other unique
properties. In some such embodiments, the surface of the nanowire
and/or the target substrate surface is optionally chemically
modified (typically, but not necessarily, without affecting the
gold tip) in order to give a wide range of properties useful in
many applications.
[0153] In other embodiments, to slightly increase or enhance a
surface area, the nanofibers are optionally laid "flat" (e.g.,
substantially parallel to the substrate surface) by chemical or
electrostatic interaction on surfaces, instead of end-linking the
nanofibers to the substrate. In yet other embodiments herein,
techniques involve coating the base surface with functional groups
which repel the polarity on the nanofiber so that the fibers do not
lay on the surface but are end-linked.
[0154] Synthesis of nanostructures, e.g., nanocrystals, of various
compositions as can be included and/or utilized in the embodiments
of the present invention, is described in, e.g., Peng et al. (2000)
"Shape control of CdSe nanocrystals" Nature 404:59-61; Puntes et
al. (2001) "Colloidal nanocrystal shape and size control: The case
of cobalt" Science 291:2115-2117; U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,736 to
Alivisatos et al. (Oct. 23, 2001) entitled "Process for forming
shaped group III-V semiconductor nanocrystals, and product formed
using process"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,198 to Alivisatos et al. (May
1, 2001) entitled "Process for forming shaped group II-VI
semiconductor nanocrystals, and product formed using process"; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,505,928 to Alivisatos et al. (Apr. 9, 1996) entitled
"Preparation of III-V semiconductor nanocrystals"; U.S. Pat. No.
5,751,018 to Alivisatos et al. (May 12, 1998) entitled
"Semiconductor nanocrystals covalently bound to solid inorganic
surfaces using self-assembled monolayers"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,616
to Gallagher et al. (Apr. 11, 2000) entitled "Encapsulated quantum
sized doped semiconductor particles and method of manufacturing
same"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,479 to Weiss et al. (Nov. 23, 1999)
entitled "Organo luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal probes for
biological applications and process for making and using such
probes."
[0155] Additional information on growth of nanofibers, such as
nanowires, having various aspect ratios, including nanofibers with
controlled diameters, is described in, e.g., Gudiksen et al. (2000)
"Diameter-selective synthesis of semiconductor nanowires" J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 122:8801-8802; Cui et al. (2001) "Diameter-controlled
synthesis of single-crystal silicon nanowires" Appl. Phys. Lett.
78:2214-2216; Gudiksen et al. (2001) "Synthetic control of the
diameter and length of single crystal semiconductor nanowires" J.
Phys. Chem. B 105:4062-4064; Morales et al. (1998) "A laser
ablation method for the synthesis of crystalline semiconductor
nanowires" Science 279:208-211; Duan et al. (2000) "General
synthesis of compound semiconductor nanowires" Adv. Mater.
12:298-302; Cui et al. (2000) "Doping and electrical transport in
silicon nanowires" J. Phys. Chem. B 104:5213-5216; Peng et al.
(2000), supra; Puntes et al. (2001), supra; U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,198
to Alivisatos et al., supra; U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,774 to Lieber et
al. (Mar. 14, 2000) entitled "Method of producing metal oxide
nanorods"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,945 to Lieber et al. (Apr. 27, 1999)
entitled "Metal oxide nanorods"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,832 to Lieber
et al. (Dec. 7, 1999) "Preparation of carbide nanorods"; Urbau et
al. (2002) "Synthesis of single-crystalline perovskite nanowires
composed of barium titanate and strontium titanate" J. Am. Chem.
Soc., 124:1186; Yun et al. (2002) "Ferroelectric Properties of
Individual Barium Titanate Nanowires Investigated by Scanned Probe
Microscopy" Nano Letters 2, 447; and published PCT application nos.
WO 02/17362, and WO 02/080280.
[0156] Growth of branched nanofibers (e.g., nanotetrapods, tripods,
bipods, and branched tetrapods) is described in, e.g., Jun et al.
(2001) "Controlled synthesis of multi-armed CdS nanorod
architectures using monosurfactant system" J. Am. Chem. Soc.
123:5150-5151; and Manna et al. (2000) "Synthesis of Soluble and
Processable Rod-, Arrow-, Teardrop-, and Tetrapod-Shaped CdSe
Nanocrystals" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:12700-12706. Synthesis of
nanoparticles is described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,807 to
Clark Jr. et al. (Nov. 25, 1997) entitled "Method for producing
semiconductor particles"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,156 to El-Shall, et
al. (Oct. 24, 2000) entitled "Nanoparticles of silicon oxide
alloys"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,489 to Ying et al. (Jul. 2, 2002)
entitled "Synthesis of nanometer-sized particles by reverse micelle
mediated techniques"; and Liu et al. (2001) "Sol-Gel Synthesis of
Free-Standing Ferroelectric Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanoparticles"
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123:4344. Synthesis of nanoparticles is also
described in the above citations for growth of nanocrystals, and
nanofibers such as nanowires, branched nanowires, etc.
[0157] Synthesis of core-shell nanofibers, e.g., nanostructure
heterostructures, is described in, e.g., Peng et al. (1997)
"Epitaxial growth of highly luminescent CdSe/CdS core/shell
nanocrystals with photostability and electronic accessibility" J.
Am. Chem. Soc. 119:7019-7029; Dabbousi et al. (1997) "(CdSe)ZnS
core-shell quantum dots: Synthesis and characterization of a size
series of highly luminescent nanocrystallites" J. Phys. Chem. B
101:9463-9475; Manna et al. (2002) "Epitaxial growth and
photochemical annealing of graded CdS/ZnS shells on colloidal CdSe
nanorods" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124:7136-7145; and Cao et al. (2000)
"Growth and properties of semiconductor core/shell nanocrystals
with InAs cores" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:9692-9702. Similar
approaches can be applied to growth of other core-shell
nanostructures. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,229 (Mar. 27,
2001) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,901 (Nov. 27, 2001) to Bawendi et al.
entitled "Highly luminescent color-selective materials."
[0158] Growth of homogeneous populations of nanofibers, including
nanofibers heterostructures in which different materials are
distributed at different locations along the long axis of the
nanofibers is described in, e.g., published PCT application Nos. WO
02/17362, and WO 02/080280; Gudiksen et al. (2002) "Growth of
nanowire superlattice structures for nanoscale photonics and
electronics" Nature 415:617-620; Bjork et al. (2002)
"One-dimensional steeplechase for electrons realized" Nano Letters
2:86-90; Wu et al. (2002) "Block-by-block growth of
single-crystalline Si/SiGe superlattice nanowires" Nano Letters 2,
83-86; and US Pub. 20040026684 to Empedocles entitled "Nanowire
heterostructures for encoding information." Similar approaches can
be applied to growth of other heterostructures and applied to the
various methods and systems herein.
[0159] In some embodiments the nanofibers used to create enhanced
surface areas can be comprised of nitride (e.g., AlN, GaN, SiN, BN)
or carbide (e.g., SiC, TiC, Tungsten carbide, boron carbide) in
order to create nanofibers with high strength and durability.
Alternatively, such nitrides/carbides are used as hard coatings on
lower strength (e.g., silicon or ZnO) nanofibers. While the
dimensions of silicon nanofibers are excellent for many
applications requiring enhanced surface area (e.g., see, throughout
and "Structures, Systems and Methods for Joining Articles and
Materials and Uses Therefore," U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,409, etc.) other
applications require nanofibers that are less brittle and which
break less easily. Therefore, some embodiments herein take
advantage of materials such as nitrides and carbides which have
higher bond strengths than, e.g., Si, SiO.sub.2 or ZnO. The
nitrides and carbides are optionally used as coatings to strengthen
the weaker nanofibers or even as nanofibers themselves.
[0160] Carbides and nitrides can be applied as coatings to low
strength fibers by deposition techniques such as sputtering and
plasma processes. In some embodiments, to achieve high strength
nanocoatings of carbide and nitride coatings, a random grain
orientation and/or amorphous phase are grown to avoid crack
propagation. Optimum conformal coating of the nanofibers can
optionally be achieved if the fibers are growing perpendicular to a
substrate surface. The hard coating for fibers in such orientation
also acts to enhance the adhesion of the fibers to the substrate.
For fibers that are randomly oriented, the coating is preferential
to the upper layer of fibers.
[0161] Low temperature processes for creation of silicon nanofibers
are achieved by the decomposition of silane at about 400.degree. C.
in the presence of a gold catalyst. However, as previously stated,
silicon nanofibers are too brittle for some applications to form a
durable nanofiber matrix (e.g., an enhanced surface area). Thus,
formation and use of, e.g., SiN is optionally utilized in some
embodiments herein. In those embodiments, NH.sub.3, which has
decomposition at about 300.degree. C., is used to combine with
silane to form SiN nanofibers (also by using a gold catalyst).
Other catalytic surfaces to form such nanofibers can include, e.g.,
Ti, Fe, etc.
[0162] Forming carbide and nitride nanofibers directly from a melt
can sometimes be challenging since the temperature of the liquid
phase is typically greater than 1000.degree. C. However, a
nanofiber can be grown by combining the metal component with the
vapor phase. For example, GaN and SiC nanofibers have been grown
(see, e.g., Peidong, Lieber, supra) by exposing Ga melt to NH.sub.3
(for GaN) and graphite with silane (SiC). Similar concepts are
optionally used to form other types of carbide and nitride
nanofibers by combing metal-organic vapor species, e.g., tungsten
carbolic [W(CO)6] on a carbon surface to form tungsten carbide
(WC), or titanium dimethoxy dineodecanoate on a carbon surface to
form TiC. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments, the
temperature, pressure, power of the sputtering and the CVD process
are all optionally varied depending upon, e.g., the specific
parameters desired in the end nanofibers. Additionally, several
types of metal organic precursors and catalytic surfaces used to
form the nanofibers, as well as, the core materials for the
nanofibers (e.g., Si, ZnO, etc.) and the substrates containing the
nanofibers, are all also variable from one embodiment to another
depending upon, e.g., the specific enhanced nanofiber surface area
to be constructed.
[0163] Some embodiments herein comprise methods for improving the
density and control of nanowire growth as they relate to generating
a nanostructured surface coating of substrates. Such methods
include repetitive cycling of nanowire synthesis and gold fill
deposition to make "nano-trees" as well as the co-evaporation of
material that will not form a silicon eutectic, thus, disrupting
nucleation and causing smaller wire formation
[0164] Such methods are utilized in the creation of ultra-high
capacity surface based structures through nanofiber growth
technology for, e.g., diagnostic arrays, adhesion promotion between
surfaces, non-fouling surfaces, filtration, etc.). Use of
single-step metal film type process in creation of nanofibers
limits the ability to control the starting metal film thickness,
surface roughness, etc., and, thus, the ability of control
nucleation from the surface.
[0165] In some embodiments of nanofiber enhanced surfaces it can be
desirable to produce multibranched nanofibers. Such multibranched
nanofibers could allow an even greater increase in surface area
than would occur with non-branched nanofiber surfaces. To produce
multibranched nanofibers gold film is optionally deposited onto a
nanofiber surface (i.e., one that has already grown nanofibers).
When placed in a furnace, fibers perpendicular to the original
growth direction can result, thus, generating branches on the
original nanofibers. Colloidal metal particles can optionally be
used instead of gold film to give greater control of the nucleation
and branch formation. The cycle of branching optionally could be
repeated multiple times, e.g., with different film thicknesses,
different colloid sizes, or different synthesis times, to generate
additional branches having varied dimensions. Eventually, the
branches between adjacent nanofibers could optionally touch and
generate an interconnected network. Sintering is optionally used to
improve the binding of the fine branches.
[0166] In yet other embodiments, it is desirable to form finer
nanofibers (e.g., nanowires). To accomplish this, some embodiments
herein optionally use a non-alloy forming material during gold or
other alloy forming metal evaporation. Such material, when
introduced in a small percentage can optionally disrupt the metal
film to allow it to form smaller droplets during wire growth and,
thus, correspondingly finer wires.
[0167] Such approaches can allow improved control of nanofiber
formation and allow generation of finer and more numerous
nanofibers from a slightly thicker initial metal film layer. In
applications such as nanoarrays, etc., the improved control can
optionally improve the signal ratio from the nanofibers to the
planar surface or just add a greater degree of control. Possible
materials for use in finer nanofiber construction include, e.g.,
Ti, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2.
[0168] In yet other embodiments, post processing steps such as
vapor deposition of glass can allow for greater anchoring or
mechanical adhesion and interconnection between nanofibers, thus,
improving mechanical robustness in applications requiring
additional strength as well as increasing the overall surface to
volume of the nanostructure surface.
[0169] The present invention can be used with structures that may
fall outside of the size range of typical nanostructures. For
example, Haraguchi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,910) describes
nanowhiskers which are optionally used herein. Semi-conductor
whiskers are also described by Haraguchi et al. (1994)
"Polarization Dependence of Light Emitted from GaAs p-n junctions
in quantum wire crystals" J. Appl. Phys. 75(8):4220-4225; Hiruma et
al. (1993) "GaAs Free Standing Quantum Sized Wires," J. Appl. Phys.
74(5):3162-3171; Haraguchi et al. (1996) "Self Organized
Fabrication of Planar GaAs Nanowhisker Arrays"; and Yazawa (1993)
"Semiconductor Nanowhiskers" Adv. Mater. 5(78):577-579. Such
nanowhiskers are optionally nanofibers of the invention. While the
above references (and other references herein) are optionally used
for construction and determination of parameters of nanofibers of
the invention, those of skill in the art will be familiar with
other methods of nanofiber construction/design, etc. which can also
be amenable to the methods and devices herein.
III) Exemplary Embodiments of Nanofiber Enhanced Surface Area
Substrates
[0170] While modification of surfaces to enhance their properties
is a standard process, this invention covers the fabrication, e.g.,
growth or placement, of nanofibers (and optionally modification of
such fibers with moieties) on the surface of articles for
performance enhancement. In regard to growth of nanofibers in
place, examples include the growth of silicon nanofibers on a glass
substrate to increase its surface area. Many surfaces and shapes
are optionally coated with nanofibers to increase their surface
area including, e.g., optical lenses; the inside of tubes (e.g.,
for separations) or the outside of tubes (e.g., for catheters,
etc.); flat surfaces such as glass; or particles such as those
present in HPLC packings. Thus, for example, enhanced glass or
other separating material would be capable of adsorbing more
molecules in applications such as DNA arrays or immunoassays. See
below. The invention also includes embodiments wherein nanofibers
are grown inside of, e.g., a capillary to form a high surface area
separation matrix for capillary chromatography. See below. Yet
other embodiments include nanofibers grown in place to enhance the
insulation properties of window glass by reducing convection at its
surface. Additionally, a Velcro.RTM.-like surface is also made by
growing a very dense web of nanofibers on one surface (optionally
constraining it physically during growth) to make loops and a less
dense surface that provides hooks on the other surface. Nanofiber
surfaces optionally have tremendously higher bond strengths with
adhesives due to the increased surface area that can become
entwined with the adhesive. For this and other nanofiber adhesion
methods, see, e.g., "Structures, Systems and Methods for Joining
Articles and Materials and Uses Therefore," filed Apr. 17, 2003,
U.S. Ser. No. 60/463,766 and "Structures, Systems and Methods for
Joining Articles and Materials and Uses Therefore," U.S. Pat. No.
7,056,409, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety
for all purposes. Other embodiments herein comprise the use of the
nanofiber surfaces of the invention as bioscaffolds for, e.g., high
density cell culture and increased interaction and bonding of
medical implants through use of nanofiber enhanced area surfaces. A
number of further examples of uses of nanofiber surfaces, e.g., in
medical applications, etc., and which can utilize aspects of the
current invention and aspects of which the current invention can
utilize can be found in, e.g., U.S. Pub. 20050038498 entitled
"Medical Device Applications of Nanostructured Surfaces"; U.S. Pub.
20070190880 entitled "Porous Substrates, Articles, Systems and
Compositions Comprising Nanofibers and Methods of Their Use and
Production"; U.S. Ser. No. 60/466,229, filed Apr. 28, 2003, and
Attorney Docket U.S. Pub. 20050181195, both entitled
"Super-hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods of Their Construction and Uses
Therefor," and U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,409 and U.S. Ser. No.
60/463,766, filed Apr. 17, 2003 and 10/825,861 (filed Apr. 16,
2004) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,294 (filed Apr. 19, 2004) all
entitled "Structures, Systems and Methods for Joining Articles and
Materials and Uses Therefor," all of which are incorporated herein
in their entirety for all purposes. Even though macrofiber surfaces
(usually formed by abrasion or depositions) are more common than
nanofiber ones, they do not have a comparable surface area to a
nanofiber surface herein.
[0171] It should be appreciated that specific embodiments and
illustrations herein of uses or devices, etc. which comprise
nanofiber enhanced surface areas should not be construed as
necessarily limiting. In other words, the current invention is
illustrated by the descriptions herein, but is not constrained by
individual specifics of the descriptions unless specifically
stated. The above embodiments are illustrative of various
uses/applications of the enhanced surface area nanofiber surfaces
and constructs thereof. Again, the enumeration of specific
embodiments herein is not to be taken as necessarily limiting on
other uses/applications which comprise the enhanced surface area
nanofiber structures of the current invention.
[0172] Not only are nanofiber enhanced surface area applications
useful for traditional activities (e.g., filtering, assays, etc.),
but nanofibers densely arranged on a surface also exhibit novel
characteristics that can enable applications that are otherwise
impossible or impractical. For example, the nanofibers can be
treated to prevent wetting by various solvents (hydrophobicity, in
the case of water as the solvent) or to enhance wetting (e.g.,
hydrophilicity). Thus, illustrative embodiments of uses for
nanofiber enhanced surface area materials can include, e.g.,
super-hydrophobically (or more generally lyophobically or
liquidphobically or lipophobically or amphiphobically) treated
materials, gas-to-liquid exchangers (e.g., artificial lungs),
platen printing, non-fouling boilers or heat exchangers, anti-icing
surfaces, e.g., for aircraft or the like, barrier layers for waste
ponds and underground tanks to prevent underground toxic plumes,
building material additives (e.g., shingles, siding, subterranean
concrete), etc. See, e.g., "Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods of
Their Construction and Uses Therefor," filed Apr. 28, 2003, U.S.
Ser. No. 60/466,229, and U.S. Pub. 20050181195, filed Apr. 27,
2004, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for
all purposes. Alternatively, hydrophilically treated nanofiber
enhanced area materials can include, e.g., high-efficiency
volatizers (evaporators) and high-efficiency condensers, etc.
[0173] Other applications of the current invention optionally
utilize a layer of gas trapped between a liquid and the substrate
surface (i.e., a gas layer amongst and between the nanofibers). For
example, gas-to-liquid exchange between the two phases can
optionally occur. In some embodiments, the enhanced surface area
nanofiber substrate comprises a porous layer, thus gas flow on the
side of the substrate opposite the liquid can diffuse through the
substrate and nanofiber layer to reach the liquid. In embodiments
wherein the substrate is gas impermeable, gas flow can be parallel
to the surface of the nanofiber substrate and "flow" between the
nanofibers (i.e., between the liquid and the substrate surface).
Applications optionally include, e.g., artificial lungs (e.g.,
blood as the liquid and air or oxygen as the gas diffusing in),
chemical reactors, bioreactors (e.g., with O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 as
the diffusing species), sewage disposal, etc.
[0174] In other embodiments herein, hydrophilically treated
enhanced surface area materials tend to wet thoroughly and
immediately. It will be appreciated, and is illustrated in more
detail below, that even non-functionalized nanofiber surface area
substrates display a wicking effect. See below. The fibers within
the wetted area are optionally made of a material which has a much
higher thermal conductivity than the liquid. This optionally
provides a mechanism for greater thermal fluxes than would occur on
a flat surface (i.e., one that does not have an enhanced surface
area).
[0175] For example, it is contemplated that evaporation of liquids,
e.g., in high-efficiency volatizers, with humidifiers, etc. can use
such enhanced surface areas. Nanofiber covered surfaces (i.e.,
enhanced surface areas) with an optional affinity for the substance
to be evaporated and a means of transferring heat to the nanowires
are thought to be ideal for this purpose. Heat transfer can be
conductive, e.g., through the substrate, or radiative. Heat can be
also generated within the nanofiber layer itself, e.g., by chemical
reaction with catalyst coated nanofibers. Applications can
optionally include combustors in gas turbines or steam powerplants,
space heaters, and chemical reactors. In some typical embodiments
herein the structure of the nanofiber substrates, even when not
functionalized with, e.g., hydrophilic moieties, acts as an
effective wick for liquids placed upon the substrate. Example 1
below, displays a graph comparing the wicking of water on a planar
silicon surface against that on a nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrate of the invention. As can be seen, wicking occurs much
more rapidly with the substrates of the invention. As will be
gathered from the representative examples herein, such property can
be utilized to, e.g., quickly apply coatings of materials upon a
surface that are, in typical embodiments, several microns deep and
of an even thickness. Such spreading is done without additional
mechanical means and occurs as a function of the surface morphology
of the substrates.
[0176] Evaporation of liquids can also be useful for cooling. High
efficiency heat exchangers are contemplated to transfer heat into
the evaporating liquid, such as occurs in the evaporator in an air
conditioner or steam powerplant.
[0177] The same property that makes evaporation efficient on a
nanofiber covered surface makes condensation efficient there as
well. The difference is that heat is removed from the condensing
liquid. Applications again include air conditioning or steam
powerplants or other high efficiency condensers. Of course, it will
be appreciated that the wicking abilities, hydrophobic/hydrophilic
properties, heat transfer, etc. of nanofiber enhanced surfaces are
equally applicable to other embodiments herein (e.g., see
below).
A) MICRO-PATTERNING OF ENHANCED SURFACE AREA SUBSTRATES
[0178] In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods to
selectively modify or create enhanced surface area substrates as
well as such enhanced substrates themselves and devices comprising
the same. As will be appreciated, e.g., and as is described herein,
such methods and devices are applicable to a wide range of uses and
can be created in any of a number of ways (several of which are
illustrated herein). For example, in some embodiments, the
invention comprises methods to selectively modify or create a
substrate surface such that the probability of placing nanoscopic
wires/tubes across pre-positioned metal electrodes is
increased.
[0179] As will be appreciated, the enhanced surface areas provided
by surfaces containing grown nanofibers can provide significant
advantages as, e.g., substrates for biological arrays. One
advantage arises due to increased density of probes in a given
region of substrate. However, because of the enhanced wicking
capability of grown nanofiber enhanced surfaces, the application of
chemistry to link specific bio-molecules, etc. to defined regions
in a congruous lawn of nanofibers is sometimes difficult to
control. Therefore, some embodiments herein comprise methods that
can allow spatially controlled chemistry to be applied to nanofiber
enhanced surfaces. Such control can facilitate the utility of
enhanced nanofiber surfaces in real applications.
[0180] Several approaches are included in the embodiments herein
for selectively patterning areas of nanofiber growth or placement
on substrates so as to generate spatially defined regions to apply
specific chemistry. In such approaches, the term "substrate"
relates to the material upon which the fibers are grown (or, in
some embodiments, placed or deposited upon). In different
situations, substrates are optionally comprised of, e.g., silicon
wafer, glass, quartz, or any other material appropriate for VLS
based nanowire growth or the like. For example, substrates and
nanofibers upon them can be independently composed of, e.g.,
silicon, glass, quartz, plastic, ceramic, metal, polymers, TiO,
ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, MgS, MgSe,
MgTe, CaS, CaSe, CaTe, SrS, SrSe, SrTe, BaS, BaSe, BaTe, GaN, GaP,
GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlS, AlP, AlSb,
SiO.sub.1, SiO.sub.2, silicon carbide, silicon nitride,
polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyetherketone, polyimide, aromatic
polymers, aliphatic polymers, etc. See also, above. Those of skill
in the art will be familiar with other possible nanofiber
materials.
[0181] In some embodiments herein, micro-patterning of enhanced
surface area substrates is optionally created by lithographically
applying planar regions of gold to a substrate as the standard
growth initiator through use of conventional lithographic
approaches which are well known to those of skill in the art.
Nanofibers (e.g., VLS nanowires) are then grown, e.g., in the
manner of Peidong Yang, Advanced Materials, Vol. 13, No. 2, January
2001.
[0182] In other embodiments, the arrays can be created by
chemically precoating a substrate through conventional lithographic
approaches so that deposition of gold colloids is controlled prior
to growth of nanofibers (e.g., by selective patterning of thiol
groups on the substrate surface). In yet other embodiments,
nanofibers are optionally pre-grown in a conventional manner well
known to those of skill in the art (e.g., see above) and then
selectively attached to or placed upon regions of the substrate
where the spatially defined pattern is required.
[0183] Of course, in yet other embodiments, "lawns" of nanofibers
forming an enhanced surface area substrate are selectively
patterned through removal of nanofibers in preselected areas. FIG.
3 schematically displays the concepts of selective micropatterning
of enhanced surface area substrates. Thus, as can be seen in FIG.
3, enhanced surface area substrates that are not patterned can
often experience wicking of analytes, etc. deposited upon the
nanofibers. In FIG. 3, a surface having randomly disturbed gold,
300, results in nanofibers covering its entire substrate, 310. When
nanofibers are grown, 360, such can result in unpredictable fluid
wicking, 320, which, in turn, can be sometimes undesirable when the
appropriate chemistry/bio-molecule is applied, 370. In contrast,
enhanced surface area substrates that are micropatterned (or even
nano-patterned) do not experience uncontrolled wicking of analytes,
etc. because such wicking is contained within isolated regions of
nanofibers (i.e., the wicking is stopped by empty regions upon the
substrate surface). Thus, in FIG. 3, a substrate with a
pre-patterned gold pattern, 330, and a hydrophobic surface, 340,
will result in well defined surface coverage, 350. It will be
appreciated that FIG. 3 is only one example of patterned arrays of
the invention. Thus, other arrays can optionally comprise nanofiber
lawns that have areas selectively cleared of nanofibers (thus,
creating nanofiber islands, etc.) or can have nanofibers only grown
or deposited in certain selected areas (or any combinations
thereof). Those of skill in the art will be aware of numerous other
patterns, etc. of arrays which can optionally be within embodiments
herein. Additionally, as will also be appreciated, while
"microarray," "micropatterned" and similar terms are used for the
various embodiments throughout, the nanofiber enhanced surfaces of
the invention can also comprise "milliarrays" and be
"millipatterned," can comprise "nanoarrays" and be "nanopatterned,"
etc. Thus, while the text and claims herein typically describe
patterning in terms of "micro" features, "nano" features as well as
other sized features are also within purview of the current
invention.
[0184] In yet other embodiments herein, nanofiber surfaces (e.g.,
congruous lawns of nanofibers) are optionally coated with a moiety,
e.g., a hydrophobic moiety, a hydrophilic moiety, an amphiphobic
moiety, an amphiphilic moiety, a lipophobic moiety, a lipophilic
moiety, etc. In other words, the entire surface of the nanofiber
lawn is treated/functionalized with such moiety. The functionalized
lawn can then be selectively treated to remove the moiety in only
selected locations (e.g., where it is desirous to attach other
molecules such as DNA, proteins, etc.). One method to selectively
treat the functionalized nanofibers is to selectively expose the
lawn to, e.g., UV light (done in embodiments wherein the moiety
comprises a photo-labile moiety and will, thus, be degraded by the
light while leaving the nanofiber intact and without the moiety).
In yet other embodiments, a hydrophilic lawn is
treated/functionalized to create hydrophobic regions (i.e., the
mirror image of the above). Appropriate molecules, etc. are then
placed in desired locations upon the microarrays produced.
[0185] No matter their format or manner of construction, the
patterned nanofiber arrays of the invention are adaptable to a wide
range of possible uses and applications. Those of skill in the art
will be quite familiar with a broad range of arrays such as nucleic
acid arrays (e.g., DNA, RNA, etc.), protein arrays, or arrays
comprising other biological or chemical moieties. For example, the
nanofiber arrays herein are optionally used with protein arrays for
applications with mass-spectrometry. See below. Recently, several
applications (e.g., by Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, Calif.) have
been developed for use of protein arrays and various of
mass-spectrometry variations, such as surface-enhanced laser
desorption ionization (SELDI), matrix assisted laser
desorption/ionization (MALDI), and the like. Proteins can, thus, be
"stored" on a chip or wafer and conveniently characterized through
SELDI or MALDI, etc. See, e.g., www.ciphergen.com. Nanofiber arrays
of the invention are contemplated to be used with those and similar
techniques. Those of skill in the art will be familiar with other
types of mass spectrometry analysis which can optionally utilize
the microarrays and other features of the current invention. Again,
those of skill in the art will appreciate that the possible
uses/applications of nanofiber arrays, whether DNA, protein, or
other moiety, are quite broad and that specific recitation of
particular uses/embodiments herein should not necessarily be taken
as limiting.
[0186] While, certain methods of patterning, substrate/nanofiber
composition and the like are illustrated herein, it will again be
appreciated that such are illustrative of the range of methods
included in the invention. Thus, such parameters can be changed and
still come within the range of the invention. For example, as
illustrated above, micropatterning of enhanced surface areas is
optionally accomplished in any of a number of ways (e.g.,
lithographic deposition, laser ablation of nanofiber elements,
etc.), all of which are encompassed herein.
[0187] i) Patterned Microarrays and Devices
[0188] Existing substrates for fluorescent microarray applications
(as well as other types of microarray applications, e.g.,
radioactive, chemiluminescent, etc.) have many limitations.
Limitations can include, e.g., poor sensitivity, low dynamic range,
variable spot uniformity and large feature sizes on mechanically
spotted arrays. Despite these limitations, the fluorescent
microarray has become a major tool for large scale genomic analyses
and the emerging proteomic industry. Thus far, attempts to
introduce new substrates have been unsuccessful, largely because of
reduced kinetic performance and the requirements for major changes
to the basic array fabrication and analysis infrastructure. The
current invention, however, comprises embodiments having
nano-enabled microarray substrates that can overcome limitations
facing existing microarrays and which are optionally compatible
with existing typical hybridization protocols, as well as array
fabrication and analysis infrastructures and are optionally used
for a wide range of microarray purposes (e.g., can be used with
proteins, nucleic acids, ligands, receptors, etc., basically all
possible moieties available to other current microarray
methods).
[0189] The market for both large scale genomic and proteomic
analyses has grown dramatically over recent years and is expected
to grow further as more information is gained about the role of
genetic sequence variations and expression patterns in development
and disease. DNA microarrays have already become a major tool in
both basic research on the genetic basis of disease and in target
identification and validation in drug discovery efforts.
Furthermore, it is likely that in the future microarrays will
significantly impact the areas of molecular diagnostics and
pharmacogenomics that are currently dominated by costly service
driven genomic analyses such as sequencing or in situ
hybridization. Additionally, the current drive to simultaneously
analyze molecular differences at the level of protein expression
will further expand the utility of the microarray format into the
field of proteomics. Therefore, any technology, such as that of the
present invention, that can improve the performance, cost, utility
and quality of microarray experiments without significantly
altering the existing methodologies and analytical processes is
quite desirable. Currently, there are two major formats of
microarrays that are widely used for genomic analyses (primarily
for expression analysis but increasingly for genotyping as
well).
[0190] The first of the current microarrays protocols is "in situ
synthesized oligonucleotide arrays." Popular examples of such
pre-arrayed chips (e.g., those of Affymetrix, Santa Clara, Calif.)
are synthesized with oligonucleotide probes on the chip and arrayed
with small feature sizes (e.g., 18.times.18 um) of a high density.
Such chips are fabricated through a process analogous to the
lithographic approaches for microchip fabrication. By applying
photomasks to a substrate coated with chemical precursors that can
be sequentially deprotected by exposure to light, complex high
density arrays of oligonucleotides can be synthesized in a well
characterized manner. Although expensive, these arrays are widely
used when simultaneous analyses of whole genomes are required using
well characterized arrays. Other popular technologies (e.g., those
of Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, Calif.) also have a method of
in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide arrays utilizing chemical
deprotection methods and ink-jet technology as the means of
delivering each nucleotide to the desired location. This method has
been less accepted than the lithographic approach, probably due to
the ease at which feature sizes can be reduced by employing
lithography and the subsequent quality of small features. The
advantage of in situ synthesized arrays is the high density and
quality of the arrayed oligonucleotides. However, these fabrication
methods are costly and hence impractical for many applications, and
neither full length cDNA probes or proteins are compatible with
this methodology. Furthermore, the fundamental limits of dynamic
range and signal per unit area on planar glass substrates has
become a significant issue as feature sizes are reduced.
[0191] The second of the current methods used to construct
microarrays comprises "spotted arrays." These arrays are fabricated
on various substrates (including glass slides, membranes and
polymer gels) by the mechanical deposition of presynthesized
oligonucleotide probes or cDNA. This spotting approach can use
chemical linkage steps or simple adsorption of the DNA to
appropriately treated surfaces. There are two main ways to deposit
the probes, either by contact printing (most common for "home-made"
arrays due to the cost) and non-contact printing (e.g., ink-jet or
piezo electric) where smaller volumes can be applied. However, the
cost of the spotters needed restricts their use primarily to
pre-made arrays. The size of features on these spotted arrays
(especially pin-printing) is larger than for the lithographically
synthesized arrays and the density of features is lower. Spotted
arrays are generally less expensive and are commonly fabricated by
the end-user using precoated slides or membranes and robotic
microarray spotters. Additionally, protein based arrays also use a
spotted fabrication approach. Thus, technologies that improve DNA
spotted arrays may have a concomitant benefit for the fabrication
of protein arrays as well.
[0192] As mentioned above, certain improvements to enhance the
efficacy and utility of both microarray formats is desired. For
example, enhancing the dynamic range of both types of microarray is
desirable. Currently, the dynamic range of these assays is less
than three orders of magnitude and is dominated by background
fluorescence of the stained array slide on the low end and by
saturation of binding sites on the microarray spots on the high
end. Thus, there is often an under-representation of the magnitude
of change in differentially expressed genes being screened on a
microarray. For example, in order to pick up changes in expression
of genes for which the mRNA copy number in the cell is low,
currently it is often necessary to amplify the RNA before
hybridization to the array. For RNA species that are present at
much higher concentrations in the cell, this amplification results
in the production of saturating levels of nucleotide. Thus, changes
in the levels of these more highly expressed RNA species will be
underestimated from the array data. Therefore, to accurately
quantify expression level changes determined in microarray
experiments, time consuming methods such as quantitative PCR are
often carried out to confirm or better quantify changes seen on
microarrays.
[0193] Yet another drawback for specifically spotted arrays on
planar surfaces, is the quality of the feature on the substrate.
The two major issues involved in quality are spot uniformity and
feature size. The tendency of spotted array features to be
non-uniform (especially home fabricated versions) restricts
accurate analysis of their results. See, e.g., FIG. 4 which shows
non-homogeneity within spotted array features on planar surfaces
(here, spotted DNA). As can be seen, the fluorescence intensity,
thus indicating DNA distribution, is uneven and inconsistent within
the spots. Furthermore, the large feature size (driven by the
accuracy of the spotting tool and the wetting properties of the
substrate material) limits the density of the spotted array.
Typically feature sizes of between 150 um and 500 um diameter are
achievable for the most common pin spotters at a pitch of around
500 um, while ink-jet printed arrays currently achieve about 80-150
um diameter.
[0194] Embodiments of the invention described herein address such
problems as dynamic range, array density and spotting uniformity.
Nanofiber enhanced surface area microarrays of the invention are
optionally patterned, etc. for the applications noted above. There
are several methods under development for increasing the effective
surface area and performance of microarray substrates. However, the
nanowire enhanced substrates herein are superior to other
approaches for increasing surface area, for several reasons; e.g.,
most other attempts at improving the substrate for microarrays have
involved the deposition of three-dimensional polymer matrices on
glass or have used etched microchannels in the glass itself. Porous
gels such as Codelink.TM. slides (Amersham BioSciences, Piscataway,
N.J.) or Hydrogel.TM. (Perkin Elmer, Wellesley, Mass.) are
generally only suitable for spotting approaches and they suffer
from diffusion issues that can lead to slower hybridization/wash
times or difficulty in controlling spot size. More elaborate
attempts to reduce hybridization volumes/times by having
microchannels etched in thicker segments of glass require
fundamental changes to the current process of microarray analysis
and also increase costs of array fabrication.
[0195] Thus, as will be appreciated, increasing the possible signal
per unit area (as is done with nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrates of the invention) extends the dynamic range of
microarrays at the high end and allows more complete data to be
acquired from a single experiment. Additionally, increasing the
signal per unit area facilitates reduction in feature sizes, which
is another desirable development for lithographically synthesized
arrays.
[0196] The common factor shared by both current array formats
described above (as well as many embodiments of the current
invention) is the adoption of fluorescent labeling of targets as
the preferred method of detection. Typical fluorescent arrays are
read by fluorescent array scanners which either image entire arrays
or confocally scan the array using a laser to excite the
fluorescent spots. Currently, the major formats of microarray
technology detect the binding of labeled targets, e.g.,
fluorescently labeled targets, to probe molecules immobilized on
flat glass surfaces. However, as noted previously, planar
substrates (without nanofibers) limit the existing technology in
terms of the amount of detectable signal per unit area and in the
uniformity and size of spotted probes.
[0197] ii) Nanofiber Tracks/Channels as Substrates for Lateral Flow
Based Assays
[0198] In some embodiments of the invention, methods to pattern
nanofiber surfaces can optionally result in, or produce, "channels"
or "tracks" on a planar surface. Applications can, thus, utilize
the wickable properties of nanofiber enhanced surfaces to allow,
e.g., liquid flow, sample separation and target capture in a
lateral flow format.
[0199] As demonstrated throughout, the enhanced surface areas
provided by surfaces containing grown nanofibers (e.g., nanowires)
provide significant advantages as substrates for myriad purposes
such as biological binding assays. The increased density of probes
possible in a given region of nanofiber enhanced substrate
increases the sensitivity and robustness of such assays. In
addition, as explained elsewhere herein, because of the enhanced
wicking capability of nanofiber enhanced surfaces (e.g., grown in
situ or deposited nanofibers, e.g., nanofibers packed into such
things as microchannels, microtroughs, microditches, etc.), the
application of a solution in any region of an enhanced area will
lead to the rapid dispersion of the solution in the nanofiber filed
area until the solution fills the space between the nanofibers
(i.e. the interstitial space). If the nanofiber surface is
patterned in a manner to encourage such flow in a directed fashion
from a point where a sample is applied, then such patterned surface
can optionally be utilized in lateral flow based binding assays.
Thus, targets present in a sample applied to such patterned
nanofiber surfaces can bind to or with one or more probe that is
linked or associated (e.g., bound upon a nanofiber) at some defined
spot along the tracks/channels of nanofibers.
[0200] In accordance with its usage in other contexts herein, the
term "substrate" relates to the material upon which the nanofibers
are grown or placed/deposited (e.g., a silicon wafer, glass,
quartz, or any other material appropriate for nanofiber patterning
and growth, see above). Methods of patterning nanofiber enhanced
surfaces (e.g., to produce the tracks/channels) are described
throughout. For example, many techniques described for use in other
micro-patterned arrays herein are also applicable to creation of
channel/track patterns as well. Thus, laser ablation,
photo-lithography, mechanical scraping, etc. can all be used to
construct the channel/track areas of the embodiment. Those of skill
in the art will also be familiar with related methods of patterning
which are optionally used in the current embodiment.
[0201] Patterning of nanofiber surfaces herein for wicking based
assays can involve numerous different nanofiber track/channel
arrangements depending upon, e.g., the specific parameters of the
uses involved (e.g., number and type of analytes, conditions of the
assay(s), etc.). FIG. 5 shows a sample arrangement of nanofiber
wicking tracks/channels. However, such arrangements are for
exemplary purposes only and should not be construed as necessarily
limiting. As can be seen in FIG. 5A six tracks/channels, 500,
comprised of nanofiber enhanced surface areas are in fluid
communication with sample deposition areas, 510 (also optionally
comprising nanofiber enhanced surface area) and a system for
drawing solution(s) through the nanofiber tracks/channels. The
arrow indicates the direction of flow. Such drawing or wicking
system can optionally comprise a large field or area of nanofiber
enhanced surface area which acts as a large wicking pad to draw
solutions through the tracks/channels (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5).
Optional immobilized probes, 530, are also possible features. FIGS.
5B and 5C also display sample side views of a nanofiber enhanced
surface having a track and a recessed channel respectfully. Element
540 in FIG. 5B equates with the tracks/channels, 500 in FIG. 5A,
with the tracks on top of the substrate. In FIG. 5C, element 550
represents a recessed channel and sample well and equates with 500
in FIG. 5C.
[0202] In a typical application, a sample solution (e.g.,
containing one or more target to be detected) can be applied at one
end of a track or channel while at the other end of the
track/channel a material/system encourages forward progress of the
solution through the track/channel. The material or system that
encourages the forward progress of the solution can comprise, e.g.
a larger filed of nanofibers or alternative wicking matter. Those
of skill in the art will be familiar with techniques and materials,
e.g., those utilized in chromatographic wicking applications and
various microfluidic devices, which are capable of use in the
current embodiments. The sample applied to the track/channel is
typically followed by a volume of solution (either with or without
the target(s) to be detected) to allow continued flow of the
solution. Probe(s) specific for the particular target(s) in the
sample solution can be immobilized at particular locations along
the tracks/channels herein. See, e.g., 530 in FIG. 5. In many
instances, a secondary labeling tag (e.g., a fluorescent or
colorimetric tag, etc.) can optionally be present in the solution
or in a solution that is wicked through the track/channel after the
solution comprising the target. Alternatively, such tag can be
attached, e.g., via a matrix, at the start of the track/channel and
then released into the flow of the solution. In any case, the
secondary tag in solution can wash over the previously bound target
(i.e., the target that was present in the sample) that is
immobilized on the nanofiber surface. Alternatively, in some
embodiments the target can interact with the probe without the
addition of any additional tag. Thus, the interaction of target in
the solution and probe upon the nanofiber surface can produce an
indication (e.g., fluorescent, colorimetric, radiometric, etc.)
that allows detection/monitoring of the interaction. Finally the
surface can be examined to determine the presence or absence of the
target (e.g., detection of fluorescent tag). FIG. 6 displays
schematic representations of an exemplary assay scheme showing
application of a sample in solution to a track/channel followed by
wicking through of a label, washing of the sample/label and
detection of the bound sample/label (e.g., an exemplary lateral
flow assay carried out on nanofiber tracks). In FIG. 6, a labeled
secondary detection reagent on a sample pad, 600, and an
immobilized capture probe, 610, are within nanofiber channel, 630,
attached to wick reservoir, 620. A target or sample, 640, is
applied to the sample pad in FIG. 6B. As the assay proceeds in 6C,
solution, 650 wicks through the nanofibers and the target and
secondary detection reagent are immobilized at the capture probe
site. In FIG. 6D, the sample has completely wicked through the
track leaving immobilized detection reagent that can be quantified.
Again, the above is an exemplary arrange of a lateral flow assay
carried out on nanofiber tracks and should not be taken as
necessarily limiting on the myriad of other possible arrangements
and configurations that are possible with such assays and which are
encompassed within the current invention.
[0203] As explained herein, for this and other many embodiments of
the invention, the probe can be any molecule of interest (e.g.,
DNA, protein, organic molecules, inorganic molecules, metals,
ceramics, peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid
analogs, metallo-proteins, chemical catalysts, metallic groups,
antibodies, cells, ions, ligands, substrates, receptors, biotin,
hydrophobic moieties, alkyl chains from about 10 to about 20 carbon
atoms in length, phenyl groups, adhesive enhancing groups, and
co-factors, etc.) that has an affinity for one or more molecule(s)
that could be present in a sample to be analyzed. The probe is
optionally immobilized at some point on, or within, the nanofiber
surface in such a fashion as to be capable of capturing a target
molecule that flows past. The sample to be assayed can be any
solution containing a target(s) of interest (e.g., DNA, protein,
small organic molecules, etc.) that can be subsequently captured by
the specific probe. In some applications (e.g., if the sample were
whole blood) the nanofiber surface can also act as a separations
media for the constituents of the sample.
[0204] It will be appreciated that, as in the other embodiments
herein, many aspects of the embodiments can be changed without
straying from the claimed invention. For example, the method(s) by
which the nanofiber surfaces are patterned can be changed, as can
the number and dimensions of the tracks/channels. Additionally, the
density, composition, etc. of the nanofibers in the nanofiber
enhanced surface can also be varied. Also, as will be appreciated,
the assays in the embodiments herein are optionally used for any of
a large number of different probe/target combinations (e.g.,
DNA-DNA, antibody-protein, etc.). Further examples are discussed in
other embodiments herein and are equally applicable in the current
examples. Those of skill in the art will be familiar with a large
number of well characterized methods and types of various
probe/target combinations which can be incorporated into versions
of the current embodiments. Additionally, the detection
methods/systems used to detect any target in an assayed sample is
also variable.
[0205] The illustrations in Example 2 demonstrate the binding of a
soluble analyte (target) to a probe that is immobilized within a
nanofiber track and the use of wicking properties of the nanofiber
tracks to produce sample flow.
[0206] ii) Components and Construction of Nanofiber Enhanced
Surface Area Microarrays
[0207] As described previously, NFS embodiments herein are
optionally constructed of any of a number of different substrates.
Thus, as will be appreciated, creation and use of micropatterned
arrays of nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates can optionally
utilize any of a number of different nanofiber/substrate
components. However, in typical embodiments, the arrays are based
upon the ability to control and pattern the growth of SiO.sub.2
coated, nanometer diameter nanofibers on the surface of a typically
planar substrate. The silicon oxide nanofibers provide dramatic
increases in effective surface area and yet retain the basic
chemical characteristics desired for surface functionalization and
assay development. In some embodiments, the nanowire-enhanced
substrates optionally achieve a 100-fold increase in signal
intensity per unit area in relation to a more traditional
non-nanofiber array. Furthermore, in yet other embodiments, feature
sizes on spotted arrays are decreased to well below currently
achievable levels while, at the same time, the uniformity of the
spotted probe is increased.
[0208] Preferred embodiments herein comprise a novel microarray
substrate formed from a thin, but dense film of SiO.sub.2 coated
silicon nanofibers. In typical embodiments, such nanofibers
comprise one or more functional moiety. Such nanofibers
dramatically increase the effective binding surface area of the
substrate material without having to, e.g., generate pores which
would decrease binding kinetics or increase the depth of field of
detection. Thus, traditional array scanners can be used for
detection with devices of the invention. The nano-structured
surfaces also provide multiple advantages over conventional
microarray substrates by providing a significantly enhanced surface
area; improving feature uniformity on spotted arrays and allowing
for much smaller features to be printed (due to the increased
signal per unit area); maintaining binding and washing kinetics
equivalent to a flat glass surface; and, not necessarily requiring
any changes to the analytical instrumentation, chemistries or
microarray protocols for either high density lithographically
printed or spotted arrays.
[0209] In various optional embodiments herein, the microarrays of
the invention (comprised of enhanced surface area materials) are
optimized in terms of fiber density, fiber length and diameter and
fiber surface properties in regard to signal intensity, binding
kinetics and assay dynamic range. Other embodiments comprise
methods for applying defined spot sizes to enhanced nanowire
surfaces, e.g., both by limited volumetric approaches and by
chemically patterning the surface of the nanowire substrate to
define the spot size. See below. In yet other embodiments, proteins
attached to nanowire substrates optionally demonstrate equally
beneficial surfaces for protein binding applications, as compared
with conventional glass substrates (i.e., ones without nanofiber
enhanced surface areas). Also, as is illustrated below, in many
embodiments, the nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates of the
invention allow for clearly and uniformly defined spot formation.
In other embodiments, the enhanced surface area microarrays
comprise increased intensity per unit area (thus, providing a path
to significant reduction in feature sizes of all array formats) as
compared with traditional planar microarrays. Also, a typical
feature of some embodiments herein is increased dynamic range
(thus, providing better data from a single microarray experiment
and expanding the utility of this important analytical tool) as
compared with traditional microarrays. Reduced spot size for
mechanically spotted arrays is an optional feature of some
embodiments of the invention as well and, thus, increases the
achievable feature density because of this more flexible approach
to array fabrication. Finally, embodiments of the invention can
often provide a more uniform spot size on mechanically spotted
arrays (thus increasing the quality of data and accuracy of data
analysis) as compared with planar microarrays.
[0210] As explained in greater detail below, the technology
described herein is based on the ability to grow nanometer scale
wires of defined diameter and length on various surfaces. In
Example 3, FIG. 7 shows an example of how a bottom up approach to
assembling these materials provides a unique, "extreme" surface
with very high surface to volume ratios and yet without the complex
etched architecture of other (top down) strategies for increasing
surface area to volume (e.g. etched silicon). FIG. 7 shows SEM
views of top and side views of a typical nanofiber surface, both
patterned and unpatterned. The silicon nanofibers were grown out
from a silicon wafer and the surfaces were therefore compatible
with standard glass modification chemistries, etc. Those of skill
in the art will appreciate the breadth of possible modifications to
such materials. Although discussion herein primarily focuses on
silicon wafers as the substrate for nanowire growth, the process
can potentially be conducted on a wide variety of substrates that
can have planar or complex geometries. For example, this process
can also be done at low temperatures on plastic substrates.
Substrates can be completely covered, patterned, or have nanofibers
in specific locations. Nanofibers are optionally made from a wide
variety of materials as well as grown on various substrates. Again,
however, typical embodiments herein focus on controlling the
various growth parameters of silicon nanowires on silicon oxide
wafers or glass slide substrates.
[0211] In various embodiments herein, it is contemplated to use
conventional SiO.sub.2-based chemistries to link DNA probes to
nanofiber-enhanced surfaces and detect subsequent hybridization of
fluorescently labeled targets. Also, optimization of the materials
in terms of density, diameter, and length to provide an enhancement
in signal intensity per unit area of two orders of magnitude (or 3
orders, or more, or 4 orders or more, or 5 orders or more, or 10
orders or more) with no concomitant loss in binding kinetics or
relative increase in background is also contemplated.
[0212] Because nanofibers in such embodiments are each coated with
a thin layer of SiO.sub.2, the material comprising the nanofiber is
compatible with existing surface modification strategies and also
with the existing infrastructure for spotting and analyzing
microarrays. Those of skill in the art should be familiar with a
number of such different surface modifications. Such material has
several unique properties over and above the enhanced surface area
aspects herein. For example, nanofiber surfaces treated with a
hydrophilic surface chemistry result in a highly hydrophilic mesh
that wicks solutions very homogeneously throughout the surface,
thus providing a perfect matrix for homogenous array spotting.
Additionally, even untreated typical NFS surfaces display a high
level of such wicking. Specific moieties which increase
hydrophilicity of the nanofibers surfaces are also optionally added
in some embodiments. See, e.g., U.S. Pub. 20050181195, filed Apr.
27, 2004, entitled "Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods of Their
Construction and Uses Therefor." Conversely, a hydrophobic surface
treatment can also render the surface superhydrophobic, excluding
water completely and thus restricting solutions to predefined
regions. The combination of these two qualities provides a
mechanism for generating an exemplary spotting substrate.
[0213] In contrast to other recent attempts to improve microarrays,
the current invention (in several embodiments) comprises a thin
.about.10 um layer of nanofibers applied to a substrate which,
although massively increasing the surface area, does not require a
modification to the depth of field of fluorescent array scanners
and thus will not change the ability to analyze bound fluorescence
by conventional scanners or other aspects of standard array
methodology. The enhanced area substrates herein incorporate a
robust and well defined surface of nanofibers that results in a
significant increase in surface area but with the retention of
standard glass surface chemistry and no reduction in binding
kinetics or changes in nonspecific binding. In various embodiments,
this increased surface area can be optimized to increase both
dynamic range and signal intensity per unit area by, e.g., two
orders of magnitude or more. The superior surface properties of the
nanofiber-enhanced surface also optionally allows far more
homogenous spotting of a predefined region using standard spotting
techniques.
[0214] Furthermore, methods for pre-defining nanofiber enhanced
features on standard microarray slide geometries to provide
improved platforms for more uniform spotted arrays with reduced
feature size is contemplated herein, e.g., a uniformly spotted
array with 50 um diameter features fabricated with a traditional
pin-printing system, or even spotted feature sizes and hence array
densities to approach those of the synthesized arrays of sub 25
micron diameter spots (e.g., 15 micron spots, 10 micron spots, 5
micron spots, 1 micron spots, etc.).
[0215] One possible procedure useful for production of well-defined
patterns of nanofiber arrays involves shadow masking of gold films.
Of course, it will be appreciated that gold-film techniques are
also amenable to production of nanofiber surfaces in embodiments
herein which do not involve arrays. Shadow masking of gold films
can provide well-defined features with surface area increases that
are at least equivalent to those produced through colloidal
processes. Examples of nanofiber arrays produced by masking process
can be seen in Example 3 and FIGS. 8 through 14. In the example and
the figures, a stainless steel mask having holes was used with
standard silicon/silicon oxide wafers to produce a patterned
nanofiber array. From 20 to 60 nm of gold was sputtered onto the
silicon wafers through the mask to produce the defined nanofiber
areas. The nanofibers (here nanowires) were grown to procedures
standard in the art. FIG. 8 shows well-defined nanofiber pattern
areas created using a shadow mask and 40 nm gold deposition. FIG. 9
shows side views of similar discrete nanofiber areas.
[0216] As also seen in Example 3, based on fluorescent
measurements, thinner deposits of gold film (e.g., 20 nm) typically
give thinner, more uniform diameter nanofibers with surface areas
equivalent to other nanofiber growth methods (e.g., standard gold
colloid deposition methods). For example, FIG. 10 displays
nanofibers that are fairly uniform (e.g., 50 to 100 nm) that were
created through use of a 20 nm gold film deposit. Additionally,
FIG. 11 shows that gold film thickness of between 30 and 60 nm
generates a wide nanofiber size distribution with many nanofibers
within the 50 um range. Thus, optimization of gold film thickness
to manipulate the nanofiber surface areas (e.g., within the arrays)
and nanofiber homogeneity within those areas are features of the
invention.
[0217] Analysis of shadow-mask produced nanofiber arrays by
fluorescent intensity and light microscopy reveals a great deal of
heterogeneity in terms of feature resolution between the nanofiber
areas and the substrate background. Features produced using a 20 nm
gold film showed a 25-fold increase over planar areas (i.e., those
areas without nanofibers or with comparatively much fewer
nanofibers), which is better than the average colloidal synthesis
production method results. Through variation of feature sizes in
the masks used and in the depth of the gold deposit used, the
sharpness or definition of the nanofiber arrays can be manipulated.
Thus, in Example 3, FIG. 12 displays light and FL-microscopy of two
sample nanofiber arrays (both using 20 nm gold film). See Example
3. FIG. 13 also shows exemplary possible variations achievable
through manipulation of gold film thicknesses in regard to feature
homogeneity. FIG. 14 displays that through manipulation of the gold
film used in nanofiber construction, nanofiber features on a
substrate can produce "doughnut" intensity profiles (e.g., similar
to the effect seen with analyte drops in traditional microarray
technologies) which are believed to be due to large, thick
nanofibers in the central portion of the features, 1400.
[0218] Another example of patterned nanofiber array of the
invention is shown in Example 3, FIG. 15. The nanofiber array in
FIG. 15 can be used as an improved substrate for DNA or protein
arrays, etc. In the figure, nanofiber (here nanowire) features were
pre-patterned on a silicon substrate. Again, it will be appreciated
that nanofiber patterns of the invention can be created on many
different substrate types depending upon the specific parameters
involved. For example, silicon, quartz and glass are possible
substrates for construction of nanofiber arrays of the invention.
FIG. 16 in Example 3 shows SEM images (100.times. in Panel A and
1,000.times. in Panel B) of the unique nanostructured surface of
another exemplary nanofiber array of the invention. It is
contemplated that such patterning (and, indeed, typical patterning
using any or all of the array construction techniques herein) be
carried out on standard microscope slide formats (or other typical
formats) for printing and analyzing with conventional
instrumentation.
[0219] Other embodiments herein contemplate encompassing the broad
capabilities of the nanofiber enhanced substrates in detecting DNA
hybridization under real assay conditions and detection of protein
binding as well as providing a versatile platform upon which to
develop a fully optimized, array based detection system
incorporating multiplexed gene/protein expression analyses and
genetic tests under clinically relevant conditions.
[0220] iii) Structural Factors and Surface Chemistry in Patterned
Enhanced Surface Area Microarrays
[0221] In some embodiments, an increased surface area of a
substrate is accessed or utilized by adsorbing materials to it.
Although adsorption of DNA is one example of an immobilization
approach on spotted arrays, other embodiments comprise, e.g.,
covalent linkage chemistry that shares characteristics common to
other current multiple array linkage strategies, thus, allowing
fair comparison between substrates (i.e., substrates of the
invention and other current microarray substrates).
[0222] In some typical embodiments, the primary chemical attachment
approach of the microarrays herein is to coat the surface of a
nanofiber enhanced substrate or planar glass array with silanes
that provide active groups for the attachment of a
heterobifunctional PEG linker. An example is to coat the silica
surfaces with aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) and link the PEG
to that surface using an NHS ester modified PEG. Subsequent
linkages to this surface can then be carried out on the leaving end
of the PEG, typically with use of carbodiimide chemistry to link
amine modified oligonucleotides to hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. The
use of a PEG linker thus allows efficient hybridization by spacing
the oligonucleotide probe away from the surface. In some
embodiments, short (12mer) capture oligonucleotides and
complementary targets labeled with Cy5 or Cy3 (standard microarray
fluorophores) are used. Of course, it will be appreciated that
different embodiments will have optionally different surface
chemistry, etc. Types of chemical groups used in assays and means
of their attachment to substrates are well known to those of skill
in the art. See below.
[0223] The benefits of the present array (i.e., on nanofiber
enhanced substrates) are apparent when compared with conventional
array substrates including, e.g., those on plain glass as well as
commercially available slides coated in polymer gel. For example,
parameters such as signal intensity per unit area, and binding
kinetics are all comparable, or better, between the current
invention and traditional microarray techniques.
[0224] iv) Substrate Optimization in Enhanced Surface Area
Microarrays
[0225] The basic elements of typical enhanced nanofiber microarray
substrates herein are silicon nanofibers, e.g., nanowires, grown on
a substrate such as a silicon wafer or glass slide. Of course, as
explained throughout, various embodiments herein can be comprised
of a number of different components, etc. More information on basic
construction of nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates in
general is found throughout. However, in general, there are at
least two major aspects to preparing optimal surfaces as described
for microarrays. It will appreciated that such optimization of
nanofiber enhanced surfaces is equally applicable to embodiments in
addition to array structures (e.g., equally applicable to
separation columns, etc.).
[0226] First, the physical characteristics of the nanofiber
substrate (e.g., diameter, length, density, orientation and surface
properties of the nanofibers) can be varied to optimize the
performance of the material in microarray applications. These
parameters can be varied to optimize surface area, improve surface
robustness and provide the best material for chemical linkage and
subsequent assay performance. For example, as will be apparent to
those skilled in the art and as detailed elsewhere herein, several
methods have been reported in the literature for the synthesis of
silicon nanowires, including laser ablating metal-containing
silicon targets, high temperature vaporizing of Si/SiO.sub.2
mixture, and vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth using gold as the
catalyst. See above. In typical embodiments herein, the approach to
nanofiber synthesis comprises VLS growth since this method has been
widely used for semiconductor nanowire growth for other
applications. However, again, depending upon the embodiment,
alternate construction methods can be used. In most studies the
gold catalyst is introduced on the surface of a substrate as a thin
uniform layer. The catalytic particles are activated during the
growth initiation period through migration and agglomeration. One
of the problems with this approach, however, is that it is very
difficult to control the diameter and diameter distribution of the
nanofibers produced. A significant improvement to this method has
been made recently. See, Liebers et al., infra. By using size
selected gold colloid particles instead of a gold thin film, high
quality silicon nanowires with a narrow diameter distribution can
be produced. Yang has also pioneered methods for synthesizing high
quality nanowires that can be used to provide a suitable substrate
for further optimization. See, Yang et al., infra. Such
improvements are optionally used in construction of the enhanced
nanofiber surface areas herein.
[0227] Optimization and scale-up of the process to produce silicon
nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) coated with SiO.sub.2 that have
controlled diameter, density, length and surface properties (e.g.
oxide thickness) are factors of the current invention. The primary
approach typically comprises distribution of gold nanoparticles
with known diameters on a silicon substrate by spin-coating. After
removing solvents and organic residue, the substrate is placed in a
growth furnace to grow silicon nanofibers. SiH.sub.4 or SiCl.sub.a
are typically used as the growth gases. After the growth, the
substrate is removed from the furnace and used as the substrate for
microarrays or other structures as described herein, or further
characterized using the methods described below. The surface of the
nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) can be critical for the stability,
sensitivity and selection of chemistries for the attachment of
specific biomolecules or chemistries to block non-specific
interactions. Typically, silicon nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) are
covered with a thin native oxide layer that is formed upon exposure
of the nanofibers to air. Control of the thickness and the nature
of this oxide layer is another useful factor for the fabrication of
a robust and chemically compatible substrate. Oxide growth can be
controlled by the removal of the native oxide layer followed by the
growth of a new layer in carefully controlled environments, for
example, use of plasma enhanced deposition to grow the oxide layer
on nanofibers. Other modifications, such as growth of nitride
layers or specific organosilanes can be used to provide further
control of the surface, e.g., by straightforward linkage
chemistries well known to those of skill in the art.
[0228] As explained throughout, main morphological features of the
microarrays herein that can be varied comprise nanofiber length,
diameter and density of the nanofibers on the substrate. As is
appreciated by those of skill in the art, nanofiber length is
controlled by, e.g., the synthesis time in a reactor. Density is
controlled by, e.g., the concentration and distribution of gold
colloids per unit area on the growth substrate and diameter is
controlled by, e.g., the size of the gold colloids used.
[0229] Throughout the process of optimization of microarrays herein
and of developing synthetic control over the materials, a variety
of characterization techniques are used to evaluate the quality of
the materials produced. Fluorescent microscopy, for example, is
often the initial tool to evaluate intensity improvements of the
current invention over conventional surfaces. Such evaluations can
be carried out on an array scanner. TEM and SEM are optionally used
to evaluate overall nanofiber morphology. TEM can also be used to
evaluate the quality and thickness of the oxide surface layer on
nanofibers. FIG. 17 shows an example of a TEM image of a silicon
nanowire and oxide surface. TEM analysis demonstrates that the
nanowire consists of a crystalline silicon core encased in a sheath
of amorphous silicon oxide.
[0230] A second major aspect to preparing optimal surfaces for
microarrays as described herein involves methods for coating
nanofibers on standard array format slides. In order for substrates
to be evaluated on conventional array scanners it can be helpful to
grow or construct the arrays on glass slides of standard size and
thickness. Thus, some embodiments herein adapt the colloid coating
methodologies from silicon wafers to, e.g., standard 1''.times.3''
glass slides. This optionally allows reevaluation of approaches to
optimizing fiber density and ensures all other parameters are
stable on the substrate format using the methods described herein.
Approaches to make the nanofiber surface more robust on the
substrate (either by pre-treating the slide prior to nanofiber
synthesis) are also involved. In terms of use in conventional
scanning devices, etc., one useful aspect of some substrates herein
is that they retain the dimensions (length, depth and width) of
conventional glass slides and not the specific material. Hence in
some embodiments it can prove beneficial to evaluate different
substrates for fiber growth that are shaped into the appropriate
size. The material optimization process provides a substrate that
provides an increased signal intensity per unit area, e.g.,
100-fold or more over conventional glass substrates with no
significant change in assay kinetics.
[0231] The superior fluid wicking properties of the enhanced
nanofiber substrates herein provide a more uniform surface for
fabricating spotted arrays. However, unlike lithographically
patterned arrays where the chemistry is present uniformly over the
array and the spatial restriction is achieved by selectively
activating small regions using UV light, spotted arrays require far
more control over the spatial distribution of the chemistry. Thus,
spot intensity, uniformity and size are all optionally
optimized/controlled in embodiments of arrays herein.
[0232] For example, the amount of fluid spotted onto the
hydrophilic nanofiber surface in various embodiments herein, with
the available interstitial space for fluid to flow within the
optimized surface can be calibrated. This allows the spotting of
very precise and very uniform spots that have a high surface area.
With this approach, a hypothetical enhanced surface area of 100
fold generated with 20 nm.times.10 um nanowires will have 180 wires
per square micron and the deposition of about 80 pl of fluid will
give a spot of 100 um in diameter. This type of precision is well
within the capabilities of current ink-jet or piezoelectric
printing technologies and can provide the basis for generating
uniform spots that can be deposited at the lower end of what is
currently achievable. This approach is limited by the amount of
fluid that can easily be deposited accurately on the surface. Thus,
to reduce spot sizes below 75 um (50 pl), new developments to the
deposition of fluids e.g. acoustic drop ejection technologies that
can supply a few picoliters of fluid are optionally utilized. In
some embodiments, spotted microarrays of the invention are
patterned using a low precision pin-printer to achieve spots of
approximately 180 um in diameter and to quantitate uniformity and
spot intensity compared to equivalent spots on a planar glass
surface.
[0233] Another means of optimizing spotted microarrays of the
invention (specifically in reducing feature size) is to pattern the
nanofiber substrate so that it consists of very hydrophobic and
very hydrophilic regions of defined size where the chemistry is
deposited (see, FIG. 18 for an exemplary schematic). FIG. 18 shows
sample pre-patterned nanofiber substrates (with hydrophilic areas,
1801, and hydrophobic areas, 1802) used for spotting applications
which provide a controllable uniform surface for applying
chemistry. With such strategy, it is contemplated that 50 um spots
are achievable (50 um spots at 100 um center-to-center (CTC)
spacing equates with 10,000 spots/square centimeter). The nanofiber
materials of the invention can be modified with, e.g., hydrophobic
silanes to generate a surface that is more hydrophobic than any
reported in the literature to date (see, FIG. 19 which shows a
water droplet, 1910, on a super-hydrophobic nanofiber (here
nanowire) substrate, 1920, and "Super-hydrophobic Surfaces, Methods
of Their Construction and Uses Therefor," filed Apr. 28, 2003, U.S.
Ser. No. 60/466,229 and U.S. Pub. 20050181195 filed Apr. 27, 2004).
By initially treating the surface in this manner and then
lithographically removing the silane (e.g. by laser ablation) in a
defined pattern to generate hydrophilic islands, any chemistry can
be effectively restricted to very small regions of the spotted
array at the stage of oligonucleotide deposition. Again, similar
techniques can be used in a mirror-image fashion to create
hydrophobic islands surrounded by hydrophilic areas (or, e.g.,
lipophilic/lipophobic or the like).
[0234] In some embodiments, 100 um spot sizes with CTC distances of
500 um are created. In other embodiments, 50 um diameter
hydrophilic spots at 100 um CTC on a hydrophobic nanowire surface
are predefined. Oligonucleotide probes can be effectively linked to
such substrates and subsequently hybridized to fluorescent targets
using various assays known to those of skill in the art.
[0235] As will be appreciated, for construction and optimization of
many examples of arrays it is necessary to spot chemistries onto
various pixels (i.e., discrete areas or spots of nanofibers) of
arrays in a controllable fashion, e.g., so that the chemistries are
unique to each pixel and remain in the appropriate pixel and not
spread to adjoining pixels.
[0236] Yet another means of optimizing microarrays of the
invention, which helps in controllably localizing chemistries to
pixels, is to pattern the arrays with various
hydrophobic/hydrophilic regions so that liquid chemistry deposited
on a given pixel will not leak onto an adjoining pixel. In such
embodiments, arrays comprising pixels, composed of nanofibers, are
surrounded with "hedge" regions of nanofibers where the hedges are
opposite in polarity (i.e., hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) from
that of the pixels. Additionally, in most such embodiments, a
region of surface which contains substantially no nanofibers (or a
greatly reduced number/concentration of nanofibers in comparison to
the pixel/hedge areas) exists between the pixels and hedges. The
hedges can be continuous so that liquid chemistry can be used to
modify the polarity of the hedges by wicking throughout the hedges
while not contacting the pixels (optionally starting from a "hedge
loading pad" or similar area). See FIG. 20. As with many other
array embodiments of the invention, the current embodiments can
comprise nanofiber arrays for DNA and protein fluorescence binding
assays as well as, e.g., MALDI surfaces for mass spectroscopy and
the like. See below.
[0237] As described previously, many embodiments of
nanofiber-coated surfaces tend to wick compatible fluids quite
avidly. A surface having an array of patches of nanofibers (i.e.,
pixels) spaced apart by regions of surface that have a
hydrophilicity similar to that of the nanofibers can allow fluids
to wick to adjacent pixels if, e.g., even slightly too much fluid
is added to a pixel or the surface were jarred, etc. To block such
undesired wicking, in some of the current embodiments, the surface
of the substrate between the pixels is not necessarily the opposite
polarity of the surface of the nanofibers in the pixels; (although
such embodiments do exist). Rather, "hedges" between the pixels are
of opposite polarity in many embodiments. This embodiment comprises
methods and structures that allow for placement of regions of
different polarity (i.e., hedges) between pixels of nanofibers.
[0238] As can be seen in FIG. 20, examples of this embodiment are
composed of a continuous hedge of nanofiber covered surface area,
2010, which surround or enclose areas which contain substantially
no nanofibers, 2020, which, in turn, surround pixel areas, 2000,
that are composed of nanofiber areas that are of opposite polarity
than the hedge areas. By opposite polarity here is typically meant
hydrophobicity versus hydrophilicity (or optionally lipophobicity
versus lipophilicity, etc.). Creation of such patterns is typically
accomplished though removal of nanofibers in the emptied areas,
thus, delineating the hedges and pixels. The patterning is
optionally accomplished though any of a number of means, e.g.,
those described elsewhere herein such as photolithography, laser
patterning, etc. In order to make the hedge nanofiber areas of a
different polarity (typically hydrophobic) than the pixel areas
(typically hydrophilic), a solution which conveys the
hydrophobicity can be contacted with one or more area of the
continuous hedge and allowed to wick throughout the hedge. Because
the hedge areas and the pixel areas are separated by emptied
regions, such hydrophobicity conveying solution will not wick into
the pixel areas themselves. In some embodiments the solution can be
applied to a specialized region, 2030, which can be described as a
"hedge loading pad." Such loading pad area can be external to the
main array area, but is fluidly connected to the continuous hedge,
thus, allowing wicking of the deposited solution throughout the
entire hedge area. Some embodiments can comprise multiple hedge
areas located in various position upon the array formation.
Addition of the hydrophobic solution to the hedge area is typically
performed during manufacturing of the array rather than by an
end-user of the array so that application can be more carefully
controlled. Again, specific choices for coatings/moieties to add
and/or enhance liquid repellency or attraction are very well known
to those of skill in the art. See also, U.S. Pub. 20050181195.
[0239] Once the hedge is made hydrophobic it will act as a barrier
and prevent aqueous solutions applied to the pixels by the customer
from migrating or spilling into other pixel areas. Thus, a solution
that is meant for one pixel will not wick to an adjacent pixel,
even if the first pixel is slightly overloaded with solution, etc.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various aspects of
this embodiment can be manipulated depending upon the specific
parameters of the arrays to be constructed as well as the end use
of such arrays. For example, the polarity (i.e.,
hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) of the hedge and pixel areas can be
reversed, with the pixels being hydrophobic and the hedges being
hydrophilic. Additionally, pixel size and shape, hedge thickness,
space between hedge and pixel, and hedge geometry are all
optionally manipulated in various embodiments.
[0240] v) Characterization of Exemplary Nanofiber Enhanced Surface
Area Microarrays
[0241] Example 4 provides illustrative examples of NFS arrays of
the invention. One of the largest growth areas in microarray
technology is the application of DNA array substrates and analysis
tools to proteomic applications. Protein arrays are analogous to
miniaturized immunoassays, and like DNA arrays, can utilize
fluorescence as a readout. Exemplary embodiments herein can
involve, e.g., the chemical linkage of cytokine specific antibodies
to an NFS array surface, the application of a target solution
containing spiked cytokines and labeling with a fluorescently
labeled secondary antibody. Arrays of the invention are optionally
useful in, e.g., detection, such things as cytokines, etc. in
tissue culture media or diluted plasma. Conventional fluorescent
array scanners can be used for detection of the bound target and
comparison of the signal intensity and dynamic range over
conventional glass surfaces. Because of the importance of protein
orientation for effective target binding it is believed that
increasing the number of probes per square micron (e.g., as with
the nanofibers of the invention herein) significantly improves the
performance of protein arrays. In addition some embodiments
contemplate further coating the nanowire surface to provide a
polymeric matrix for the immobilized probes to improve array
performance.
[0242] To illustrate a number of the concepts and embodiment
descriptions above, several illustrative assays were performed
using exemplary nanofiber enhanced surface area arrays of the
invention. Results of such are provided in Example 5.
[0243] Another advantage of various embodiments of nanofiber
enhanced area surfaces of the invention is that in many
embodiments, the nanofiber containing areas can be isolated. In
other words, islands of nanofiber areas (i.e., containing greatly
enhanced surface areas) are surrounded by areas that do not have
(or have much fewer) nanofibers (i.e., therefore such areas do not
have an enhanced surface area or have a less enhanced surface
area). Creation of such patterning is beneficial in many
embodiments herein because numerous nanofiber surfaces display
liquid wicking effects. With wicking effects, a liquid (e.g., a
sample spotted onto a nanofiber surface) diffuses or wicks out from
its point of contact. Patterning of nanofiber surfaces can, thus,
stop such wicking activity. On planar surfaces spotting of samples
also leads to "halo" or "doughnut" effects due to quick movement
and drying of such small sample sizes typically used. The spot
intensity profile of such halos/doughnuts shows a greater
concentration of analyte encircling a region of lower concentration
of analyte. Typical embodiments herein, however, can be constructed
to display little or not such effect. See Example 5 and the figures
therein.
[0244] The nanofiber arrays herein also display improved dynamic
range and improved sensitivity as compared to substrates without
nanofibers. Illustration of such is also shown in Example 5. See
below for further discussion of increased dynamic range.
[0245] The figures and data herein (e.g., Example 5, etc.)
demonstrate that embodiments of the invention comprising nanofiber
enhanced surface area substrates can be modified with conventional
chemistries and that in many embodiments, such surfaces display an
almost 2 order of magnitude or more increase in signal intensity
per unit area as opposed to planar substrates which do not have
nanofiber enhanced area surfaces. Additionally, in many
embodiments, it is seen that an at least 1 order of magnitude
increase or more in dynamic range exists between nanofiber enhanced
surfaces herein and planar SiO.sub.2 surfaces without nanofibers.
Also, the binding kinetics on dense nanofiber enhanced surfaces and
planar surfaces are quite similar. Thus, nanofiber enhanced surface
areas allow a reduced feature size, show an improved dynamic range,
show improved spot uniformity, provide a generic platform for
proteomics and genomics, and have reduced requirements for
instrument sensitivity and reduced signal integration times as
compared to planar surfaces (i.e., those without nanofibers).
[0246] A) Use of Exemplary Enhanced Surface Area Microarrays with
Mass Spectrometry
[0247] As mentioned previously, various embodiments of the current
invention can be used in creation of targets for mass spectrometry.
Typically in such embodiments, various substances to be subjected
to mass spectrometry are configured into microarrays of the
invention. However, the enhanced nanofiber substrates of the
invention can be used in construction of targets for mass
spectrometry even without arranging a number of target substances
into a microarray format. In other words, the enhanced surface area
nanofiber surfaces can be used in construction of targets for
single substances to be subjected to mass spectrometry, as well as
for 2, 3, 5, 10, or more, etc. substances, substances in
microarrays, etc.
[0248] MALDI, or matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization,
commonly uses organic molecules capable of UV adsorption and energy
transfer mixed with a sample and applied to a planar target for
ionization mass spectrometry. However, the matrix, or organic
additive, can cause interference in the technique and its
elimination has been the target of research over the last ten
years. Up to the present, the most promising matrix-free method
involved etching silicon to create porous silicon. DIOS-MS, or
matrixless desorption/ionization strategy for biomolecular mass
spectrometry, is based on pulsed laser desorption from a porous
silicon surface. For example, see, e.g., Lewis et al.,
International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 2003, 226:107-116.
Etched silicon has increased surface area and therefore can make
contact with a large amount of sample. Silicon is UV absorbing and
can also transfer energy to help ionize the sample. Because of
these features, the etched silicon emulates an organic matrix. See,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,390. However, poor reproducibility and
flexibility of the etched silicon surfaces has prevented the
commercial implementation of this method.
[0249] The use of nanofiber enhanced surface areas for MALDI,
DIOS-MS and other similar mass spectrometry applications promises a
highly controlled, patternable silicon surface having very high
surface area. The non-tortuous open nature of the surfaces herein,
the high purity of the materials involved, and the lack of
restriction to a silicon substrate make the current enhanced
surfaces ideal for various mass spectrometry applications.
[0250] Various embodiments of the invention comprise laser
desorbtion mass spectrometry targets created by synthesizing or
connecting nanofibers (e.g., semiconductor nanofibers) on a
supporting substrate. The nanofibers are preferably silicon and
most typically are synthesized on the surface by a CVD process
using a gold catalyst. However, as explained throughout, nanofibers
used in the various embodiments herein are optionally synthesized
through any of a variety of means. See above. Furthermore, the
substrate upon which the fibers are synthesized does not have to be
silicon and, in some embodiments, is preferably a metallic surface.
Also, in some embodiments, it is effective to deposit the
nanofibers onto a surface without having them attached at the base.
Again, see above. The high surface area, non-tortuous path
morphology and UV absorbing characteristics of the semiconducting
nanofiber surfaces of the invention make them ideal for
construction of laser ionization targets.
[0251] In typical mass spectrometry target embodiments, the
substances to be examined through MALDI, DIOS-MS, or the like are
configured into a nanofiber enhanced surface array of the
invention. Thus, for example, the substances to be examined are
placed/contacted with various nanofiber pads, fields, or in the
bottom of micro/nano-wells which comprise nanofiber surfaces. Most
commonly, each separate pad, pixel, field, etc. (i.e., each
separate discrete area of nanofiber surface) is contacted with, or
has placed upon it, a different substance to be examined by mass
spectrometry. Of course, depending upon the specific application,
other configurations are equally possible. Greater description of
exemplary arrays and array constructions, which are also applicable
to the current embodiments, are described throughout.
[0252] As with the other embodiments herein, various aspects of the
nanofiber enhanced area surfaces can be varied, e.g., in order to
optimize the surfaces/methods for particular parameters. For
example, the nanofibers can be varied in diameter, length, or
density depending on the application requirements. Also, the fibers
can be grown on silicon or on any other desired medium, e.g.,
metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, etc., and in any desired geometry,
e.g., planar, in wells, in strips, etc. In the current embodiments,
the nanofibers can be grown on silicon, but in many instances would
more likely be produced on a dissimilar substrate such as glass,
quartz or metal. Other possible materials for nanofibers and
substrate surfaces are listed throughout. Additionally, those of
skill in the art will be familiar with yet more possible
construction materials. The fibers are also optionally coated or
functionalized for optimum performance, e.g., as is described
elsewhere herein.
[0253] Samples of the substances to be analyzed by mass
spectrometry are optionally placed in contact with the nanofiber
substrates by conventional dispensing means. Similar means are
described elsewhere herein, e.g., pipetting, dot-printing, etc.
Those of skill in the art will be familiar with various protocols
to follow to dry the samples for analysis. Laser energy levels and
pulse durations are also optionally optimized for analysis of the
samples arrayed upon the nanofiber surfaces. Again, those of skill
in the art will be familiar with ways of determining optimal
parameters for laser energy, pulse time, etc. for mass
spectrometry.
[0254] Various examples of use of nanofiber enhanced surfaces of
the invention in mass spectrometry applications are shown in
Example 6.
B) QUENCHING OF NON-SPECIFICALLY BOUND FLUORESCENT MOLECULES BY
PROXIMITY TO SILICON IN ENHANCED SURFACE AREA SUBSTRATES
[0255] In embodiments herein comprising solid phase binding assays,
where fluorescence is used for detection, the limit of detection is
generally determined by non-specific binding of fluorescent
molecules, while the maximum detection level is determined by
saturation of the surface binding sites by the specific analyte. In
general, modification of the solid phase surface with analyte
capture molecules is not perfect and "holes" in the layer of
capture molecules allow fluorophores to bind nonspecifically to the
surface. Typically the capture molecules are large and tend to hold
the fluorescent analyte at some distance from the surface.
[0256] In many embodiments herein, a mat of silicon nanofibers
(e.g., nanowires) on a surface (e.g., a planar surface) is used as
a means to increase the binding surface area for fluorescence
binding assays. See, above. In typical embodiments, the silicon
nanofibers are covered with a native oxide (about 2 nm thick) such
that their surface properties are equivalent to those of glass.
This surface would be expected to increase the maximum amount of
analyte bound at saturation, but would also be expected to
demonstrate an increased background fluorescence or non-specific
binding (NSB). Both effects theoretically should be proportional to
the total surface area, and thus the dynamic range of the assay
(maximum fluorescence/background fluorescence) supposedly should be
the same as that for an unmodified planar surface. Dynamic range is
a limitation of solid phase binding assays, particularly those for
DNA and RNA where the range of concentrations of different species
of nucleotide can vary orders of magnitude in one sample. Quite
surprisingly, binding assays performed on nanofiber enhanced
surfaces demonstrated a greater dynamic range than their
counterparts performed on planar glass substrates. Example 7 and
the figures therein illustrate such ranges, etc.
[0257] Given these surprising points, for the purpose of performing
fluorescence binding assays, various embodiments of the invention
use a substrate that absorbs light in the spectral region where the
fluorophore emits, and which has a chemistry attachment surface
that is sufficiently close to the light absorbing part of the
substrate such that energy transfer from molecules close to the
surface is efficient.
[0258] It will be appreciated that material of the substrate can be
changed in different embodiments as long as it absorbs light in the
appropriate region of the spectrum. Those of skill in the art will
be aware of materials (e.g., various inorganic semi-conducting
materials, metallic materials, etc.) which allow fluorescent
molecules to non-radiatively transfer their energy to the
materials. See, e.g., Chance, et al., in Advances in Chemical
Physics, I. Prigogine and S. Rice (eds.) (Wiley, N.Y. 17978) Vol.
37, p. 1. Such materials, i.e., those to which energy from
fluorescent molecules is non-radiately transferred, thus allowing
fluorescent quenching, are selectively chosen to comprise
nanofibers and/or substrates in the various embodiments herein.
Thickness of the chemistry attachment layer (e.g., oxide for
silicon) also can be modified to optimize depth into solution that
fluorescence will be quenched. This will depend on the specific
binding chemistry used (e.g., a long PEG spacer that keeps
specifically bound fluorophores further away from the surface would
allow for a thinner oxide that would quench nonspecifically bound
molecules further form the surface).
[0259] As will be appreciated, embodiments of the invention (i.e.,
those involving self-quenching) can also optionally involve
substrates in addition to those involving nanowires as well as
those with nanofiber substrates to reduce NSB signal. For example,
as will be understood from the above discussion, other enhanced
surface area substrates (e.g., silicon substrates) of various
conformations such as those involving microstructures (e.g.,
comprising structures which are too large to fall easily within the
nanofiber parameters defined herein), myriad types of
nanostructures (e.g., nanowires of various lengths/diameters,
nanoposts, nanorods, nanopores, nanocrystals, etc.), as well as
amorphous silicon surfaces can all utilize fluorescent quenching as
shown herein, and are all contained within various embodiments of
the current invention.
[0260] Thus, in some embodiments herein, an increased dynamic range
of nanowire surfaces in contrast to glass or grown SiO.sub.2
surfaces is achieved because background signal does not increase
proportionally with enhanced surface area, whereas the saturated
binding signal does increase in proportion to the enhanced surface
area. A major contributing factor to this effect is the increased
quenching of non-specifically adsorbed fluorescent material on
native silicon dioxide surfaces (<2 nm oxide) as compared with
grown oxide surfaces.
C) SEPARATION APPLICATIONS
[0261] Another exemplary area of use of the nanofiber enhanced
surface area substrates of the invention concerns
filtration/separation. Separation techniques such as HPLC are
replete throughout academia and industry. In typical HPLC and other
similar separations, various components in a liquid mixture are
forced through a column (e.g., a capillary column) under pressure.
Within the column is a packed bed of particles that selectively
retains particular analytes within the liquid (e.g., due to
specific physical properties such as electric charge, size,
hydrophobicity, shape, etc.). Thus, separation of analytes is
brought about by such interaction of particles with the various
analytes which causes the analytes to pass through the column at
different rates.
[0262] In various embodiments herein, nanofiber enhanced surface
area substrates are used in similar separation scenarios. For
example, a packed bed of particles in a separation column can
consist of particles (e.g., beads) that are coated with nanofibers,
either through application or through growth on the beads. Thus,
the beads are therefore nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates.
The use of nanofibers benefits separations through several means.
For example, the greatly enhanced surface area allows binding
moieties, etc. to be present in a much higher concentration in a
smaller overall volume. See, FIG. 21 for a comparison of nanofiber
sizes, 2101 which represents vertical 40 nm nanofibers, to typical
HPLC packing material, 2100 which represents an outline of a
typical HPLC matrix bead. Thus, FIG. 21 shows a nanofiber grid
superimposed over a typical 10 um HPLC column packing bead.
Therefore, analytes passed through the column will not have to go
through a tortuous path to encounter such moieties; less column
volume needs to be provided to capture the desired analytes; and
less pressure needs to be applied to the column to force the
analytes through. Also, in some embodiments, cleaner bands of
analytes are eluted from the column. Due to the enhanced surface
area, a greater number of analyte capturing moieties exists in a
smaller area, thus, a greater percentage/amount of the desired
analyte is captured in the smaller area and will present a cleaner
band when eluted from the column.
[0263] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, for
numerous materials the surface properties provide a great deal of
the functionality or use of the material. For example, in various
types of molecular separations, the selectivity is provided by
interaction of the surface of a column or packing material with the
appropriate analytes. Thus, in many instances, increasing the
surface area of such materials or columns can improve the
separation efficiency and result in shorter analysis times and
higher resolutions. For example, the current invention, by coating
the walls of a capillary electrophoresis column or the beads in an
HPLC packing matrix with nanofibers (e.g., metal terminated) that
extend into the separation solution optionally creates a dramatic
increase in surface area which can be in contact with the
separation solution. In actuality, basically any type of column
(e.g., capillary electrophoresis, HPLC, etc.) is optionally coated
with the nanofibers of the invention. Of course, in different
embodiments herein, the lumens of such tubes/columns have
nanofibers grown within such areas, e.g., by coating the lumen with
gold colloids, etc. See, below. In yet other embodiments, the
nanofibers are used as "loose" packing material in tubes/columns or
are attached to the wall of the lumen through a gold ball on the
end of the nanofiber. In yet other embodiments, the nanofiber
surfaces of the invention can provide "thin film" or other similar
separation devices. Beneficially, in typical embodiments, the
materials involved in separation devices, etc., are made from
SiO.sub.2 substrates. In many typical (but not all) embodiments
herein, the nanofibers used to enhance surface area comprise
silicon oxide(s) as well. Additionally, the non-tortuous path of
the nanofiber separation media leads to lower required pressures
and higher efficiency separations due to the lack of packing voids,
etc. In many instances herein, conventional chemistry well known to
those of skill in the art is optionally used to functionalize the
nanofibers and, thus, tailor the enhanced surface area to specific
uses.
[0264] In some embodiments herein, nanofibers are synthesized
inside the lumen of a tube, e.g., a capillary tube. Such nanofibers
coat the inside of the tube with a homogeneous layer of nanofibers
and greatly increase the available surface area within the tube. In
some such embodiments, the nanofibers are optionally treated (e.g.,
with a hydrophilic moiety to increase the wicking (capillary fluid
transport) capability within the tube). Of course, in other
embodiments herein the innate wicking action of particular
nanofiber surfaces acts to wick fluids. Such embodiments can be
used, for example, to increase the capillary pumping head in heat
pipe structures and the like. The increased wicking capability can
allow heat pipes to work more efficiently against gravity. Thus,
the heat source can be located above, rather than below or level
with, a cooling area. Similar embodiments can also be extend to
refrigeration type systems and, in fact, to many other heat
transfer systems. See below for discussion of construction of
enhanced surface area nanofiber substrates within lumens of
tubes.
[0265] Thus, the nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates of the
invention are optionally used as, or within, numerous types of
separation media. Their high surface to volume ratio and
non-tortuous path structure lead to low flow resistance, high
efficiency pressure driven separations. Additionally, since a
number of embodiments are composed of silicon oxides, conventional
functionalization is relatively straightforward as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. Additionally, as is
explained in greater detail below, solution phase growth allows
growth of nanofibers inside separation devices (e.g., within
various columns or capillaries, etc.). Also, tight spacing of
vertical nanofiber surfaces can optionally allow bio-molecular
separations. Liquid separations done with the current invention are
optionally useful in, e.g., reverse osmosis membranes, ion exchange
systems, water treatment, and specialized applications in such
areas as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, chemical processing,
mining, catalysts, beverage and dairy processing, etc.
[0266] As described in more detail in various embodiments herein,
hybridization substrates can benefit from similar nanofiber
enhanced surface areas. For example, immunoassays and other similar
assays are often set up on flow-through membranes. Such membranes
typically have large pore sizes to allow rapid flow-through of
analyte containing solutions. However, the large pore size limits
the capture surface area of the membrane (i.e., there is less
surface area available to capture the desired analytes). Further,
increasing the available surface area by providing more, smaller
pores, results in problems in the travel of molecules through the
pores, e.g., back pressure is greater and diffusion is slower,
thus, resulting in lower access to the added surface area resulting
from the inclusion of such pores. In embodiments of the current
invention, the effective surface area can be dramatically increased
without compromising the strength of the membrane. This is due to
end attachment of nanofibers functionalized with the capture
antibody (or other moiety) to the surface material, e.g., which
comprises the pores (i.e., the material in which the pores
exist).
[0267] i) Variously Configured Separation Embodiments of Nanofiber
Enhanced Surface Areas
[0268] Several basic embodiment types of separation structures can
be fabricated in the current invention from nanofibers and
nanofiber processes. As explained throughout, embodiments can have
utility, in particular, in the areas of separation, detection,
catalysis, etc. In typical embodiments the utility of the nanofiber
enhanced surface areas is based upon the basic porous structure
formed from the nanofibers. Such nanofiber enhanced surface areas
structures have such characteristics as, e.g., a porous profile
formed by entangled or specifically arranged nanowires. Such pores
or free spaces in the structure are between the nanofibers and
typically are all connected one to another. Typical embodiments
also present a profile free of micropores, dead end pores, etc. and
a profile comprising mesoporous/macroporous pores with narrow size
distribution. Embodiments herein also typically comprise a profile
having high accessible surface area (with typically all surface
sites being easily accessible), and optionally, a robust
constitution (e.g., the nanofiber structures can take high
pressure).
[0269] The nanofiber thin film structures illustrated in FIG. 22
are similar to many embodiments herein. Typically, such nanofiber
structures are of SiO.sub.2, but as explained throughout, other
substances are also possible. Panel A shows randomly oriented
nanofibers producing a uniform mesoporous structure. The nanofibers
can optionally be fused together at cross (contact points). Panel B
shows vertically aligned nanofibers with a separation of, e.g., a
few nanometers. In either configuration, the nanofibers can be
functionalized, e.g., via --OH chemistry, etc. as is illustrated
via the inset in FIG. 22 with "F" indicating functional groups.
Such nanofiber surfaces can be utilized for, e.g., high resolution,
high speed thin layer chromatography for protein/DNA separation,
etc. Again, as explained throughout, however, such examples are but
a few of the myriad possible embodiments herein. Such embodiments
as shown in FIG. 23 (e.g., a SiO.sub.2 nanofiber membrane (here
nanowire) can be made into, e.g., high efficient TLC plates on
glass, metal foils, or even plastics. One method to make a plastic
supported plate includes, e.g., making a high nanofiber
concentration polymer composite, making a composite sheet through
compression/extrusion, then plasma etching to remove the polymer
and expose the nanofibers on the surface. Such construction can be
optionally followed by functionalizing the fibers with a chemical
moiety.
[0270] Other embodiments herein, however, comprise nanofiber
enhanced surface area structures comprised within the lumen of a
tube, column, capillary, etc. For example, the schematics shown in
FIGS. 24-27 can be made by directly growing nanofibers inside a
capillary tube, such as a quartz/Pyrex.RTM. capillary. For example,
FIG. 24 shows a schematic view of cross sections of possible
nanofiber capillary columns (e.g., one with an open lumen and one
wherein the nanofibers fill the entire or substantially the entire
lumen). The nanofibers are optionally fused together where they
cross (e.g., at 2400) and/or comprise functional groups (e.g.,
moieties to selectively bind molecules, etc.). Examples of such
functional groups can include, e.g., chemical groups such as --OH,
--COOH, NH.sub.3, etc.; small molecules such as amino acids,
protein and/or DNA segments, surfactants, etc.; polymer chains such
as LPA, PDMA, PEO, PVP, PEG, AAP, HEC, etc. Again, "F" in FIG. 24
indicates functional groups. Those of skill in the art will be
quite familiar with the wide range of possible functional groups
that may be used in columns, etc. FIG. 25 shows a schematic diagram
of an exemplary nanostructure enhanced electrophoresis device for,
e.g., DNA separation. The device can combine a nanofiber engineered
capillary, 2500, with a highly sensitive nanofiber FET detector,
2501, and buffer reservoirs, 2502. Nanofibers can be grafted with
linear polyacrylamide chains and grafted polymer chains can be
fixed on nanofibers, thus, suppressing electroosmotic flow. The
nanofiber network can provide an additional separation factor. FIG.
26 shows exemplary mesoporous particles engineered with nanofibers
(e.g., SiO.sub.2 nanowires). The nanofibers can optionally be fused
together at their cross points and/or can comprise functional
groups (e.g., the nanofibers can be functionalized via --OH
chemistry, etc. as described above). Such mesoporous particles
present a unique porous structure, i.e., connected spaces in a
three dimensional nanofiber network. The mesoporous structure
presents uniform pore size distribution that is free of micropores,
dead-end pores, etc. Such structures also present a high accessible
surface area and a uniform surface site energy, and are free of
extraneous binder. The structure can have a high strength (e.g.,
SiO.sub.2 nanofibers can be fused at cross points with SiO.sub.2)
and can optionally be functionalized as exampled above. FIG. 27
presents an exemplary use of a nanofiber-enhanced column as a
chromatographic column. The schematic view presents a cross section
of a nanofiber-particle packed column that could be suitable for,
e.g., high speed protein/DNA separation, chiral separation, etc. In
many, but by no means all, embodiments, the nanofibers can comprise
silicon nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) with a thin SiO.sub.2 coating.
As explained above, additional structure can be further fabricated
in such nanofibers, e.g., through --OH chemistry. For example,
chemical chains with specific functional groups are optionally
attached. Embodiments comprising such tubular structure are
especially useful for, e.g., chromatographic separation, such as
micro-separation and chiral separation. Examples of nanofiber
enhanced surface area substrates within capillaries is seen in
Example 8.
[0271] In yet other embodiments herein, structures similar to those
in FIGS. 24-27 can be made by fusing randomly packed nanofibers at
contact points. In some optional embodiments, the nanofibers are
not fused, or only a portion of the nanofibers are fused. The
particles can be formed by grounding. These particles are
optionally used for, e.g., packing large chromatographic columns
for large scale, high throughput separations. A useful feature of
such embodiments is that such columns have a bimodal pore structure
(i.e., macro pores between particles (high throughput) and
mesopores within the particles (high efficient separation)). Again,
as with many embodiments herein the surface of nanofibers can be
functionalized to suite, e.g., for various separation requirements.
It will be appreciated that in order to realize such structures, a
sometimes large quantity of nanofibers is required. Large scale
fabrication can be accomplished through, e.g., supported powder
catalyst methods and/or aerosol methods. Those of skill in the art
will be familiar with other useful large-scale preparation
methods.
[0272] Other embodiments herein optionally comprise structures
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 23. Such embodiments comprise a
membrane formed by a thin coating of nanofibers on the top of a
macro/mesoporous sheet. See also, 60/541,463, filed Feb. 2, 2004.
The pore size of such membranes is determined by the diameters of
the nanofibers. Thus, membranes with pore size less than 10 nm can
be made by using nanofibers with diameters less than 10 nm and so
on. Such embodiments are optionally used for nanofiltration or to
make water, air breathable suits, e.g., suitable for protection
from bio-warfare agents (pores with less than 10 nm size will be
sufficient to block viruses and bacteria). Furthermore, an
absorbing function can be built in such structures by increasing
the thickness of the nanowire layer (in addition to its block
ability). The nanofibers also can optionally be specifically
functionalized with specific surface chemistry.
[0273] Again, it will be appreciated that the illustrative
embodiments shown herein are merely illustrative and should not be
taken as necessarily limiting upon the current invention.
D) INTERACTION OF BIOMATERIALS AND NANOFIBER ENHANCED SURFACE AREA
SUBSTRATES
[0274] In other embodiments, the nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrates of the invention are used in various medical and medical
product/device applications. For example, coatings on medical
products for drug release, lubricity, cell adhesion, low
bio-adsorption, electrical contact, etc. are included in the
current invention. For example, the application of surface texture
(e.g., as with the present invention) to the surfaces of polymer
implants has been shown to result in significant increases in
cellular attachment. See, e.g., Zhang et al. "Nanostructured
Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Improved Adhesion and Corrosion
Resistance for Medical Implants" Symposium V: Nanophase and
Nanocomposite Materials IV, Kormareni et al. (eds.) 2001, MRS
Proceedings, vol. 703. Other medical applications of the current
embodiments include, e.g., slow-release drug delivery. For example,
drugs can be incorporated into various pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers which allow slow release over time in physiological
environments (e.g., within a patient). Drugs, etc. incorporated
into such carriers (e.g., polymer layers, etc.) are shielded, at
least partially, from direct exposure to body fluids due to
incorporation into the carrier layer (e.g., present interstitially
between the nanofibers). Drugs, etc. at the interface between the
body fluids and the carrier layer (at the top of the nanofiber
layer) diffuse out fairly quickly, while drugs deeper within the
carrier layer diffuse out slowly (e.g., once body fluid diffuses
into the carrier layer and then diffuses back out with the drug).
Such carriers are well known to those of skill in the art and can
be deposited or wicked onto the surface of a nanofiber substrate
(i.e., amongst the nanofibers).
[0275] Additionally, various embodiments herein can comprise
semi-conducting or metal coated nanofibers used for imaging of
surfaces or implants or electrical contact in uses such as
pacemakers or the like. For example, such nanofiber substrates can
reflect ultrasound rays back towards a transducer at angles almost
parallel to an ultrasound beam, thus, allowing easy visualization
of medical implants, etc. Tracking of devices such as amniocentesis
and biopsy needles, stents (e.g., urinary, cardiovascular, etc.),
pacemaker guide-wires, shunts, cannulae, catheters of numerous
types, PICC lines, IUDs, cauterization loops, filters, etc. can be
aided through addition of nanofiber enhanced surfaces. Those of
skill in the art will be familiar with other similar devices
capable of use of nanofiber substrates of the current invention.
Other imaging applications can include, e.g., functional monitoring
of such devices after they are implanted in a patient or tracking
and retrieval of surgical devices accidentally left in patients. It
will be appreciated that such imaging uses of nanofiber substrates
are also optionally combined with antimicrobial or other benefits
herein. Other medical uses and medical devices utilizing nanofiber
substrates can be found in, e.g., U.S. Pub. 20050038498, filed Mar.
2, 2004, entitled "Medical Device Applications of Nanostructured
Surfaces."
[0276] Biofilm formation and infection on indwelling catheters,
orthopedic implants, pacemakers and other medical devices
represents a persistent patient health danger. Therefore, some
embodiments herein comprise novel surfaces which minimize bacterial
colonization due to their advantageous morphology. In contrast, yet
other embodiments herein utilize the unique surface morphology of
nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates to foster cell growth
under desired conditions or in desired locations. The high surface
area/non-tortuous aspect of the current invention allows greater
attachment area and accessibility (in certain embodiments) for
nutrients/fluids, etc. and initial attachment benefits over porous
surfaces where growth, etc. is limited by space (both in terms of
surface area and space within the pores for the cells to grow
out).
[0277] The substrates of the invention, because of their high
surface areas and ready accessibility (e.g., non-tortuous paths),
are extremely useful as bioscaffolds, e.g., in cell culture,
implantation, and controlled drug or chemical release applications.
In particular, the high surface area of the materials of the
invention provide very large areas for attachment of desirable
biological cells in, e.g., cell culture or for attachment to
implants. Further, because nutrients can readily access these
cells, the invention provides a better scaffold or matrix for these
applications. This latter issue is a particular concern for
implanted materials, which typically employ porous or roughened
surfaces in order to provide tissue attachment. In particular, such
small, inaccessible pores, while providing for initial attachment,
do not readily permit continued maintenance of the attached cells,
which subsequently deteriorate and die, reducing the effectiveness
of the attachment. Another advantage of the materials of the
invention is that they are inherently non-biofouling, e.g., they
are resistant to the formation of biofilms from, e.g., bacterial
species that typically cause infection for implants, etc.
[0278] Without being bound to a particular theory or method of
action, the unique morphology of a nanofiber surface can reduce the
colonization rate of bacterial species such as, e.g., S.
epidermidis by about ten fold. For example, embodiments such as
those comprising silicon nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) grown from
the surface of a planar silicon oxide substrate by chemical vapor
deposition process, and which comprise diameters of approximately
60 nanometers and lengths of about 50-100 microns show reduced
bacterial colonization. See below. It will be appreciated that
while specific bacterial species are illustrated in examples herein
that the utility of the embodiments does not necessarily rest upon
use against such species. In other words, other bacterial species
are also optionally inhibited in colonization of the nanofiber
surfaces herein. Additionally, while examples herein utilize
silicon oxide nanowires on similar substrates, it will be
appreciated that other embodiments are optionally equally utilized
(e.g., other configurations of nanofibers; nanofibers on
non-silicon substrates such as plastic, etc; other patterns of
nanofibers on substrates, etc.).
[0279] Catheters and orthopedic implants are commonly infected with
opportunistic bacteria and other infectious micro-organisms,
necessitating the implant's removal. Such infections can also
result in illness, long hospital stays, or even death. The
prevention of biofilm formation and infection on indwelling
catheters, orthopedic implants, pacemakers, contact lenses, and
other medical devices is therefore highly desirous.
[0280] It will be noticed that substrates herein that are covered
with high densities of nanofibers (e.g., silicon nanowires) resist
bacterial colonization and mammalian cell growth. For example,
approximately 10.times. less (or even less) bacterial growth occurs
on a nanowire covered substrate as compared to an identical planar
surface. In various embodiments herein, the physical and chemical
properties of the nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates are
varied in order to optimize and characterize their resistance to
bacterial colonization.
[0281] In contrast to prevention of bacterial colonization, other
embodiments herein comprise substrates that induce the attachment
of mammalian cells to the nanofiber surface, e.g., by
functionalization with extra-cellular binding proteins, etc. or
other moieties, e.g., hydroxyapatite coatings, etc., thus,
achieving a novel surface with highly efficient tissue integration
properties.
[0282] In some embodiments herein where NFS substrates are to be
used in settings requiring, e.g., sterility, etc., the nanofibers
are optionally coated with, or composed of, titanium dioxide. Such
titanium dioxide confers self-sterilizing or oxidative properties
to such nanofibers. Nanofibers which comprise titanium dioxide,
thus, allow rapid sterilization and oxidation compared to
conventional planar TiO.sub.2 surfaces while maintaining rapid
diffusion to the surface.
[0283] In embodiments herein which involve nanowires comprising
titanium oxides (e.g., coated nanowires, etc.), such can optionally
be achieved though any of a number of methods. For example, in some
embodiments herein the nanowires can be designed and implemented
through an approach which involves analytical monitoring of
(SiO.sub.4).sub.x(TiO.sub.4).sub.y nanowires by coating and a
molecular precursor approach. The layer thickness and porosity are
optionally controlled through concentration of reagent, dip speed,
and or choice of precursor for dip coating such as
tetraethoxytitanate or tetrabutoxytitanate, gelation in air, air
drying and calcinations. Molecular precursors such as
M[OSi(O.sup.tBu)3]4, where M=Ti, Zi, or other metal oxides, can be
decomposed to release 12 equivalents of isobutylene and 6
equivalents of water to form mesoporous materials or nanowires.
These precursors can also be used in conjunction with CVD or
detergents in nanocrystal syntheses (wet chemistry) to produce
dimetallic nanocrystals of desired size distribution. Materials can
be made via wet chemistry standard inorganic chemistry techniques
and oxidative properties determined by simple kinetics monitoring
of epoxidation reactions (GC or GCMS) using alkene substrates.
Porosity can be monitored by standard BET porosity analysis.
Copolymer polyether templates can also be used to control porosity
as part of the wet chemistry process.
[0284] Titanium oxide materials are well known oxidation catalysts.
One of the keys to titanium oxide materials is control of porosity
and homogeneity of particle size or shape. Increased surface area
typically affords better catalytic turnover rates for the material
in oxidation processes. This has been difficult as the kinetics of
oxide formation (material morphology) can be difficult to control
in solution.
[0285] As described, recent interest in TiO.sub.2 for oxidative
catalytic surfaces (self-cleaning surfaces) shows promise for
marketing "green chemistry" cleaning materials. However, the
self-cleaning efficiency of the material is dependent upon, e.g.,
the surface area and porosity. Nanowires have a much higher surface
areas than bulk materials (e.g., ones with a nanofiber enhanced
surface) that are currently used for self-cleaning materials. Thus,
the combination of silicon nanowire technology coated with
TiO.sub.2 or TiO.sub.2 nanowires or molecular precursors to form
nanofibers can optionally provide access to previously unknown
materials that are useful in self-cleaning, sterilizing, and/or
non-biofouling surfaces.
[0286] In some embodiments, such sterilizing activity arises in
conjunction with exposure to UV light or other similar excitation.
Such factors are optionally important in applications such as,
e.g., sterile surfaces in medical settings or food processing
settings. The increased surface area due to the NFS of the
invention (e.g., increasing area 100-1000 times or the like),
therefore, could vastly increase the disinfection rate/ability of
such surfaces.
[0287] i) Current Means of Preventing Bacterial Contamination of
Medical Devices
[0288] Enhancement of resistance of biomaterials to bacterial
growth and promotion of rapid tissue integration and grafting of
biomaterial surfaces are both areas of research. However, despite
advances in sterilization and aseptic procedures as well as
advances in biomaterials, bacterial and other microbial infection
remains a serious issue in the use of medical implants. For
example, greater than half of all nosocomial infections are caused
by implanted medical devices. These infections are often the result
of biofilms forming at the insertion site of the medical implant.
Unfortunately, such infections are often resistant to innate immune
system responses as well as to conventional antibiotic treatments.
It will be appreciated that such infections are problematic not
just in treatment of humans, but also in treatment of a number of
other organisms as well. For example, commercially important
species such as horses, cattle, etc. are also capable of treatment
with medical implants/devices which comprise the antimicrobial
nanofiber surfaces herein.
[0289] A variety of methods have been used to combat surface
colonization of biomedical implants by bacteria and other
microorganisms as well as the resulting biofilm formed. Previous
methods have included varying the fundamental biomaterial used in
the devices, applying hydrophilic, hydrophobic or bioactive
coatings or creating porous or gel surfaces on the devices that
contain bioactive agents. The task of generating universal
biomaterial surfaces is complicated by species' specificity to
particular materials. For example S. epidermidis has been reported
to bind more readily to hydrophobic than to hydrophilic surfaces.
S. aureus has a greater affinity for metals than for polymers,
while S. epidermidis forms a film more rapidly on polymers than
metals.
[0290] Antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics and polyclonal
antibodies integrated into porous biomaterials have been shown to
actively prevent microbial adhesion at the implant site. However,
the effectiveness of such local-release therapies is often
compromised by the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotic
therapy and the specificity associated with antibodies. Recent in
vitro studies have also explored the use of biomaterials that
release small molecules such as nitrous oxide in order to
non-specifically eliminate bacteria at an implant surface. Nitrous
oxide release must, however, be localized to limit toxicity.
[0291] ii) Prevention of Biofilm Formation by Nanofiber Enhanced
Area Surfaces
[0292] Results of the inventors have shown that silicon nanofiber
(here nanowire) surfaces aggressively resist colonization by the
bacteria S. epidermidis as well as the growth of CHO, MDCK and NIH
3T3 cell lines. This is found to be the case when the bacteria or
cells were cultured in contact with a native hydrophilic nanowire
surface or with a fluorinated hydrophobic nanowire surface. Since
silicon oxide flat control surfaces and polystyrene flat control
surfaces supported profuse growth of S. epidermidis and the three
cell lines, it is inferred that the nanowire morphology renders the
surface cytophobic. Of course, again, it will be realized that the
utility of the current invention is not limited by specific
theories or modes of action. However, surface morphology is thought
to be basis for the antimicrobial activity. The nanofibers on such
substrates are spaced tightly enough to prohibit the bacteria from
physically penetrating to the solid surface below. The amount of
presentable surface area available for attachment is typically less
then 1.0% of the underlying flat surface. In typical embodiments,
the nanofibers are approximately 40 nm in diameter and rise to a
height about 20 uM above the solid surface. See, e.g., FIG. 2.
Thus, unlike a typical membrane surface that would be found on a
medical device, the nanowire surfaces herein are discontinuous and
spiked and have no regular structure to aid in cell attachment. In
fact, the current surfaces are almost the exact opposite of a
conventional membrane; rather than a solid surface with holes, they
are open spiked surfaces. It is thought that this unique morphology
discourages normal biofilm attachment irrespective of the
hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the nanofibers involved.
[0293] As detailed throughout, the nanofiber growth process can be
conducted on a wide variety of substrates that can have planar or
complex geometries. Thus, various substrates of the invention can
be completely covered, patterned or have nanofibers in specific
locations. However, for ease of focus herein, silicon nanofibers on
silicon oxide or metallic substrates are discussed in most detail.
Again, however, nanofibers from a wide variety of materials are
also contemplated as is growing such on plastic, metal and ceramic
substrates. The versatility of the nanofiber production process
lends itself to the eventual scale-up and commercialization of a
wide variety of products with nanofiber surfaces for the
bio-medical field.
[0294] Example 9 and its figures illustrate prevention of
biological contamination of a nanofiber enhanced surface of the
invention. As mentioned previously, it is thought that the primary
means of biofilm prevention by nanofiber surfaces herein is due to
the unique morphology of the substrate, however, it is also
possible that such substrates comprise inherent cytophobicity
activity.
[0295] The effect of surface hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity on
growth is also optionally modified on the nanofiber substrates
herein to specifically tailor biofilm prevention in different
situations. Such functionalization goes along with variability in
wire length, diameter and density on the substrate. In typical
embodiments, the silicon oxide surface layer of the typical
nanofiber substrates is quite hydrophilic in its native state.
Water readily wets the surface and spreads out evenly. This is
partially due to the wicking properties of the surface.
Functionalization of the surface is facilitated by the layer of
native oxide that forms on the surface of the wires. This layer of
SiO.sub.2 can be modified using standard silane chemistry to
present a functional groups on the outside of the wire. For example
the surface can be treated with gaseous hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS)
to make it extremely hydrophobic. See above.
[0296] iii) Attachment of Extra-Cellular Proteins onto Nanofiber
Surfaces
[0297] As shown herein, nanofiber surfaces do not readily support
the growth of mammalian cells or bacteria. Yet, in other instances,
the growth of mammalian cell lines on surfaces is advantageous.
Thus, embodiments of the current invention, by attaching
extra-cellular proteins or other moieties, e.g., hydroxyapatite
coatings, etc., to nanofibers encourages such cell growth. The
deposition of the proteins on the nanofibers can be through simple
nonspecific adsorption. Proteins with known extra-cellular binding
functions such as Collagen, Fibronectin, Vitronectin and Laminin
are contemplated in use. Other embodiments contemplate covalent
attachment of cells/proteins to a nanofiber surface. In embodiments
where grafting and/or bonding of nanofiber substrates and, e.g.,
biological material such as bone or medical devices such as metal
bone pins, etc. is to occur, different embodiments can have
different patterns of nanofibers upon the substrate. Thus, for
example, nanofibers can optionally only exist on an area of a
medical implant where grafting or bonding is to occur. Again,
standard protein attachment methods can be used to make the
covalent linkage to the nanofibers.
[0298] Additionally various sol-gel coatings can be deposited upon
nanofiber surfaces herein to encourage bio-compatibility and/or
bio-integration applications. Previous work on devices concerned
with bone integration has used porous materials on titanium
implants to encourage bone growth. In some embodiments herein, the
current intention utilizes addition of similar materials in
conjunction with the nanofiber surfaces herein. For example,
hydroxyapatite, a common calcium based mineral, can optionally be
deposited on nanofiber surfaces to facilitate bone integration
into/with the nanofiber surface. Common sol-gel techniques can
optionally be used to produce the hydroxyapatite deposition and
those of skill in the art will be familiar with such. Such
hydroxyapatite coated nanofiber surfaces optionally could have the
benefit of both promoting bone integration and displaying
anti-biofouling properties, thus, resulting in a greater likelihood
that proper bone growth/healing will occur.
[0299] Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the
current invention also includes use of deposition of ceramic-type
materials and the like through sol-gel techniques to produce a wide
range of, e.g., compatibility applications (i.e., in addition to
those involving hydroxyapatite and bone growth).
E) KITS/SYSTEMS
[0300] In some embodiments, the invention provides kits for
practice of the methods described herein and which optionally
comprise the substrates of the invention. In various embodiments,
such kits comprise one or more nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrate, e.g., one or more microarray, separation/filtration
device, medical device, mass spectrometry device, heat exchanger,
superhydrophobic surface or, one or more other device comprising a
nanofiber enhanced surface area substrate, etc.
[0301] The kit can also comprise any necessary reagents, devices,
apparatus, and materials additionally used to fabricate and/or use
a nanofiber enhanced surface area substrate, or any device
comprising such.
[0302] In addition, the kits can optionally include instructional
materials containing directions (i.e., protocols) for the synthesis
of a nanofiber enhanced surface area substrate and/or for adding
moieties to such nanofibers and/or use of such nanofiber
structures. Preferred instructional materials give protocols for
utilizing the kit contents.
[0303] In certain embodiments, the instructional materials teach
the use of the nanofiber substrates of the invention in the
construction of one or more devices (such as, e.g., microassay
devices, analyte detection devices, analyte separation devices,
medical devices, etc.). The instructional materials optionally
include written instructions (e.g., on paper, on electronic media
such as a computer readable diskette, CD or DVD, or access to an
internet website giving such instructions) for construction and/or
utilization of the nanofiber enhanced surfaces of the
invention.
F) EXAMPLES
i) Example 1
Wicking on Nanofiber and Planar Substrates
[0304] To illustrate comparative wicking of liquids (here water)
between a planar silicon surface and a nanofiber enhanced area
substrate of the invention, a 1 uL drop of water was placed upon
each. FIG. 28A, displays a graph comparing the wicking of the
water, (measured in FIG. 28 as comparative evaporation) between the
planar silicon surface and the nanofiber enhanced surface area
substrate of the invention. As can be seen, wicking (and hence, in
FIG. 28, evaporation as displayed by "% water loss") occurs much
more rapidly with the substrates of the invention. FIG. 28B
displays the data for the graph in FIG. 28A.
ii) Example 2
Exemplary Flow Assays of Nanofiber Substrates
[0305] FIG. 29 shows a schematic of a nanofiber enhanced slide
configured into a flow assay scheme. In FIG. 29, biotinylated BSA
(i.e., a probe), 2900, was adsorbed at known positions along
nanofiber tracks (in this instance nanowire tracks), 2910, on slide
2940. The tracks were generated by scraping the edge of a glass
slide through a nanofiber field on a substrate. A solution
containing fluorescently labeled streptavidin (i.e., a target) was
applied to the tops of the tracks. 15 ul of SAv-647 in PBS/0.1% BSA
was followed by a total of 300 ul PBS/0.1% BSA. The liquid, thus,
wicked into the nanofiber tracks until it filled the interstitial
space between the nanofibers. To continue the liquid flow and to
wash through any unbound label, additional liquid was added at the
top of the tracks and a filter paper wick, 2920, was placed at the
bottom end of the tracks. The paper acted as a reservoir for the
liquid that had traversed the track. See FIG. 29. After 20 volumes
of label-free solution had traversed the track, the slide was
allowed to dry and then scanned on a fluorescent array scanner to
detect labeled streptavidin bound to the BSA immobilized at the
specific positions on the tracks.
[0306] As can be seen from FIG. 30, the immobilized biotin-BSA was
able to effectively capture and concentrate the labeled
streptavidin (i.e., target) at the points where it was immobilized.
A signal of 306 counts was seen at 3000, and a signal of 18,176
counts was seen at 3010 corresponding to the known positions of
bound probe.
[0307] As another example of the current embodiment, 1 ul spots of
varying concentrations of biotin-BSA were deposited onto specific
nanofiber tracks carved out of a nanofiber lawn on a slide. The
concentrations were 100 uM, 1 uM, 10 nM, 100 pM and 0 biotin-BSA.
10 ul of 100 ug/ml streptavidin was applied to the tracks and
followed by 150 ul PBS/1% BSA. The tracks were dried and the image
was taken on an Axon 4100A array scanner. FIG. 31 shows the clear
distinction between the 100 uM through 1 uM spots. At the correct
PMT settings 10 nM is also detectable above background.
iii) Example 3
Exemplary Nanofiber Array Patterning
[0308] The ability to grow nanometer scale wires of defined
diameter and length on various surfaces is illustrated in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 shows an example of an "extreme" surface with very high
surface to volume ratios and yet without the complex etched
architecture of other more traditional strategies for increasing
surface area to volume (e.g. etched silicon). FIG. 7 shows SEM
views of top and side views of a typical nanofiber surface, both
patterned and unpatterned. The silicon nanofibers were grown out
from a silicon wafer and the surfaces were therefore compatible
with standard glass modification chemistries, etc. Although
discussion herein primarily focuses on silicon wafers as the
substrate for nanowire growth, as explained further above, the
process can potentially be conducted on a wide variety of
substrates that can have planar or complex geometries.
[0309] Examples of nanofiber arrays produced by masking process can
be seen in FIGS. 8 through 14. In the figures, a 150 um stainless
steel mask having 200 um wide holes on a 400 um pitch was used with
standard silicon/silicon oxide 4 inch wafers to produce a patterned
nanofiber array. From 20 to 60 nm of gold was sputtered onto the
silicon wafers through the mask to produce the defined nanofiber
areas. The nanofibers (here nanowires) were grown to procedures
standard in the art. FIG. 8 shows well-defined nanofiber pattern
areas created using a shadow mask and 40 nm gold deposition. FIG. 9
shows side views of similar discrete nanofiber areas.
[0310] Based on fluorescent measurements, thinner deposits of gold
film (e.g., 20 nm) typically can give thinner, more uniform
diameter nanofibers with surface areas equivalent to other
nanofiber growth methods (e.g., standard gold colloid deposition
methods). For example, FIG. 10 displays nanofibers that are fairly
uniform (e.g., 50 to 100 nm) that were created through use of a 20
nm gold film deposit. Additionally, FIG. 11 shows that gold film
thickness of between 30 and 60 nm generates a wide nanofiber size
distribution with many nanofibers within the 50 um range.
[0311] The difference between nanofiber areas and substrate
background of nanofiber arrays produced by shadow-mask was examined
via fluorescent intensity and light microscopy. The features
produced using a 20 nm gold film showed a 25-fold increase over
planar areas (i.e., those areas without nanofibers). FIG. 12
displays light and FL-microscopy of two sample nanofiber arrays
(both using 20 nm gold film). One example of FIG. 12 displays a
light/FL-microscopy heterogeneity between nanofiber areas, 1200,
and planar areas, 1220, of 8.2.times. while the other example shows
a difference of 25.1.times.. FIG. 13 also shows exemplary possible
variations achievable through manipulation of gold film thicknesses
in regard to feature homogeneity. For example, panels A-D show
nanofiber array features constructed form increasing thicknesses of
gold film and line profiles showing intensity/fluorescence within
such different nanofiber features. FIG. 14 displays that through
manipulation of the gold film used in nanofiber construction,
nanofiber features on a substrate can produce "doughnut" intensity
profiles (e.g., similar to the effect seen with analyte drops in
traditional microarray technologies) which are believed to be due
to large, thick nanofibers in the central portion of the features,
1400. Thus, as shown in FIG. 14, (panel A FL intensity, panel
%--high magnification dark field microscopy) nanofibers constructed
from 60 nm gold film can comprise thicker nanofibers than those
that could result from use of thinner gold films. Cf FIGS. 13 and
14.
[0312] Another example of a patterned nanofiber array of the
invention is shown in FIG. 15. In the figure, nanofiber (here
nanowire) features were pre-patterned on a silicon substrate. A
dark-field image (50.times.) shows the patterns of 250.times.250 um
nanofiber features, 1500, on the silicon substrate, 1510, with a
center to center distance of 500 um between the features. FIG. 16
shows SEM images (100.times. in Panel A and 1,000.times. in Panel
B) of the unique nanostructured surface of another exemplary
nanofiber array of the invention. Such nanofiber features, 1600 and
1620, were patterned on the entire surface of silicon or quartz 4
inch round wafers, 1610 and 1630.
iv) Example 4
Visualization of Binding with Exemplary Nanofiber Arrays
[0313] To show sample nanofiber arrays of the invention, standard
mRNA preparations from eukaryotic cell cultures or pre-purchased
RNA samples (e.g., from Clontech) were optionally used as a
template to synthesize Cy3 or Cy5 labeled cDNA for hybridization on
the array formats. Oligonucleotide probes can be generated against
a select panel of well characterized genes known to be expressed in
the appropriate samples and the relative performance of the
nanofiber enhanced substrates can be compared against conventional
glass arrays. Analysis can be done on a conventional fluorescent
array scanner widely used for the analysis of spotted microarrays
(e.g. Perkin Elmer ScanArray or the like). FIGS. 32 and 33 display
analysis/measurement of nanofiber arrays of the system on a typical
microarray scanner used for current commercial arrays as well as a
2 color assay with nanofiber arrays of the system. As can be seen
from FIG. 32, nanofiber arrays of the invention can be read on
conventional array scanners. The data shown was read with an Axon
4100A. Other similar array scanners (e.g., Perkin Elmers ScanArray)
could also be used. The laser power of the scanner can be
significantly attenuated from that used in typical planar analysis,
thus, creating less photobleaching of the array. FIG. 32 shows that
slides can be scanned on an array scanner and that the data is
comparable to fluorescent microscope/CCD analysis; but with an
order of magnitude improvement in detection limit. In FIG. 32,
series 1 refers to scanning of a nanofiber surface, while series 2
refers to scanning of a planar surface. FIG. 33 shows a 2-color
assay using nanofiber arrays of the invention. The nanofiber arrays
were directly hand-spotted and different probes were adsorbed onto
the distinct features and then exposed to a multiplex (2 color)
assay. Panel A shows a dark field image of visible nanofiber areas,
3300, while Panel B shows a fluorescent image of the nanofiber
array. The arrays were spotted with either BSA, biotin BSA or mouse
IgG on the nanofiber features. Detection was carried out following
simultaneous labeling with alexa 647 (red, 3310)-labeled
streptavidin and alexa 488 (green, 3320) labeled anti-mouse
IgG.
v) Example 5
Exemplary Patterned Nanofiber Assays
[0314] To illustrate concepts of nanofiber enhanced surface area
microarrays, a number of illustrative, but not limiting, assays
were performed. The results of such illustrative assays are shown
in FIGS. 34-37. FIG. 34 shows a schematic of a sample hybridization
assay system representative of assays that can be performed using
the methods and devices of the invention. In FIG. 34, nanofibers,
3400, attached to a substrate, 3410, have been modified to comprise
a target/probe system which allows fluorescent monitoring of
binding. For FIG. 34, the probe was 5'-Biotin-TTTTGCCTACGATCA-3'
(SEQ ID NO:1) while the Target was 5'-CY5-TTGATCGTAGGCA-3' (SEQ ID
NO:2). For FIG. 34 a flow-scheme showing sample steps involved in
the illustrative assay can optionally include, APTES modified
SiO.sub.2 surface (plane or with nanofibers) followed by
NHS-PEG-biotin, followed by Streptavidin, followed by Biotin-oligo
probe (i.e., link probe) followed by Cy-5-oligo target (i.e.,
hybridize) followed by wash and determination of bound fluorescence
by epifluorescent microscopy. Similar systems were utilized in the
other figures illustrating this Example and the related section
above concerning characterization of exemplary nanofiber enhanced
surface area microarrays. In the present figures, "nanofiber"
indicates a nanofiber enhanced surface area substrate while
"planar" indicates that the surface does not comprise nanofibers.
FIG. 35 compares signal intensity between nanofiber substrates and
planar substrates. It should be noted that the fold increase of
increase in fluorescence (thus, indicating increase in binding) is
normalized amongst the various substrates in the figure (i.e.,
intensities shown in parentheses are saturated binding normalized
to 20 second exposure time). Such normalization was necessary due
to the differences in brightness between the samples and the
corresponding differences in exposure time. As can be seen, NFS
surfaces (i.e., ones comprised of nanofiber enhanced surface areas)
show a marked increase in fluorescent intensity over planar
SiO.sub.2, which does show some general non-specific binding of
probe, and the glass slide. As will be appreciated, the differences
in intensity can optionally be correlated with differences in
nanofiber density on the various substrates since the more
nanofibers per unit area, the greater the enhanced surface, and the
more probe that can bind. FIG. 36 illustrates the signal intensity
and dynamic range between nanofiber substrates and planar surface
substrates. Panel B is an enlargement of the bottom line of panel A
(i.e., the line indicating the planar surface). As can be seen from
the panels, the nanofiber surfaces show a greater dynamic range
than does the unadorned planar surface. The dynamic range can be
taken as an indication of the range between the lower level of
fluorescent intensity (occurring at very low levels of probe) and
the highest level of fluorescent intensity (occurring when all, or
substantially all, possible binding/interaction sites for the probe
are full). Thus, increased dynamic range can be useful in reactions
needing greater sensitivity or which occur over a wide range of
values. The nanofiber surfaces, since they have an enhanced surface
area allowing for greater binding of probe per footprint area, can
therefore be used over a greater range of experimental conditions,
etc. than can planar non-enhanced surfaces. See below for further
details on dynamic range in relation to fluorescent quenching.
[0315] FIG. 37 illustrates time constants (i.e., binding kinetics
tracked by fluorescent measurement) for both planar substrates,
FIG. 37A, and nanofiber (here nanowire) substrates, FIG. 37B. Some
prior attempts to create modified substrate surfaces (e.g., with
various packing matrices, etc.) resulted in creation of tortuous
pathways for analytes to follow in order to bind with the proper
moiety. The tortuous pathways, thus, lead to interferences with
kinetics, etc. However, the current invention does not experience
such problems. As can be seen from FIG. 37, the kinetics of the
nanofiber substrate and the planar substrate are substantially
similar. Kinetics, and indeed most aspects of nanofiber surfaces
discussed in terms of arrays, are also applicable to other
nanofiber methods/devices herein, e.g., kinetic benefits also
accrue in separation applications, etc. See below.
[0316] Comparison of protein binding to nanofiber and planar
substrates is illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39. FIG. 38 demonstrates
that nanofiber surfaces are compatible with protein binding. Mouse
IgG was adsorbed to both surfaces (A=planar surface, B=nanofiber
surface) and was then detected with ALEXA 647 labeled anti-mouse
IgG. A 20.times. increase in signal intensity was seen between the
planar surface and the nanofiber surface. FIG. 38 also demonstrates
again that the greatly enhanced surface area of the nanofiber
substrate allows for a much greater protein binding as illustrated
by a much greater fluorescent intensity. FIG. 39 demonstrates a
typical signal intensity difference between a nanofiber surface
(here nanowire) and adjacent planar surface that has been treated
the same way. In FIG. 39, biotin-BSA was adsorbed to the surfaces
followed by labeling with alexa 647-Streptavidin. It will be
appreciated that patterned nanofiber features and planar (i.e.,
areas without nanofibers or with comparatively greatly fewer
numbers of nanofibers, e.g., "alleys" between nanofiber features on
arrays) were modified and labeled in an identical manner. As can be
seen, a dramatic increase in fluorescent intensity of the nanofiber
feature exists. In FIG. 39B, the intensity increase was 21.5 times.
Typical intensity increases can be at least 20 times greater,
however, some embodiments have increases of from 20 times to 50
times or more greater, from 30 times to 40 times greater, or about
50 times greater intensity for the nanofiber areas.
[0317] FIG. 40 shows comparisons of intraspot consistency of spots
on planar substrates and spots (either direct spotting or
pre-patterned spotting) on nanofiber substrates. As can be seen,
the spot intensity on nanofiber substrates shows a much less
pronounced halo effect. Traditional means to prevent halos have
included, e.g., addition of surfactants, control of humidity, etc.
Yet another benefit of embodiments of the current invention is that
halo effects are eliminated or greatly reduced. Without being bound
to a particular mode of action, it is thought that the increased
wicking of the nanofiber surface quickly and evenly spreads the
spotted solutions within an island of nanofibers. Thus, the
solution is thought to fill up the interstitial spaces between the
top of the nanofiber tips and the substrate surface. The end result
is that nanofiber islands on substrates do not typically display
pronounced halo/doughnut effects. FIG. 41 shows spotting of
chemistry followed by incubation with a fluorescent target. FIG. 42
also illustrates the differences (e.g., in feature homogeneity and
intrafeature uniformity) between a commercially spotted array and a
nanofiber array of the invention. In FIG. 42, a commercially
available planar glass spotted array (panels A and B) was compared
against a nanofiber (here nanowire) patterned array (panels C and
D). As can be seen, the distribution of fluorescence across the
nanofiber features is much more even than the doughnut shaped
pattern seen in the conventional array. Cf, FIGS. 42A and 42C.
Also, the interspot variability is lower on selected regions of the
patterned nanofiber wafers. Panels A and B (i.e., the commercial
array) used a purchased prespotted slide (spotted with 70mer
oligos) which was hybridized to Cy3 labeled complement. Panels C
and D (i.e., the nanofiber array) comprised monoclonal anti-IL-6
adsorbed overnight, followed by the addition of IL-6, biotin IL-6
and alexa 647 streptavidin. The feature intensity of the commercial
spotted array was 146 (.+-.32.3) with a CV of 22%. The feature
intensity of the nanofiber array was 122 (.+-.4) with a CV of 3.3%.
FIGS. 42 through 46 also show comparison of intensity of protein or
nucleic acid between nanofiber surfaces and planar surfaces as well
as uniformity of spotting and kinetics. FIG. 43 shows increased
intensity per unit area. In 43A biotin BSA was adsorbed onto the
surfaces (planar and nanofiber, here nanowire), and visualized with
alexa 488-labeled streptavidin. Both wafer fragments were treated
identically (1 second exposure). In 43B and 43C, the wafers were
APTES modified, NHS-biotin coated, with alexa 647 at 100 nM (left
wafer) and 10 nM (right wafer). Both were exposed for 1 second.
FIG. 44 shows linkage chemistries--protein attachment in 44A and
DNA attachment in 44B. Chemistries added and exposure times are
listed on the figure. Thus, in 44A, wafers with nanofibers and
those without nanofibers were treated with aldehyde silane and
protein SAv and mouse IgG followed by alexa 647 and goat anti-mouse
antibodies. While in 44B, the wafers were APTES modified followed
with an NHS-maleimide heterobifunctional linker, SH-oligo-biotin,
and alexa-647 SAv. FIG. 45 displays the uniformity of probe
deposition onto nanofiber surfaces as compared with plain (i.e.,
without nanofibers) wafers. Biotin-BSA was spotted onto wafers,
blocked, and visualized with SAv-alexa 488. FIG. 46 displays
binding kinetics between a "plain" surface, i.e., one without
nanofibers and a "wire" surface, i.e., one with nanofibers (here
nanowires). Briefly, mouse IgG was adsorbed to the surface of wafer
slices. Unbound areas were blocked with BSA. For the control, only
BSA was present. The wafers were then incubated with alexa 647-goat
anti-mouse Ab (100 nM).
[0318] FIG. 47 demonstrates the improved assay performance
parameters in a simple assay system with a normalized comparison
between planar and nanofiber (here nanowire) surfaces. The probe
(biotinylated antibody diluted into non-biotinylated antibody at
the indicated fractions) was adsorbed directly to the slide surface
prior to detection with fluorescently labeled streptavidin. The
graph in the figure shows the side-by-side detection limit, linear
assay range and background signal from nanofiber versus planar
surfaces when they are approximately normalized for surface area
(e.g., for footprint area). Those of skill in the art will
appreciate the reduced background and improved sensitivity on the
nanofiber surface.
[0319] As shown, FIG. 48 demonstrates the ability to functionalize
enhanced area surfaces using preliminary chemistries and shows
evidence of increased signal per unit area. These studies (using
biotinylated BSA adsorption to the surfaces, followed by labeling
with alexafluor labeled streptavidin) demonstrate that even without
an attempt to optimize either density, wire diameter or surface
properties, embodiments of the invention can achieve an almost 20
fold increase in intensity per unit area. Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 48, the background fluorescence of both planar and nanofiber
(here nanowire) enhanced substrates, exposed to labeled target in
the absence of bound probe, are similar. This indicates that the
lower end of the dynamic range for real assays was not
significantly altered. FIG. 48 shows a comparison of intensity per
unit area of nanofiber (here nanowire) versus planar SiO.sub.2
surfaces. The surfaces were treated and imaged identically. The
numbers represent average pixel intensity. The panels on the left
represent enhanced substrates with a lower density of nanofibers
than those on the right. As will be appreciated, the background
fluorescence of both substrates is similar (the controls were only
exposed to the labeled target and did not have linked probe). FIG.
49 shows analyses of accessibility and binding kinetics of
antibodies to immobilized target proteins on the substrate. The
reactions measured binding of anti-mouse IgG to surfaces coated
with mouse IgG. For both planar surfaces and nanofiber surfaces
(here nanowire), binding appeared to be saturated in 1 minute under
the given conditions. As shown, under these conditions there
appears to be little difference in the time taken to reach
saturated binding for either planar or nanofiber enhanced
substrates indicating that surfaces of the invention do, in fact,
behave like a non-tortuous high surface-area substrate. Finally,
spotting analyses, using sections of wafer rather than patterned
substrates, show that spotting material on a nanofiber enhanced
substrate results in a more uniform distribution of capture probe
than just spotting onto a planar surface. See FIG. 50. In FIG. 50,
uniformity of signal on planar SiO.sub.2 surface (left) is compared
against a nanofiber-enhanced substrate (right). Each figure is an
area of wafer at 200.times. magnification after equal volumes of
biotinylated BSA solutions were spotted on the substrates followed
by labeling with streptavidin alexa-488.
[0320] In contrast to such highly wettable, high surface area
quality of the nanowire substrate FIG. 19 demonstrates that the
same material can be made super-hydrophobic. The contact angle on
this surface is so high that it is almost impossible to measure,
and thus, by taking advantage of these super hydrophilic or super
hydrophobic properties, this material provides a unique platform
for improving spotted arrays.
vi) Example 6
MS with Nanofiber Substrates
[0321] To illustrate various concepts herein concerning nanofiber
enhanced surface areas used with mass spectrometry, nanofiber
enhanced surfaces (in the example, nanowire surfaces) were tested
and optimized for DIOS-MS activity under a variety of different
conditions. The surfaces used comprised patterned nanowire surfaces
(in 200 um square conformations), compressed and pulled nanowires
(i.e., precrushed nanowires), and low density nanowires surfaces
(i.e., monolayer nanowire surfaces). In typical embodiments of
such, the nanofibers comprise a fairly high density of short
fibers. Such nanofibers can be grown in situ or deposited on the
surface. In some aspects, pre-crushing the fibers produces a
similar surface as growing shorter fibers. The nanowire surfaces
were derivatized (see, above for additional details on
derivatization and functionalization) with BSTFA,
(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluorohexyl)chlorosilane, and
(3-pentafluorophenyl)propyldimethylclorosilane (each tested
separately). FIG. 51 shows the chemical structures of such
compounds. The nanowire surfaces were patterned and precrushed
compressed with a microscope slide, were oxidized with ozone, and
were chemically modified with the reagents listed above. Analytes
used for mass spectrometry analysis consisted of 3 small molecules,
2 standard peptides (MRFA and Bradykinin), and two protein digest
(hemoglobin and BSA). FIG. 52 shows the chemical structure of the 3
small molecules analyzed. FIGS. 53A and 53B show mass spectrometry
results for 5 fmol Bradykinin and 50 fmol hemoglobin, respectively,
on perfluorinated patterned nanowire surfaces. FIGS. 54A through
54C show mass spectrometry results for 500 fmol midazolam, 500 fmol
verapamil, and 2.5 pmol propafenone, respectively, on the
perfluorinated patterned nanowire surfaces. Finally, FIG. 55 shows
mass spectrometry results for 5 fmol hemoglobin digest on a
perfluorinated monolayer nanowire surface. As can be seen from such
results, the nanofiber enhanced surfaces of the invention are
useful in mass spectrometry (here DIOS-MS) analysis of compounds.
Conjugated perfluorinated nanowire surfaces apparently allow good
DIOS-MS performance. Of course, use of such conjugated surfaces
should not be taken as limiting. Thus, other surfaces are also
optionally and/or alternatively used. Additionally, monolayer
nanowire surfaces produce a higher level of sensitivity in mass
spectrometry analysis (see, e.g., results in above figures for 5
fmol peptide amounts and 25 fmol small molecule amounts). In some
embodiments for very high sensitivity, short nanofibers or
monolayers of such are typically preferred. However, if extreme
sensitivity is not required, thicker layers can optionally be used.
Also, in other embodiments, deep wire sections are particularly
valuable for doing thin layer chromatography prior to mass
spectrometry analysis. In other embodiments of the invention used
with various mass spectrometry applications, the different
parameters are optionally modified depending upon, e.g., the
specific molecules being detected, etc. For example, the laser
energy used can optionally be adjusted (e.g., higher laser energy
levels for peptides as opposed to small molecules, etc.). Again,
those of skill in the art will be familiar with typical
modifications and optimizations for various mass spectrometry
techniques. FIGS. 56A-D show further examples of mass spectroscopy
on nanofiber substrates and illustrate one of the myriad possible
uses of the methods/devices of the invention (here to detect and/or
identify controlled substances, e.g., cocaine,
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine, d-methamphetamine, etc.).
The concentrations of the drugs detected/characterized in FIG. 56
were 5 pmol for all but cocaine, which was 500 fmol.
[0322] Further samples for mass spectrometry analysis were prepared
on nanofiber enhanced substrates (here nanowire enhanced
substrates). A plate was cleaned by 3 minute sonication in toluene,
3 minute sonication in acetone, blown dry under argon and then
plasma cleaned (200 W 10 min). Alumina was evaporated onto the
clean plate in 1.5 mm circles (see FIG. 57 for the pattern which
had features of 1.5 mm with center-to-center distance of 3 mm). The
plate was then boiled for 5 minutes and then soaked in 20 nm gold
colloid for 20 minutes. After colloid deposition, the plate was
plasma cleaned again (200 W, 10 mins) and then placed into a
furnace and nanowire growth allowed to take place for 6
minutes.
[0323] Following nanowire growth, the plate was plasma cleaned (200
W 30 seconds) and then covered with 100 .mu.l of neat
pentafluorophenylpropyldimethylchlorosilane (Gelest, Morrisville,
Pa.) for 15 minutes at 65.degree. C. The plate was washed in
methanol and blow dried with argon. Bradykinin fraction 1-7 (MW
757.4) was dissolved in 50% acetonitrile/0.05% TFA at 100
pmol/.mu.l and subsequently diluted into 20% acetonitrile prior to
spotting onto the nanowire spots (0.75 .mu.l volumes). The samples
were allowed to dry and then analyzed on an ABI Voyager-DE mass
spectrometer. FIGS. 58A and B show the signals obtained from 50
pmoles bradykinin on nanofibers (here nanowires) and on a similar
spot on stainless steel with no nanofibers (at the same laser
power). It will be appreciated that the bradykinin peak only
appears on the nanofiber surface.
[0324] A further example of use of nanofiber substrates herein in
conjunction with mass spectrometry took advantage of the usefulness
of the substrates herein to perform separation reactions as well.
See above. Thus, an integrated chromatographic separation and
desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (on silylated silicon
nanofibers, here nanowires) was performed. Dense arrays of single
crystal silicon nanowires (SiNWs) can be used as a platform for
laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of small molecules,
peptides and protein digests. Again, however, other embodiments
herein can use other nanofiber types/constructions, etc.
Sensitivity down to the attomole level can be achieved on the
nanowire surfaces by optimizing laser energy, surface chemistry,
nanowire diameter, length, and growth orientation. An interesting
feature of the nanowire surface is that it requires relatively low
laser energy (1 to 5 .mu.J/pulse) to desorb small molecules
therefore reducing background ion interference. Taking advantage of
their high surface area and fluid wicking capabilities, SiNWs were
used to perform thin layer chromatography (TLC) followed by mass
analysis of the separated molecules providing a unique substrate
that can integrate separation and mass spectrometric detection on a
single surface. Surface-based mass spectrometry approaches have
been widely applied to problems in protein identification, small
molecule metabolite characterization, and synthetic organic
chemistry. Among the most established techniques is matrix-assisted
laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), which provides for soft
ionization and high sensitivity analysis. See, e.g., Tanaka, et
al., "Protein and polymer analysis up to m/z 100,000 by laser
ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry" Rapid Commun. Mass
Spectrom. 2:151 (1988) and Karas, et al. "Laser Desorption
Ionization of Proteins with Molecular Masses Exceeding 10000
Daltons" Anal. Chem. 60:2299-2301 (1988). However, MALDI is
typically limited to the analysis of molecules above a mass range
of 700 m/z. Porous silicon (pSi) was developed as a matrix-free
desorption/ionization approach, where the absence of matrix related
ions extends the observable mass range to small molecules. It is
believed that its high surface area, low thermal conductivity, and
high UV absorptivity of pSi enabled its successful application to
desorption/ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS). See,
e.g., Wei, et al., "Desorption-ionization mass spectrometry on
porous silicon" Nature 399:243-246 (1999); Shen, et al., "Porous
silicon as a versatile platform for laser desorption/ionization
mass spectrometry" Anal. Chem. 73:612-619 (2001); Cuiffi, et al.,
"Desorption-ionization mass spectrometry using deposited
nanostructured silicon films" Anal, Chem, 73:1292-1295 (2001); and,
Kruse, et al., "Experimental factors controlling analyte ion
generation in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry on
porous silicon" Anal. Chem. 73:3639-3645 (2001).
[0325] SiNWs have been the subject of extensive research in
electronics, photonics, optoelectronics, sensing, and other novel
device applications. See, e.g., Cui, et al., "Nanowire nanosensors
for highly sensitive and selective detection of biological and
chemical species" Science 293; 1289-1292 (2001); Cui, et al.,
"Functional nanoscale electronic devices assembled using silicon
nanowire building blocks" Science 291:851-853 (2001); Huang, et
al., "Integrated optoelectronics assembled from semiconductor
nanowires" Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society
224:U308 (2002); Zhou, et al., "Silicon nanowires as chemical
sensors" Chem. Phys. Lett. 369:220-224 (2003); Duan, et al.,
"Single-nanowire electrically driven lasers" Nature 421:241-245
(2003); Hahm, et al., "Direct ultrasensitive electrical detection
of DNA and DNA sequence variations using nanowire nanosensors" Nano
Lett. 4:51-54 (2004) as well as references cited above. They share
a number of the same basic properties of pSi and, e.g., as
illustrated herein, appear to be an ideal platform for
surface-based mass spectrometry. In contrast to pSi, and as
explained throughout, SiNWs are catalyzed and grown on the surface
of a substrate and their physical dimensions, composition, density,
and position can be precisely controlled at the nanoscale level
thus offering even greater potential for designing mass
spectrometry active surfaces.
[0326] As explained above, SiNWs can be prepared through chemical
vapor deposition, laser ablation of Si targets, liquid crystal
templating methods, laser-assisted catalytic growth,
vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism, and supercritical fluid
methods as well as others. See, e.g., Morales, et al., "A laser
ablation method for the synthesis of crystalline semiconductor
nanowires" Science 279:208-211 (1998); Lieber, C. M.,
"One-dimensional nanostructures: Chemistry, physics &
applications" Solid State Commun 107:607-616 (1998); Cui, et al.,
"Diameter-controlled synthesis of single-crystal silicon nanowires"
Appl. Phys. Lett. 78:2214-2216 (2001); Gudiksen, et al.,
"Diameter-selective synthesis of semiconductor nanowires" J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 122:8801-8802 (2000); Duan, et al., "Laser-assisted
catalytic growth of single-crystal compound semiconductor
nanowires" Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society,
219:U874-U875 (2000)' Lyons, et al., "Tailoring the optical
properties of silicon nanowire arrays through strain" Nano Lett.
2:811-816 (2002)' Wu, et al., "Inorganic semiconductor nanowires:
rational growth, assembly, and novel properties" Chem. 8:1260-1268
(2002); and, Ma, et al., "Small-diameter silicon nanowire surfaces"
Science 299:1874-1877 (2003) as well as previously cited
references. In this example, surface deposited Au colloid with a
defined diameter was used as a growth catalyst. This method is very
flexible and allows the control of multiple growth parameters such
as length, diameter and density as well as being compatible with
growing SiNWs on a variety of substrates including silicon, glass,
ceramics, and metals, etc. In addition, SiNWs can be grown in
continuous fields or patterned using lithographic methods to
provide precise positional control of the nanostructured surface at
the micro- to millimeter scale or below. Typically, SiNWs are grown
from 10 to 60 nm in diameter and up to 100 .mu.M in length and the
nanowire density can also be controlled by varying the density of
the catalyst deposited onto the growth surface (typical densities
for this application are between 1 and 10 wires/.mu.m.sup.2).
[0327] This example examines the effect of laser energy, nanowire
density, nanowire size, and growth orientation on the SiNW
performance as a platform for matrix-free mass spectrometry using
peptides and small drug molecules as model compounds. Recently
developed chemical modification on ozone-oxidized pSi has also been
employed on the SiNWs, a feature that has proven essential to
achieve high sensitivities. See, e.g., Trauger, et al. "High
Sensitivity and Analyte Capture with Desorption/Ionization Mass
Spectrometry on Silylated Porous Silicon" Submitted (2004). In
addition, as explained above, it is observed that this surface has
dramatic wicking properties driven by capillary action generated in
the interstitial spaces between SiNWs. This property is exploited
in TLC separation and subsequent MS analysis of small drug
molecules. The application of silylated SiNWs to laser
desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was examined as a function
of nanowire diameter, length, density, and growth orientation. See
FIG. 59 which shows a configuration of the laser
desorption/ionization mass spectrometry experiment showing (a)
patterned SiNWs grown on a silicon substrate attached to a modified
MALDI plate, (b) a schematic of laser desorption/ionization of
trapped analytes within the Si nanofiber mesh, (c) a close-up SEM
image of SiNWs and an illustration of the functionalities by
silylation, and (d) mass spectra of 500 amol
des-Arg.sup.9-bradykinin illustrating the sensitivity of Si
nanofibers (here nanowires). The measured signal-to-noise in this
example was 600 to 1. BSA and FHV tryptic digests, small drug
molecules (midazolam, MH.sup.+ 325, propafenone, MH.sup.+342;
verapamil, MH.sup.+ 455), and a standard peptide
(des-Arg.sup.9-bradykinin, MH.sup.+ 904) were used as model
compounds to examine desorption/ionization properties of SiNWs. In
the initial set of experiments the ability of silylated 40 nm
diameter SiNWs to generate ion signals was investigated and further
the optimal material characteristics in terms of SiNW length and
density were determined. Using the growth methods, e.g., described
herein, the nanowire growth orientation randomly varies from
horizontal to vertical and is independent of wire density and
diameter. The initial observation reveals that optimal performance
was dependent on both the layer thickness (wire length) and wire
density. Optimized mass spectral data were obtained reproducibly
with nanowire densities of less than 10 wires/.mu.m.sup.2 and wire
length of less than 5 .mu.m. Mass spectral data obtained from
silylated SiNW surfaces gave signal-to-noise levels and mass ranges
very similar to the silylated pSi surface. Silylated planar silicon
substrate (with no SiNWs) gave no detectable signal for peptides at
5 .mu.M. FIG. 59 shows a scanning electron micrograph of the
structured surface we investigated, the length of the wires were
varied from 0.5 to 10 .mu.m and the wires were deposited at various
densities from 1 to 50 wires/.mu.m.sup.2.
[0328] Because the electrical and optical properties of the SiNWs
are dependent on the nanowire length and density, the effect of the
diameter on the laser desorption/ionization performance was also
examined. SiNWs with approximately 1 .mu.m and diameters of 10, 20,
and 40 nm were tested for the analysis of small molecules and
peptides. In contrast to the dependence on wire length and density,
a clear difference in the performance of the nanowire surfaces with
varying diameter was not observed. MS analysis of small molecules
and protein digests were obtained reproducibly on SiNWs with
diameters between 10 and 40 nm and 1 .mu.m in length with
sensitivity at the picomole to the attomole level. The data
obtained from the digest could be searched against a protein
sequence database using Mascot to identify BSA and FHV with a score
greater than 99% confidence level. See FIG. 60. FIG. 60 shows laser
desorption/ionization from silylated silicon nanofibers (here
nanowires) of (a) 50 fmol Flock House Virus (FHV) and (b) 5 fmol
BSA digests showing the cleavage peptides that have been
identified. The data were searched with Mascot to identify the
proteins with a confidence level of greater than 99%. Typically, MS
analysis on the 10 to 40 nm diameter SiNWs provided a detection
limit of 50 fmol for small molecules while 40 nm diameter SiNWs
provided a detection limit of 500 amol for peptides. See FIG. 59.
It is contemplated that with further optimization of SiNW
fabrication and surface treatment, the detection limit can
optionally be improved.
[0329] The minimum laser energy requirement to desorb/ionize
analytes from SiNWs was also examined. Interestingly, SiNWs
required lower energy than pSi or MALDI, FIG. 61, and, as a result,
very little surface related background ions were observed from the
SiNWs. This characteristic is especially useful in the analysis of
small molecules wherein desorption/ionization can be performed with
laser energy as low as 0.3 .mu.J. FIG. 61 shows (a) a plot of laser
energy per pulse vs. MALDI instrument settings used in a laser
desorption/ionization analysis using silicon nanowires (yellow
shaded region on the left) and porous silicon (light blue shaded
region on the right) as platforms; (b) shows a comparison of the
laser energy requirement to desorb/ionize small molecules
(midazolam, m/z 326; propafenone, m/z 342; verapamil, m/z 455, 500
fmol) on the two platforms.
[0330] As explained above, one of the useful applications of SiNWs
is in the area of chromatography since SiNWs can be employed as a
platform for TLC. In TLC, capillary forces are employed to
transport the analytes in the mobile phase allowing analytes
applied on the stationary phase to move at different rates
ultimately allowing separation. See, e.g., Sherma, J., "Thin-Layer
and Paper-Chromatography" Anal. Chem. 60:R74-R86 (1988), see also,
above. The capability of SiNWs to separate a simple sample mixture
lies in its high surface to volume ratio. When combined with its
ability to support laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry,
TLC-MS with SiNWs provides a simple, inexpensive, rapid and
qualitative means to separate and analyze sample mixtures. This
example demonstrates TLC with SiNWs in the analysis with a mixture
of two small drug molecules (tenoxicam m/z 338; piroxicam m/z 332).
See FIG. 62. The silylated nanowire silicon surface allowed for the
migration and separation of the sample mixture (R.sub.f=0.69, 0.56
for tenoxicam and piroxicam, respectively) as demonstrated by
fluorescence of the drug molecules when irradiated with 254 nm UV
light. MS scanning the SiNW TLC plate along the sample track
revealed that two strong signals appearing at m/z 332 and m/z 338
corresponding to piroxicam and tenoxicam were observed,
respectively. It should be noted that mass spectra were only
observed from the two adjacent spots and analysis above and below
those spots generated no signal. It is contemplated that changes in
nanowire size and the effect of different silylating reagent can
effect separation and extraction efficiency. FIG. 62 shows silicon
nanowires as a platform for chromatographic separation of a mixture
of small drug molecules (tenoxican, m/z 338; piroxican m/z 332).
The sample was deposited 0.5 cm from the edge of the plate and
allowed to separate using methanol:water mixture as mobile
phase.
[0331] The results described here demonstrate the use of silylated
SiNWs for direct biomolecule analysis. It is shown that the
dimensionality, size, high surface area, and fluid wicking
properties play an important role for its application in mass
spectrometry and chromatographic separation. This example also
demonstrates that SiNWs require lower laser energy for analyte
desorption/ionization compared to MALDI or pSi-DIOS. Furthermore,
the analysis of a wide range of molecules with good sensitivity was
achieved, and the material could serve as a platform for the TLC-MS
analysis. The ability to pattern SiNWs on a wide variety of
substrates can lead to straightforward commercial developments. It
is contemplated that significant improvement in sensitivity and
chromatographic properties can result from tailoring the surface
properties through additional chemical and structural
modifications.
[0332] In this example, SiNWs were synthesized using Au nanocluster
catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism. Size selected
Au colloid particles were deposited on silicon wafers to produce
high-quality SiNWs with a narrow diameter distribution. Briefly,
this method employs Au nanoparticles with diameters of 10, 20, and
40 nm distributed on a silicon substrate by spin-coating. Colloids
were deposited at densities of 1 to 10 wires/.mu.m.sup.2 which was
verified by SEM. After removing solvents and organic residues, the
substrates were placed in a 480.degree. C. chemical vapor
deposition (CVD) furnace to grow SiNWs with silane (SiH.sub.4) as
the vapor phase reactant. SiNWs were etched in 5% HF solution to
remove the oxide layer and subsequently oxidized with ozone. The
surfaces were then modified with a silylating reagent. Surface
derivatization involved the modification of OH groups present on
the ozone-oxidized SiNWs by silylation with
(pentafluorophenyl)propyldimethylchlorosilane (PFPPDCS). This
modification generated a perfluorophenyl-derivatized SiNW surface.
The silylation reaction was performed by adding 15 .mu.L of the
PFPPDCS on the oxidized SiNW which was placed in a glass Petri dish
and incubated in an oven at 90.degree. C. for 15 minutes. The
chemically modified SiNW surface was rinsed thoroughly with
methanol and dried in a stream of N.sub.2. This simple procedure
produced perfluorophenyl silylated SiNW surfaces as verified by
infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Nanowire diameter, length and densities
were measured using a JEOL 6460LV SEM. The samples were mounted on
the stage with brass clips and analyzed in their native condition.
DIOS-MS measurements were performed with an Applied Biosystems
(Framingham, Mass.) Voyager STR time-of-flight reflectron mass
spectrometer. The SiNW surfaces were attached to a modified MALDI
target plate using conductive carbon tape and samples were
irradiated with a nitrogen laser operated at 337 nm at 5 Hz (3 ns
pulse duration) and attenuated with a neutral density filter. Ions
produced by laser desorption were energetically stabilized during a
delayed extraction period of 25-250 ns and then accelerated through
the linear time-of-flight reflectron mass analyzer with a 20 kV
pulse. The MS spectra were generated by averaging between 50-500
laser pulses. The laser intensity was set to optimize the
signal-to-noise ratio and the resolution of the mass spectral data
of the analyte. For TLC separation, perfluorophenyl-derivatized
SiNW surfaces were used as TLC plates. Prior to separation, the
plates were heated at 90.degree. C. for 15 minutes and were allowed
to cool at room temperature. A 5 .mu.L aliquot of the sample
mixture containing tenoxicam and piroxicam at 1 mg/mL each was
deposited on the plate. The separation of the sample was performed
using methanol:water (8:2 v/v) mixture as the mobile phase. The
separation was done in a beaker covered with transparent plastic
film. The chromatogram was developed for 30 minutes. The SiNW
surface was dried and spots were visualized by illuminating the
surface with 254-nm UV light. Aqueous stock solutions of verapamil
(MW 454 Da), propafenone (MW 341), midazolam (MW 324 Da),
des-bradykinin (MW 904) were prepared by reconstituting lyophilized
samples in deionized water at 1 mg/mL followed by subsequent serial
dilution were done as needed. Stock solutions of tenoxicam and
piroxicam were prepared at 2 mg/mL in dichloromethane. Bovine serum
albumin (BSA) and flock house virus (FHV) proteolytic digests were
prepared with trypsin (1:30 enzyme to protein ratio by mass). The
proteins were denatured at 90.degree. C. for 20 minutes. FHV was
reduced and alkylated with dithiothreitol (DTT) and iodoacetamide
(IAA), respectively. The tryptic digests were incubated overnight
at 37.degree. C. in 5 mM ammonium citrate buffer (pH 7.5). The
enzymatic reaction reached completion within 18 hours, yielding a
final BSA and FHV concentration of 1 .mu.M, respectively. Samples
(0.5 .mu.l) were pipetted directly onto the chemically modified
SiNW surfaces. High purity grade reagents were all obtained from
Sigma except for PFPPDCS and trypsin which were obtained from
Gelest, Inc. and Promega, respectively.
vii) Example 7
Fluorescence Quenching with Nanofiber Substrates
[0333] Quenching of non-specifically bound fluorescence compared
between native oxides and grown oxides on nanofiber surfaces (here
nanowire) is shown in FIG. 63. The figures show the quenching
effect of silicon with native oxide surfaces. The two wafer
segments that were oxidized had approximately 5-fold higher
background signal, but only about 2.3 fold increase in specifically
bound signal. The increase in specific signal is thought to likely
be due to a higher nanofiber density. The fluorescence of the
surfaces in FIG. 63 was detected on a Perkin Elmer ScanArray
express scanner equipped with a 633 nm laser. The background
intensity (measured as average intensity with gain of 45 and laser
power of 70) of native oxide was 4080, of thermal oxide (part) was
21523 and of thermal oxide (total) was 18396. The saturated binding
intensity (measured as average intensity with gain of 33 and laser
power of 70) was 23245 for the native oxide and 54245 for the
thermal oxide (part) and 51783 for the thermal oxide (total).
Similar surfaces were also analyzed using fluorescent microscopy
with similar results (not shown). FIG. 64 details quenching of
non-specifically bound fluorescence of native oxides and grown
oxides on silicon (planar and nanofiber surfaces). As can be seen
in FIG. 64, the background signal on thermal grown oxide planar
surfaces is over 4.times. the signal on native oxide surfaces. In
contrast, the specific signal is only 1.75.times. higher. Such
difference indicates enhanced quenching of non-specific binding on
the native oxide surface. Similarly, the nanofiber surface (here
nanowire), which has a native oxide surface, has a 9.times. higher
background over the planar thermal oxide surface, but a 35.times.
increase in specific signal. The combination of increased surface
area and enhanced quenching, thus, leads to an increased dynamic
range. Without being bound to specific mechanisms, this is thought
to be due to energy transfer of fluorescence from the fluorophores
to the silicon substrate through the native oxide. If
nonspecifically bound fluorophores are, on average, closer to the
surface than specifically bound fluorophores, there will be a
selective quenching of fluorescence from the nonspecifically bound
fluorophores and therefore a greater dynamic range. In FIG. 64, the
background intensity (measured as average intensity with gain of 80
and laser power of 80) was 4640 for the planar (thermal), 1119 for
the planar (native oxide) and 41556 for the nanofiber (here
nanowire native oxide). The saturated binding intensity (measured
as average intensity with gain of 40 and laser power of 70) was 945
for the planar thermal, 551 for the planar with native oxide and
32756 for the nanofiber with native oxide. When measured with gain
of 80 and laser power of 80, the planar thermal was 12,230, the
planar with native oxide was 6,930 and the nanofiber (nanowire)
with native oxide was (sat).
[0334] FIGS. 65 through 67 give additional support for the improved
performance of protein and DNA arrays of the invention. FIG. 65
gives schematic representations of protein binding and DNA
hybridization, while FIG. 66 shows schematics illustrating
fluorescent quenching during the binding process. FIG. 65
illustrates reactions graphed in FIG. 67. In FIGS. 65A and 67A, DNA
hybridization is shown by a Cy5, 6500, target oligonucleotide,
6501, being bound to an oligonucleotide probe, 6502, which is
attached to a PEG linker to SiO.sub.2, 6503. In FIGS. 65B and 67B,
protein binding (IL-6) is shown by binding of fluorescent
streptavidin, 6504, biotinylated secondary (polyclonal anti-IL-6),
6505, IL-6 (recombinant human), 6506, and adsorbed monoclonal
anti-IL-6, 6507. FIG. 66 schematically shows quenching on a wafer
of native oxide, 6600, on silicon, 6601. Specifically bound
fluorescent light is not quenched, 6602, while NSB fluorescence is
quenched. For substrates of grown oxide, 6604, on silicon layers,
6605, specifically bound fluorescent light is not quenched, 6606,
and NSB fluorescence is not quenched, 6607. FIG. 67 illustrates
representative binding data from both a DNA hybridization and a
protein binding assay (sandwich immunoassay), comparing nanofiber
(here nanowire) features with planar regions on the same chip. The
features were modified and assayed identically. The data in FIG. 67
demonstrates the dramatically improved signal intensity and dynamic
range of the nanofiber arrays of the invention. It will be noted
that the limit of detection on array features is an order of
magnitude lower for both assay formats.
viii) Example 8
Nanofiber Substrates in Capillaries/Tubes
[0335] An example of an nanofiber enhanced surface area substrate
within a capillary tube is illustrated in FIGS. 68 through 71. To
produce such enhanced surface area capillaries, a quartz capillary
tube was constructed with an internal diameter of approximately 1
mm and a length of approximately 50 mm. The tube was treated with
0.001% poly-L-Lysine for 20 minutes and blown dry with N.sub.2. The
tube was then heated at 150.degree. C. for 30 minutes and cooled.
Just the tip of the tube was placed into 40 nm gold colloid, which
was drawn into the tube via capillary action. The colloid was
allowed to attach to the inner wall of the tube for 15-20 minutes
and blown dry with N.sub.2. Nanofibers (in this instance nanowires)
were grown at 470.degree. C. for 30 minutes at 30T and 1.5T of
SiH.sub.4. Nanofiber growth extended throughout the length of the
tube. FIGS. 68 and 69 show photographs of a piece of inside tube
broken approximately 1.5 mm from the end of the tube. FIGS. 70 and
71 are top-down pictures taken from the end opening of the
tube.
ix) Example 9
Prevention/Reduction of Cellular Growth on Exemplary Nanofiber
Substrates
[0336] It is thought that, although absolute surface area is
increased on substrates growing nanofibers, the low solid surface
volume, lack of continuity and nanoscale aspect of the fibers
discourages cellular attachment. The nanowire surfaces used in
these illustrations herein was produced for an electronics
application and was not optimized for this use, yet, as will be
noted, such surfaces still reduced biofilm accumulation. The
silicon wires utilized were .about.40 nm in diameter and 50 to 100
um in length and were grown on a four inch silicon substrate. The
nanowire preparation method is described below. In the current
example, the nanowire pieces used in this experiment were about
0.25 cm.sup.2. Immediately before introduction into the culture
media they were soaked in 100% ethanol and blown dry with a stream
of nitrogen. Silicon wafer controls (i.e., without nanowires) were
also soaked in ethanol and blown dry. S. epidermidis was grown in
LB broth for 6 hours at 37.degree. C. with gentle shaking in 35 mm
Petri dishes. Wafer sections were then placed in the culture and
left for 24 hours at 37.degree. C. in the original media. The wafer
slices were removed after 24 hours incubation, washed briefly in
fresh media, rapidly immersed in water and then heat fixed for 30
seconds prior to staining in a 0.2% crystal violet solution. The
wafer segments were rinsed thoroughly in water. Any microbes
attached to the wafers were visualized by conventional brightfield
microscopy. Images were captured with a digital camera. The images
in FIG. 72 show approximately a ten-fold decrease in bacteria on
the nanowire substrate as compared to the silicon wafer control.
Quantitation was performed on the microscope by focusing through
the nanowires since the thickness of the nanowire layer was greater
than the depth of field of the microscope. In FIG. 72, the pictures
were taken at 1000.times. magnification. The black spots are
stained S. epidermidis. The top left photograph is a nanofiber
(here nanowire) surface after 24 hours. The bottom left photograph
are the nanofibers after 72 hours. The top right picture is a flat
silicon surface at 24 hours, while the bottom right photograph is
the silicon at 72 hours. The 72 hour flat silicon is covered by a
thick biofilm. Blurry areas on the nanofibers are due to the
surface texture being greater than the depth of focus of the
microscope.
[0337] To illustrate the nanofiber surfaces' repulsion of mammalian
cells, CHO cells were maintained in culture in complete media (Hams
F12 media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum) at 37.degree.
C. in a 5% CO.sub.2 atmosphere. Wafer segments were placed in 35 mm
cell culture treated Petri dishes. CHO cells were seeded into the
dishes at a density of 10.sup.6 cell/ml in complete media after
trypsinization from confluent culture. The cells were allowed to
adhere overnight and were then observed microscopically every 24
hours. The surface of the 35 mm Petri dish was confluent at 48
hours when the first observation was made. No cell growth was
observed directly on the nanowire surface. Where the nanowires had
been removed by scratching the surface with a knife the cells
adhered and grew. Silicon wafer controls became confluent with
cells. The micrographs in FIG. 73 demonstrate this behavior. In
FIG. 73, a scratched nanofiber surface is shown at 200.times.
magnification through use of Nomarski optics. Dark brown areas are
intact nanofibers (here nanowires), 7300, while orange areas are
scratches with CHO cells growing along the scratch lines, 7301. In
these experiments complete retardation of mammalian cellular growth
and approximately a 10.times. reduction in bacterial growth was
observed. The control surfaces were chemically identical to the
nanowires so it is thought that reduction in cell and bacterial
growth is due to the unique surface morphology of the nanofiber
enhanced surface area substrates.
[0338] S. epidermidis was used in the illustrations herein because
it is a representative bacteria involved in infections of medical
devices. Additionally, S. epidermidis has been widely used in the
evaluation of biomaterials and has been identified as a dominant
species in biomaterial centered infections. Other bacteria
implicated in biomaterial related infections such as S. aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and B-hemolytic streptococci are also
contemplated as being prohibited through use of current
embodiments. In addition to CHO cells illustrated herein, other
common tissue culture lines such as, e.g., MDCK, L-929 and HL60
cells are also contemplated as being prohibited through use of
current embodiments. Such cell lines represent a wide diversity of
cell types. The CHO and MDCK cells are representative of epithelial
cells, L-929 cells participate in the formation of connective
tissue and the HL60 line represents immune surveillance cells.
Thus, the nanofiber enhanced surface areas herein are contemplated
against these cell types and other common in vivo cell types. The
nanofibers used in the in vitro illustration herein were made of
silicon, and, as detailed throughout, several methods have been
reported in the literature for the synthesis of silicon nanowires.
For example, laser ablating metal-containing silicon targets, high
temperature vaporizing of Si/SiO.sub.2 mixture, and
vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth using gold as the catalyst. See
above. While any method of construction is optionally used, the
approach to nanowire synthesis is typically VLS growth since this
method has been widely used for semiconductor nanowire growth.
Description of such method is provided elsewhere herein. FIG. 7
shows an example of a TEM image of a silicon nanowire and oxide
surface typical of ones used in the current embodiment.
[0339] While the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear
to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that
various changes in form and detail can be made without departing
from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the
techniques and apparatus described above can be used in various
combinations. All publications, patents, patent applications, or
other documents cited in this application are incorporated by
reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as
if each individual publication, patent, patent application, or
other document were individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
Sequence CWU 1
1
16115DNAArtificialsynthetic oligonucleotide 1ttttgcctac gatca
15213DNAArtificialsynthetic oligonucleotide 2ttgatcgtag gca
1339PRTflock house virus 3Gly Met Asn Met Ala Ala Leu Thr Arg1
549PRTflock house virus 4Gly Ile Pro Asp Arg Phe Glu Gly Lys1
5510PRTflock house virus 5Leu Ser Gln Pro Gly Leu Ala Phe Leu Lys1
5 10614PRTflock house virus 6Val Ser Ala Pro Glu Gly Ala Val Asn
Ser Ala Ile Leu Lys1 5 10714PRTflock house virus 7Cys Ala Phe Ala
Pro Pro Asp Phe Asn Thr Asp Pro Gly Lys1 5 10818PRTflock house
virus 8Val Val Val Thr Thr Thr Gln Thr Ala Pro Val Pro Gln Gln Asn
Val1 5 10 15Pro Arg96PRTBos sp. 9Cys Ala Ser Ile Gln Lys1
5107PRTBos sp. 10Leu Val Thr Asp Leu Thr Lys1 5117PRTBos sp. 11Tyr
Leu Tyr Glu Ile Ala Arg1 5128PRTBos sp. 12Asp Leu Gly Glu Glu His
Phe Lys1 51310PRTBos sp. 13Phe Lys Asp Leu Gly Glu Glu His Phe Lys1
5 101411PRTBos sp. 14His Leu Val Asp Glu Pro Gln Asn Leu Ile Lys1 5
101513PRTBos sp. 15Leu Gly Glu Tyr Gly Phe Gln Asn Ala Leu Ile Val
Arg1 5 101615PRTBos sp. 16Lys Val Pro Gln Val Ser Thr Pro Thr Leu
Val Glu Val Ser Arg1 5 10 15
* * * * *
References