Emulsion-derived particles

Abstract

An emulsion-derived particle comprises a lattice of polymeric strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, and interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands. Functional groups are provided on the lattice and proteins and/or modified proteins can react with these, thereby to be bonded to the lattice and hence immobilised.

1 . An emulsion-derived particle, which comprises a support lattice of polyethyleneimine strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, with the polyethyleneimine strands thus forming a network backbone of the support lattice, interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands, and aldehyde functional groups on the support lattice and with which proteins and/or modified proteins can react, thereby to be bonded to the support lattice and hence immobilised. 
     
     
         2 . A particle according to  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde functional groups are present on the polyethyleneimine, with bonding of the proteins and/or modified proteins to the polyethyleneimine being effected through bonding. 
     
     
         3 . A particle according to  claim 1 , which includes at least one protein and/or modified protein bonded to the support lattice by means of the aldehyde functional groups, thereby being immobilised. 
     
     
         4 . A particle according to  claim 3 , wherein a plurality of different proteins and/or a plurality of different modified proteins, are immobilised therein. 
     
     
         5 . A particle according to  claim 1 , which includes an adjunct entrapped within the support lattice. 
     
     
         6 . A particle according to  claim 5 , wherein the adjunct is selected from the group consisting of a co-factor, a modified co-factor, a chemical mediator, magnetite and a magnetic substance. 
     
     
         7 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A particle according to  claim 1 , wherein the support lattice is fibrous. 
     
     
         22 . An emulsion-derived particle, which comprises a network backbone of polyethyleneimine strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, with the network backbone of polyethyleneimine strands constituting a support lattice of the particle, interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands, and aldehyde functional groups on the support lattice and with which proteins and/or modified proteins can react, thereby to be bonded to the support lattice and hence immobilised.