Patent 7442515 was granted and assigned to University of Washington on October, 2008 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
In one aspect, the present invention provides devices for binding cells or molecules, wherein each device includes (a) a body defining a first surface and a second surface that is located opposite to the first surface; (b) a heater disposed upon the first surface; and (c) a temperature-responsive layer disposed upon the second surface. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for binding molecules or living cells to a temperature-responsive material.