Nano-field electrical sensor
AssigneeSympano, Inc.
InventorsThomas W. Barrett, Shalini Gautam, Rooplekha Mitra, James Thorne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for the detection and quantitative measurement of biomarkers and other target analytes by determining impedance in bodily fluid samples and/or environmental samples using compositions comprising a base substrate with electrodes, a nanoporous membrane placed on top of the nanoporous membrane, O-rings placed on top of the nanoporous membrane and a manifold placed on top of the O-rings. Such a composition may be placed in a testing platform to ensure the application of constant, repeatable pressure to the composition.
Claims8
A method for detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising:
- placing an electrospun nanoporous membrane on a sensor comprising a biocompatible base substrate having a top surface onto which at least two electrodes in a capacitive relationship have been placed;
- inserting the sensor into a receptacle on a testing platform, wherein the testing platform comprises a base plate with a cutout and a first recess at a first end, a manifold in the first recess, and a platen with the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is at a first end of the platen and directly below the first cutout at the first end of the base plate;
- depositing the sample suspected of containing the target analyte into a hole in the manifold;
- attaching a potentiostat to the sensor;
- applying an electrical current to the sensor;
- measuring an impedance of the sample;
- and
- comparing a percentage change of impedance of a reference sample with the target analyte.
A testing platform for analyte detection comprising:
- a base plate on four legs with a cutout in a first end and a first recess in a bottom surface of the base plate;
- a manifold in the first recess of the base plate and affixed to the bottom surface of the base plate;
- a platen with a first receptacle at a first end with a second cutout in the first receptacle, wherein the platen and the base plate are parallel to one another in a horizontal plane and the platen is between the legs of the base plate;
- wherein the cutout in the first end of the base plate is over the first receptacle at the first end of the platen;
- and
- a thumb screw connected to a threaded rod, wherein the threaded rod passes through a first surface of the base plate, out a second surface of the base plate, through first and second surfaces of the platen, and through a compression spring in contact with the second surface of the platen, wherein the compression spring is held in place on the threaded rod by a thumb nut.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.