Detection of biological molecules by differential partitioning of enzyme substrates and products

An optical probe for detecting fluorescence of a molecule, comprising:

• an optical waveguide;
• and
• a partitioning element disposed on one end of the optical waveguide;
• wherein said molecule is selectively partitioned into the partitioning element, such that fluorescence of the molecule is coupled into the waveguide.

A system for detecting a biological molecule associated with activity of at least one enzyme in a sample, comprising:

• a vessel for incubating the sample and at least one substrate such that the enzyme to reacts with the substrate to produce said biological molecule;
• a partitioning element that allows partitioning of said biological molecule thereinto;
• an excitation light source that irradiates said biological molecule partitioned into said partitioning element;
• a detector that detects fluorescence of said biological molecule partitioned into said partitioning element;
• and
• a control unit;
• wherein said detected fluorescence is indicative of activity of said enzyme in the sample.

A method for detecting a target species, comprising:

• combining an antibody that is specific for said target species with a sample under conditions which allow the antibody to bind the target species;
• providing an enzyme which allows quantification of said bound antibody by producing a fluorescent molecule;
• providing a partitioning element for partitioning of said fluorescent molecule thereinto;
• and
• detecting fluorescence of said fluorescent molecule in said partitioning element;
• wherein said detected fluorescence is indicative of activity of said enzyme in the sample.