Back to results
US 2004/0166581 A1Published application
Highly selective molecular sensor based on dual MIP/QCM elements and a method of use thereof
OwnerJacques Penelleinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A molecular sensor for detecting small concentrations of a target molecular even in the presence of other molecules having similar shape and chemistry. Two QCM sensors are provided, both of which are covered with polymeric coatings having essentially the same chemistry. One of the QCM sensors is molecularly imprinted while the other is not. The output of the two QCM signals is compared to indicate the presence of the target molecule.
Claims3
A sensor comprising:
- a first quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) covered by a polymeric coating having a predetermined chemistry;
- a second quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) covered by a polymeric coating consisting essentially of the same predetermined chemistry of said first QCM and wherein said second QCM is molecularly imprinted, wherein said first and second QCMs have an output corresponding to a target molecule that is to be detected;
- subtracting means for comparing the output of said first QCM to the output of said second QCM to provide a signal that corresponds to the compared level of intensity between said first and second QCMs;
- and
- recording means for recording the signal provided by said subtracting means.
2 more elements
A method for detecting at least one target molecule comprising the steps of:
- providing a first and a second quartz crystal microbalance (QCM);
- disposing said first and second quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in an environment to be monitored;
- coating the surface of the first QCM with a molecular imprinted polymer;
- coating the surface of the second QCM with a non-imprinted polymer;
- comparing the output of said QCM with the output of said QCM to provide a comparison signal;
- recording the comparison signal;
- and
- processing the comparison signal to provide an indication of the target molecule even in the presence of other molecules having similar shape and chemistry.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.