# US 2004/0184961 A1 · Apparatus and method for investigating chemical entities

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2004/0184961 A1
- Document ID: US20040184961A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 10/769,220
- Filed: 2004-01-30
- Published: 2004-09-23
- Earliest claimed: 2003-01-30
- Assignees: TechElan, LLC
- Inventors: Ilya Feygin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20040184961A1

## CPC

- G01N 21/35: using infrared light (G01N21/39 takes precedence)
- G01N 21/3563: for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

An apparatus and method for monitoring a large number of binding interactions and obtaining data related to the interactions. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes an IR sensor, a sliding separator, and IR-transmitting fibers that are optically coupled, at a first end thereof, to the sensor. The sliding separator adjusts the spacing between fibers as is required for interfacing the second end of the fibers with any of a variety of sample carriers. The second end of the fibers capture chemical entities form the sample carriers. The chemical entities at the end of the fibers are then contacted with a binding compound. If binding activity occurs, a thermal signal indicative thereof will be transmitted through the fiber to the sensor.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus comprising:
a plurality of optical fibers, wherein:
said optical fibers each having a first end and a second end;
said fibers are capable of transmitting infrared radiation (“IR”);
a sensor for sensing IR, wherein said sensor is in IR-sensing contact with said first end of each of said optical fibers;
a separator, wherein said separator engages said plurality of fibers and is suitable for spatially separating said optical fibers in a pattern that enables said optical fibers to engage individual samples on a sample plate.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a collar for bundling said optical fibers.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second end of said optical fibers are physically adapted to receive a first chemical entity.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said individual samples comprise said first chemical entity.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a surface having a binding compound disposed thereon.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first end of said optical fibers are physically coupled to said sensor.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separator is engaged to said plurality of fibers such that it can slide along said plurality of fibers.

### Claim 8

A method comprising:
engaging a chemical entity to a first end of an IR-transmitting fiber;
bringing said chemical entity in contact with a binding compound; and
conducting a thermal signal resulting from a binding interaction to a thermal sensor through said IR-transmitting fiber, wherein said binding interaction occurs between said chemical entity and said binding compound.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 further comprising sliding a separator along said IR-transmitting fiber.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 wherein engaging a chemical entity further comprises inserting said first end of said IR-transmitting fiber into a sample carrier.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 wherein bringing said chemical entity in contact with a binding compound further comprises inserting said first end of said IR-transmitting fiber into a well after engaging said chemical entity.

### Claim 12

A method comprising:
positioning a separator along a plurality of IR-transmitting fibers to obtain a desired spacing between said adjacent fibers at one end thereof; and
conducting a thermal signal through said IR-transmitting fiber.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The method of claim 12 further comprising engaging a chemical entity to said one end of said IR-transmitting fibers.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The method of claim 13 further comprising bringing said chemical entity into contact with a binding compound.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The method of claim 12 wherein conducting a thermal signal further comprises conducting said thermal signal to a thermal sensor.