Methods and systems for detecting biomolecular binding using terahertz radiation
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorsTae-Woong Koo, Andrew Berlin, Ken Salsman, Brian Ostrovsky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting biomolecular binding events using gigahertz or terahertz radiation. The methods and systems use low-energy spectroscopy to detect biomolecular binding events between molecules in an aqueous solution. The detected biomolecular binding events include, for example, nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen binding, and receptor/ligand binding.
Claims34
A system for detecting a biomolecular binding event, the system comprising:
- a) a sample containing a first molecule and a second molecule, wherein the first molecule is suspected of binding the second molecule;
- b) a terahertz or gigahertz radiation source positioned to aim an input radiation toward the sample;
- and
- c) a detector for receiving an exit radiation reflecting from the sample.
An apparatus for detecting a biomolecular binding event in a sample containing a first molecule and a second molecule, wherein the first molecule is suspected of binding the second molecule, comprising:
- a terahertz radiation source positioned to aim an input radiation toward the sample;
- and
- a detector positioned to receive an exit radiation reflecting from the sample.
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) for detecting a biomolecular binding event in a sample containing a first molecule and a second molecule, wherein the first molecule is suspected of binding the second molecule, comprising:
- one or more fluid compartments for the sample;
- a radiation source positioned to aim an input radiation toward the sample;
- and
- a detector positioned to receive an exit radiation reflecting from the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.