Diffraction immunoassay apparatus and method

Abstract

A diffraction immunoassay method in which a diffraction grating design of non-light disturbing primary binding reagent on an insoluble surface is conjugated with analyte in a sample. If the primary binding reagent-analyte conjugate is light disturbing, a diffraction grating is formed. If the primary binding reagent-analyte conjugate is non-light disturbing, the analyte is further conjugated with a secondary binding reagent which is labeled with a light disturbing material to form a diffraction grating. Light from a narrow band light source is then applied to the surface, and the intensity of beams of diffracted light formed by the diffraction grating is determined. The diffraction immunoassay plate for the method comprises a smooth insoluble surface having on the surface thereof, a diffraction grating design of lines of the primary binding reagent. The diffraction immunoassay apparatus comprises a light source, a platform for supporting the diffraction immunoassay plates in the path of a beam of light from the light source, and at least one light detector positioned to detect light diffracted by the diffraction grating.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.