Raman optrode processes and devices for detection of chemicals and microorganisms

Abstract

A methodology and devices for detecting or monitoring or identifying chemical or microbial analytes are described. The methodology comprises four basic steps: (1) The gas or liquid medium to be monitored or analyzed is brought into contact with a bioconcentrator which is used to bind with or collect and concentrate one or more analytes. (2) The bioconcentrator-analyte complex is then exposed to radiation of one or more predetermined wavelengths to produce Raman scattering spectral bands. (3) At least a portion of the Raman spectral bands are collected and processed by a Raman spectrometer to convert the same into an electrical signal. And (4) the electrical signal is processed to detect and identify, qualitatively and/or quantitatively, the analyte(s). The methodology of this invention may also comprise Raman reactive capacity analysis of the bioconcentrator itself, simultaneously with or independently from the detection of the analyte, to determine the potential ability of the bioconcentrator to complex with analytes; the results of this latter analysis may be used to affect or alter or modify the methodology involved in detection and analysis of the analytes. Also the invention is accomplished by a Raman Optrode comprising: a bioconcentrator capable of binding with the analyte(s); a mechanism or procedure or device for bringing the gas or liquid sample into contact with the bioconcentrator; a light source suitable for generating Raman scattering; a Raman spectrometer capable of collecting and processing the Raman scattering spectral information and translating it into an electrical signal; and electronic hardware and software for analyzing the electrical signal and translating the signal into information on the presence, identity and/or quantity of the bound analytes. Various forms of bioconcentrators are described, as well as a variety of analytes which may be detected, monitored, or identified by this invention, and a variety of devices which can be fabricated based on this invention.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.