Resonant bio-assay device and test system for detecting molecular binding events
AssigneeSignature BioScience, Inc.
InventorJohn Hefti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods are presented for detecting molecular binding events and other environmental effects using the unique dielectric properties of the bound molecular structure or structures. A molecular binding region is coupled along the surface of a signal path. A test signal is propagated along the signal path, whereby the test signal couples to the molecular binding region, and in response, exhibits a signal response.
Claims11
A bio-assay device configured to detect a molecular binding event between a ligand and an antiligand, the bio-assay device comprising:
- (i) a signal path operable to support the propagation of a test signal at one or more frequencies between 10 MHz and 1000 GHz, said signal path comprising:
- an electrically conductive transmission line,
- a ground element, and
- a dielectric layer interposed between said electrically conductive transmission line and said ground element;
- and
- (ii) a molecular binding region electromagnetically coupled to said signal path, said molecular binding region comprising said antiligand operable to bind said ligand;
- wherein said signal path and said molecular binding region form part of a resonant structure, wherein said resonant structure has a first resonant frequency fres1 in the absence of a molecular binding event between said ligand and said antiligand and a second resonant frequency fres2 in the presence of said molecular binding event, and
- wherein said molecular binding region is located between at least a portion of said electrically conductive transmission line and at least a portion of said ground element.
A bio-assay test system configured to detect the presence or absence of a molecular binding event between a ligand and an antiligand, the system comprising:
- (i) a signal source operable to provide a test signal at one or more frequencies between 10 MHz and 1000 GHz;
- (ii) a bio-assay device, comprising:
- (a) a signal path operable to support the propagation of said test signal, said signal path comprising:
- an electrically conductive transmission line,
- a ground element, and
- a dielectric layer interposed between said electrically conductive transmission line and said ground element;
- and
- (b) a molecular binding region electromagnetically coupled to said signal path, said molecular binding region comprising said antiligand operable to bind to said ligand;
- and
- (iii) a signal detector coupled to said bio-assay device,
- wherein said signal path and said molecular binding region form a resonant structure having a first resonant frequency fres1 in the absence of a molecular binding event between said ligand and said antiligand and a second resonant frequency fres2 in the presence of said molecular binding event, and
- wherein said molecular binding region is located between at least a portion of said electrically conductive transmission line and at least a portion of said ground element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.