Methods for signal enhancement in optical microorganism sensors
AssigneeEcho Technologies, Inc.
InventorsMary Beth Tabacco, Han Chuang, John Anthony Schanzle
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Abstract
Sensors for detecting microorganisms in gases, liquids, and aerosols are provided which include molecular receptors to interact with the microorganisms, polymeric membranes containing luminescent reagents, optional non-drying membrane additives, an optical substrate as a sensor support, an optional conformable optical substrate or rotating film to refresh the sensor chemistry, and means for detecting the signal from the sensor. Optical sign can be enhanced by immobilizing biocidal compounds in the sensing membrane, immobilizing metal colloids in the sensing membrane, or immobilizing sol-gel coated colloidal particles in the sensing membrane.
Claims17
A sensor for detecting microorganisms in gases, liquids, aerosols, and on surfaces, comprising:
- a. a membrane in which is immobilized at least one molecular receptor to interact with the microorganisms and at least one luminescent reagent to report the presence of microorganisms;
- b. an optical substrate as a sensor support
- c. an optical module for exciting an optical signal for detecting the fluorescence optical signal from the sensor.
A method for detecting microorganisms comprising:
- a. contacting a sensor comprising a membrane on which are immobilized at least one molecular receptor for microorganisms and at least one luminescent agent to report the presence of microorganisms in a sample suspected of containing at least one microorganism, said sensor being supported on an optical substrate;
- b. exciting an optical signal and detecting a fluorescence optical signal from the sensor;
- and
- c. using the fluorescence optical signal to determine the presence of microorganisms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.