US 7,008,524 B2 · Sensors with variable response behavior

Abstract

A sensor and method for detecting biological and chemical agents comprising metal interdigitized electrodes coated with hybrid polymer-based conducting film and an instrument for applying electrical voltage to the electrodes and registering the change in electrical current. The hybrid film also comprises indicator biomolecules encapsulated within the film or attached to it. The bioindicator molecules preferably comprise enzyme acetylcholinesterase. When these indicator biomolecules come in a contact with a pathogen, chemical and/or morphological changes occur in the film and electrical current flowing through the electrodes is modulated. The pathogen comprise inhibitors of enzymes, preferably organophosphates, thiophosphates or phosphonates. The change in current indicates the presence of a biological and chemical agent and is registered.

Claims67

Dependent claims

A sensor for detecting a chemical or biological molecule or a pathogen, said sensor comprising:

a dielectric substrate;
a plurality of interdigitated electrodes attached to said substrate;
a film applied over said plurality of interdigitated electrodes;
a film applied over said plurality of interdigitated electrodes, wherein said film comprises a conductive polymer and a first and a second sol-gel derived material;
one or more bioindicator molecules incorporated within said film, wherein said bioindicator molecule is ensconced within an interpenetrating network, wherein said network is formed by said first sol-gel derived material and said second sol-gel derived material;
and
an instrument to measure an electric current flowing through said plurality of interdigitated electrodes.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sensors with variable response behavior

Life of this patent

Sensors with variable response behavior

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims67