Waveguide immunosensor with coating chemistry and providing enhanced sensitivity
AssigneeUniversity of Utah Research Foundation
InventorsJames N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.
Claims33
An apparatus for performing assays, comprising:
- a light source providing light in a desired wavelength range;
- a biosensor including a planar waveguide comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite said first surface, and a side end between said first and second surfaces, said side end receives said light and conveys said light into a remainder of said planar waveguide;
- a plurality of capture molecules immobilized to said first surface, each of said capture molecules including a binding site which selectively binds at least one selected analyte;
- and
- a light detector positioned to detect light passing through said second surface of said planar waveguide.
An apparatus for performing assays, comprising:
- a light source providing light in a desired wavelength range;
- a biosensor including a planar waveguide comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite said first surface, and a side end between said first and second surfaces, said side end receives said light and conveys said light into a remainder of said planar waveguide;
- and
- a light detector positioned within a cone of collection angles originating at or adjacent to at least one of said surface and said second surface and having an axis oriented substantially orthogonal to at least one of said first surface and said second surface of said planar waveguide.
An apparatus for performing assays, comprising:
- a light source providing light in a desired wavelength range;
- a biosensor including a planar waveguide comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite said first surface, and a side end between said first and second surfaces, said side end receives said light and conveys said light into a remainder of said planar waveguide;
- and
- a plurality of capture molecules forming an array of reaction sites on said first surface, each of said capture molecules including a binding site which selectively binds at least one selected analyte.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.