Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions
AssigneeSRLL Biosystems, Inc.
InventorsBrian T. Cunningham, Peter Y. Li, Frank DiFilippi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods may be performed in a high-throughput manner. An apparatus for detecting biochemical interactions occurring on the surface of a biosensor includes a light source. A first optical fiber is coupled to the light source and illuminates the biosensor. A second optical fiber detects a wavelength reflected from the biosensor. A spectrometer determines spectra of a reflected signal from the biosensor.
Claims7
An instrument for detecting light reflected from a surface of a biosensor, said instrument comprising:
- a light source;
- an illuminating fiber optically coupled to said light source, said illuminating fiber illuminating an area of said surface of said biosensor;
- a detecting fiber for detecting radiation reflected from said surface;
- a spectrometer receiving said reflected radiation;
- and
- wherein the instrument is further configured for determining a peak wavelength value of said reflected radiation;
- and wherein said biosensor comprises:
- a grating comprised of a material having a high refractive index, said grating having a depth and a period;
- and
- a substrate layer that supports said grating;
- wherein, when said biosensor is illuminated with light from said light source a resonant grating effect is produced, and wherein said depth of and period of said grating are less than the wavelength of the resonant grating effect.
An instrument for detecting light reflected from a surface of a biosensor, said instrument comprising:
- a white light source;
- an illuminating fiber optically coupled to said light source, said illuminating fiber illuminating an area of said surface of said biosensor;
- a detecting fiber for detecting radiation reflected from said surface;
- a spectrometer receiving said reflected radiation;
- and
- wherein the instrument is further configured for determining a peak wavelength value of said reflected radiation;
- wherein the illuminating fiber and the detecting fiber are provided in a unitary optical fiber probe;
- and
- wherein said optical fiber probe includes a collimating lens for collimating white light from said light source.
An instrument for detecting light reflected from a surface of a biosensor, said instrument comprising:
- a light source;
- an illuminating fiber optically coupled to said light source, said illuminating fiber illuminating an area of said surface of said biosensor;
- a detecting fiber for detecting radiation reflected from said surface;
- a spectrometer receiving said reflected radiation;
- and
- wherein the instrument is further configured for determining a peak wavelength value of said reflected radiation;
- and
- an incubator that incubates said biosensor at a predetermined temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.