Sensors for long-term and continuous monitoring of biochemicals
AssigneeThe Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
InventorsQiao Lin, Xian Huang
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Abstract
The disclosed subject matter relates to a sensor or system for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte. The sensor of the disclosed subject matter includes a viscosity-based sensor or a permittivity-based sensor. The viscosity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber including a vibrational element. The permittivity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber. The sensor discussed herein provides excellent reversibility and stability as highly desired for long-term analyte monitoring.
Claims11
A sensor for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte, comprising
- (a) a semi-permeable membrane comprising a material permeable to the analyte;
- (b) a substrate;
- and
- (c) a microchamber including a vibrational diaphragm having a periphery formed between the semi-permeable membrane and the substrate, and adapted to receive the polymer solution, such that when the analyte is placed on the semi-permeable membrane, at least a portion of the analyte will permeate through the semi-permeable membrane and bind to at least a portion of the polymer solution to thereby cause a change in vibration of the vibrational diaphragm,
- wherein the vibrational diaphragm is attached to the substrate around the entire periphery of the vibrational diaphragm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.