Rapid assay for detection of endotoxins

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting endotoxin.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a concentration-response curve obtained from the direct binding of increasing concentrations of fluorescently labelled E. coli 0128:B12-endotoxin to a capture molecule, polymyxin B, the capture molecule being covalently bound to the surface of a combination tapered fiber optic waveguide probe.

#FIG. 2 is a concentration-response curve obtained from the binding of increasing concentrations of fluorescently labelled E. coli 0128:B12-endotoxin to a capture molecule, goat IgG, the capture molecule being covalently bound to the surface of a combination tapered fiber optic waveguide probe.

#FIG. 3 is a concentration-response curve obtained from the binding of 17ng/ml of fluorescently labelled E. coli EH100 Ra mutant endotoxin to a capture molecule, limulin lectin, the capture molecule being immobilized on to the surface of a combination tapered fiber optic waveguide probe. The response is measured in microvolts (.mu.Volts).

#The following detailed description of the invention is provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. However, the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to unduly limit the present invention. Variations and modifications in the embodiments discussed may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present inventive discovery.

#Broadly, the competetive assay of the presently claimed invention comprises:

#(1) one or more endotoxin capture molecules immobilized upon a substrate;