Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Rapid analyte sensor platform", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929aad.011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Rapid analyte sensor platform
Keywords: Optical sensors,Sensors
Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USAPatent number: US6,261,848Publication date: 17 July 2001Title: Miniature Immuno-Optical Rapid Analyte Sensor Platform
This invention relates to a hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. The initial embodiment of this invention was developed for use against aflatoxin which is formed from a fungus commonly found in many grain products and peanuts. Studies have proven that ingesting aflatoxin can cause serious health problems. Unacceptable levels in food and the potential use in weapons that have prompted investigations into a portable sensor for aflatoxin and, by extension, to other analytes of interest as well.
The invention works by passing a sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined. The rinsing and elution fluids, and/or the affinity column can be placed in a module for easy insertion and removal from the sensor when depleted or when the sensor is to be used against a different analyte.
Finally, the invention can be used to detect the presence and measure the amount of many analytes of importance in the areas of environmental or agricultural science, law enforcement, chemical and biological warfare, and clinical medicine and healthcare.