Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods, systems, and kits for detecting, quantifying and/or analyzing a fluid sample comprising molecules or particles at low concentration. In certain embodiments, the methods for detection and/or quantifying analyte molecules in a sample comprise capturing a plurality of analyte molecules on a substrate (e.g., an array comprising a plurality of reaction vessels). The substrate may then be exposed to additional reaction components such as at least one binding ligand. The substrate may additionally be exposed to a precursor labeling agent molecule, wherein the precursor labeling agent molecule, in some cases, is converted to a labeling agent molecule, which may be detected, either directly or indirectly, which determination may be related to the presence of and/or may be employed to quantify the analyte molecules. Although the various aspects of the present invention may use a number of different assay formats, in one embodiment, the assays are conducted in a plurality of reaction vessels defined, at least in part, by the distal ends of fiber optic strands.
Abstract:
A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents.
Abstract:
A robust fiber optic sensor and sensing method for reliable, long-term measurement of analytes is disclosed. The sensor comprises an optical interrogation region comprising an indicator dye confined at a distal end of an optical fiber and an analyte permeable membrane enclosing the interrogation region at the distal fiber end. In a preferred embodiment, a reservoir member is provided with excess dye for continuous replenishment of the interrogation region with dye over the lifetime of the sensor. In another preferred embodiment, the reservoir member comprises an indicator support for containment of excess dye. In one preferred embodiment, a ratiometric dye is used for monitoring optical signal-to-noise and signal drift caused by sensor aging. The sensor may be configured with a variety of alternative indicator dyes and membrane materials as a specific ion sensor for analyzing dissolved analytes such as gases, cations, and anions. The sensor may be configured for a wide dynamic detection range and sensitivity for specific analytes. In one embodiment, a CO2 is disclosed which has a reversible working dynamic detection range between 200 and 1000 ppm pCO2 and a sensitivity ±1 ppm. An integrated measurement system and measurement methods for remote sensing applications are also disclosed which comprise electro-optic and data acquisition modules coupled to a conventional satellite transmission system. The sensor and sensing methods of the present invention have utility in remote sensing of analytes for environmental, industrial, chemical, biochemical, and biological monitoring of gases and liquids.
Abstract:
A biosensor, sensor array, sensing method and sensing apparatus are provided in which individual cells or randomly mixed populations of cells, having unique response characteristics to chemical and biological materials, are deployed in a plurality of microwells formed at the distal end of individual fibers within a fiber optic array. The biosensor array utilizes an optically interrogatable encoding scheme for determining the identity and location of each cell type in the array and provides for simultaneous measurements of large numbers of individual cell responses to target analytes. The sensing method utilizes the unique ability of cell populations to respond to biologically significant compounds in a characteristic and detectable manner. The biosensor array and measurement method may be employed in the study of biologically active materials, in situ environmental monitoring, monitoring of a variety of bioprocesses, and for high throughput screening of large combinatorial chemical libraries.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a unique fiber optic sensor which is able to provide a viewing zone for visual examination of a sample and its surrounding environment; and is able to conduct multiple assays concurrently using a plurality of different dyes immobilized at individual spatial positions within a dye sensing zone on the surface of the sensor. The present invention also provides apparatus for making precise optical determinations and measurements for multiple analytes of interest concurrently and provides methods of detection for multiple analytes of interest which can be correlated with specific parameters or other ligands for specific applications and purposes.
Abstract:
A variety of conjugated compositions and methods for the detection of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample is provided which relies upon an intramolecular energy transfer between a conjugated fluorophore and a chromophoric light-absorbing ligand for qualitative and quantitative results. The detection methods preferably employ fiber optic sensors in combination with analyte-insensitive fluorophores and analyte-sensitive absorber ligands in conjugated form. The methods and compositions rely upon the ability of the absorbing ligands to absorb energy which is transferred non-radiatively by the fluorophore when in an excited state.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a CO.sub.2 detector for the detection of CO.sub.2 in respiratory gases. In particular, the invention relates to medical devices which contain a CO.sub.2 detector disposed within the devices to allow detection of CO.sub.2 within respiratory gases.The invention also relates to a method for determining the proper placement of an intubation device comprising inserting a tracheal tube having a CO.sub.2 detector disposed within, and observing whether the CO.sub.2 detector changes color in response to the CO.sub.2 which is present in respiratory gases.The CO.sub.2 detectors of the invention comprise a pH sensitive dye and a solid phase support. The CO.sub.2 detectors of the invention may further comprise a phase transport enhancer which allows the CO.sub.2 detector to respond contemporaneously with the presence or absence of CO.sub.2 in a respiratory gas on a breath by breath basis.
Abstract:
Described herein are systems and methods for the detection of and/or determination of a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some cases, the systems and methods employ techniques to reduce or limit the negative effects associated with non-specific binding events. Certain methods of the present invention involve associating the analyte molecules at least a first type of binding ligand and at least a second type of binding ligand, and spatially segregating the analyte molecules into a plurality of locations on a surface. The presence of an analyte molecule at or in a location may be determined by determining the presence of both the first type of binding ligand and the second type of binding ligand.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.