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Apparatuses and methods for detecting molecules and binding energy

  • US 10,444,179 B2
  • Filed: 07/27/2017
  • Issued: 10/15/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting a target analyte, comprising:

  • a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes capable of applying an electric field to at least one surface that comprises a capture probe coupled thereto and in proximity to a sensing location, which at least one surface comprises a field confining feature that concentrates the electric field;

    a solution chamber in fluid communication with said at least one surface, wherein said solution chamber is configured to retain a solution containing or suspected of containing said target analyte and a non-target analyte, under conditions sufficient to (i) permit said target analyte to couple to said at least one surface through a first non-covalent interaction, which first non-covalent interaction is with said capture probe, and (ii) permit said non-target analyte to couple to said at least one surface through a second non-covalent interaction; and

    a controller operatively coupled to said plurality of electrodes, wherein said controller is programmed to;

    (i) use electrodes of said plurality of electrodes to apply a first electric field that is sufficient to disrupt said second non-covalent interaction between said non-target analyte and said at least one surface,(ii) subsequent to applying said first electric field, use electrodes of said plurality of electrodes to apply a second electric field that is sufficient to disrupt said first non-covalent interaction between said target analyte and said capture probe, and(iii) detect a signal indicative of (1) a presence or absence of said target analyte, or (2) a disruption of said first non-covalent interaction.

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