Fluid based analysis of multiple analytes by a sensor array

• US 20050164320A1
• Filed: 01/20/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Neikirk, Dean P., Anslyn, Eric V., McDevitt, John T., Shear, Jason B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,491,552 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/7.920
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00317 Microwell devices, i.e. having large numbers of wells
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00648 by the use of solid beads
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00659 Two-dimensional arrays
• CPC Class Codes: C40B 60/14 for creating libraries
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/77 by observing the effect on a chemical indicator
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/808 Optical sensing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/973 Simultaneous determination of more than one analyte
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/80 Fluorescent dyes, e.g. rhodamine
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/805 Optical property
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/807 Apparatus included in process claim, e.g. physical support structures
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/809 Multifield plates or multicontainer arrays
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25 including sample preparation

Abstract

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Claims

1-68. -68. (canceled)

69. A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a supporting member;

wherein at least one cavity is formed within the supporting member;

a particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte.

70. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.

71. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.

72. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter.

73. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter, and wherein the cavity is configured to substantially contain the particle.

74. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.

75. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.

76. The sensor array of claim 75, wherein the cavity extends through the silicon wafer.

77. The sensor array of claim 75,wherein the cavity is substantially pyramidal in shape and wherein the sidewalls of the cavity are substantially tapered at an angle of between about 50 to about 60 degrees.

83. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.

84. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising an inner surface coating, wherein the inner surface coating is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle.

85. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity.

90. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a cover layer positioned over the cavity, the cover layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use.

91. The sensor array of claim 90, wherein the cover layer comprises a substantially transparent cover plate positioned over the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is positioned a fixed distance over the cavity such that the fluid can enter the cavity.

92. The sensor array of claim 91, wherein the cover layer comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride.

93. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities formed in the supporting member.

94. The sensor array of claim 69, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.

173. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a cover layer positioned above the supporting member at a distance such that the cover layer inhibits dislodgement of a particle from a cavity during use.

174. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a cover layer positioned such that a channel is formed between an upper surface of the supporting member and the cover layer, and wherein the fluid passes through the channel during use.

175. The sensor array of claim 69, further comprising a cover layer positioned above the supporting member at a distance such that the cover layer inhibits dislodgement of a particle from a cavity during use, and wherein the cover layer is positioned such that a channel is formed between an upper surface of the supporting member and the cover layer, and wherein the fluid passes through the channel during use.

78-82. -82. (canceled)

86-89. -89. (canceled)

95-172. -172. (canceled)