System and method for identifying proteins
First Claim
1. A method for identifying one or more specific proteins in a heterogeneous test solution using a plurality of micro-cantilevers having conductive arms coupled to an end area having a higher resistance than the conductive arms, comprising:
- heating each end area of the plurality of micro-cantilevers by passing a current through each end area having the higher resistance than the conductive arms;
increasing a temperature of the heterogeneous test solution using each heated end area of each of the plurality of micro-cantilevers;
measuring a temperature change in the heterogeneous test solution that occurs when a specific protein denatures while heating the heterogeneous test solution with the plurality of micro-cantilevers; and
identifying the one or more specific proteins in the heterogeneous test solution according to the temperature at which each of the one or more specific proteins denatured.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for identifying one or more specific proteins in a heterogeneous test solution with a plurality of micro-cantilevers which have two or more conductive arms coupled to an end area having a higher resistance than the conductive arms. The method includes the operation of heating each end area of the plurality of micro-cantilevers by passing a current through each end area. A further operation includes increasing a temperature of the heterogeneous test solution using each heated end area of each of the plurality of micro-cantilevers. Another operation involves measuring a temperature change in the heterogeneous test solution that occurs when a specific protein denatures while heating the heterogeneous test solution with the plurality of micro-cantilevers. A further operation includes identifying the one or more specific proteins in the heterogeneous test solution according to the temperature at which each of the specific proteins denatured.
15 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method for identifying one or more specific proteins in a heterogeneous test solution using a plurality of micro-cantilevers having conductive arms coupled to an end area having a higher resistance than the conductive arms, comprising:
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heating each end area of the plurality of micro-cantilevers by passing a current through each end area having the higher resistance than the conductive arms;
increasing a temperature of the heterogeneous test solution using each heated end area of each of the plurality of micro-cantilevers;
measuring a temperature change in the heterogeneous test solution that occurs when a specific protein denatures while heating the heterogeneous test solution with the plurality of micro-cantilevers; and
identifying the one or more specific proteins in the heterogeneous test solution according to the temperature at which each of the one or more specific proteins denatured. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A proteomic identification system, comprising:
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a test chip comprising a plurality of micro-fluidic channels;
a plurality of micro-cantilevers having conductive arms with end areas located near an end of the conductive arms, the end areas having a higher resistance than the conductive arms, wherein one or more of the end areas of the plurality of micro-cantilevers extend into one or more of the plurality of micro-fluidic device channels;
a current source configured to supply current to heat the end areas of the plurality of micro-cantilevers; and
a current measurement module configured to detect changes in current in the plurality of micro-cantilevers caused by a change in temperature of the micro-cantilever. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification