Apparatus, system, and method of detecting an analyte utilizing pyroelectric technology
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for the measurement of a target analyte is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposit”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target analyte present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target analyte by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent deposit in response to irradiation. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.
-
Citations
72 Claims
-
1-42. -42. (canceled)
-
43. A method of detecting the presence of a target analyte in a sample environment utilizing a reagent deposit reactive to exposure to the target analyte and further characterized by a capacity to absorb electromagnetic energy irradiated thereupon, wherein the absorption capacity changes after a reaction to exposure, said method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a reagent deposit supported on one of either the first or second surfaces;
positioning an electromagnetic energy emitting source (EM source) relative to the transparent substrate such that the second surface is positioned intermediate the first surface and the EM source;
positioning a pyroelectric transducer for detecting energy absorbed by the reagent deposit proximate the reagent deposit;
directing a sample environment past the proximity of the reagent deposit, thereby initiating a reaction to exposure to the target analyte in the sample environment;
operating the EM source to irradiate the reagent deposit by way of a path directed through the transparent substrate; and
,utilizing the pyroelectric transducer to detect the energy absorbed by the reagent deposit upon irradiation by the EM source and generate output signals corresponding with a measure of the detected energy, such that the output signal corresponds with the degree of exposure. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
-
-
53. A system for detecting the presence of at least one target analyte in a sample local environment, said system comprising:
-
a transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite of said first surface, and a reagent deposit supported on said first surface, said reagent deposit being reactive to exposure to the target analyte and further characterized by a capacity to absorb electromagnetic energy, wherein said absorption capacity changes after said reagent deposit reacts upon exposure such that said change in capacity is indicative of the exposure to the target analyte;
an electromagnetic spectrum emitting source (EM source) positioned proximal to said transparent substrate and closer to the second surface than to the first surface, said EM source being operable to irradiate said reagent deposit by way of a path directed through said transparent substrate;
a pyroelectric transducer positioned proximal to said reagent deposit to detect energy absorbed by said reagent deposit upon irradiation by said EM source and generate output signals indicative of the detected energy, such that said output signal is indicative of exposure to the target analyte; and
a reader operatively associated with said pyroelectric transducer to receive said output signals, and communicate, therefrom, an indication of the presence of the target analyte in the sample local environment. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)
-
-
72-93. -93. (canceled)
Specification