Apparatus, system, and method of detecting an analyte utilizing pyroelectric technology

• US 20070048789A1
• Filed: 04/12/2006
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nextteq, LLC
• Original Assignee: Bryan Truex, Charles Loomis
• Inventors: Truex, Bryan, Loomis, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,465,427 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/7.100
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 25/482 concerning the temperature responsive elements measuring temperature or quantity of heat, thermally-sensitive elements G01K; thermoelectric devices H10N10/00, H10N15/00

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.

Claims

1-71. -71. (canceled)

72. A system for detecting a target analyte comprising:

a transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite said first surface and a reagent deposit supported on at least one of said first and second surfaces, said reagent deposit being reactive to exposure to a target analyte to change a capacity of the reagent deposit to absorb electromagnetic energy;

a means for moving a sample of a local environment across the transparent substrate to cause a change in the capacity of the reagent deposit to absorb electromagnetic energy when the sample of the local environment includes the target analyte;

a piezoelectric reader that includes a light source for emitting light onto said reagent deposit and a means for measuring a change in the capacity of the reagent deposit to absorb electromagnetic energy;

an indicator means coupled to the piezoelectric reader means that indicates detection of the target analyte; and

,

a control mechanism for controlling the means for moving a sample of the local environment across the transparent substrate.

73. The system of claim 72 further comprising:

an indicator means consisting of one or more selected from a digital display, a visual alarm, an audible alarm and a vibrating alarm.

74. The system of claim 72 wherein said means for moving a sample of a local environment comprises a pump.

75. The system of claim 74 further comprising:

a flow regulator for controlling an amount of a sample of the local environment moved across the transparent substrate; and

,

a flow meter for measuring the amount of the sample of the local environment moved across the transparent substrate.

76. The system of claim 72 further comprising a filter coupled to said means from moving a sample of the local environment.

77. The system of claim 72 further comprising one or more environmental sensors selected from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor.

78. The system of claim 72 wherein said transparent substrate comprises a cartridge including multiple reagents that tests for at least one target analyte.

79. The system of claim 72, further comprising an EM source that generates energy in the microwave frequency spectrum.

80. The system of claim 72 wherein the piezoelectric reader contains a timer.

81. The system of claim 74 wherein a flow control of the pump is comprised of an orifice arranged in a flow path of the sample of the local environment.

83. The system of claim 74 further comprising a Dump including a motor having a flow control that is controlled by a speed of the motor.

84. The system of claim of 74 wherein a reading from the piezoelectric reader is used as a baseline and subtracted from subsequent readings such that a non-reversible reagent becomes reusable for multiple readings.

85. The system of claim 75 wherein a maximum point of exposure relating to saturation of the reagent is pre-stored in a memory.

86. The system of claim 72 wherein the reagent is reversible and reusable.

87. The system of claim 72 wherein the reagent is non-reversible and reusable.

88. The system of claim 72 wherein the reagent is printed onto the substrate using an inkjet printer.

89. The system of claim 72 wherein the reagent is screen printed onto the substrate.

90. The system of claim 72 wherein the reagent includes a top, bottom and sides, said reagent being s cast in a mold onto the substrate such that the molded reagent is symmetrical on the top, bottom and sides.

91. The system of claim 72 wherein the EM light source is located on a removable assembly subcomponent of the system.

92. The system of claim 72 further comprising a filter assembly that is located on a removable assembly subcomponent of the system.

93. The system of claim 72 wherein said transparent substrate contains a memory chip.

82. (canceled)