Method for Analyzing an Analyte Qualitatively and Quantitatively

• US 20090203152A1
• Filed: 04/21/2009
• Published: 08/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: KAWAMURA, Tatsurou
• Granted Patent: US 8,110,147 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/518
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54393 Improving reaction conditions or stability, e.g. by coating or irradiation of surface, by reduction of non-specific binding, by promotion of specific binding

Abstract

A specific binding analysis method capable of controlling the amount of specific binding to freely setting the sensitivity, concentration range and the like in an analysis, and a device used therefore are provided. In order to optimize the amount of specific binding, the specific binding analysis method and the device used therefor restrain the amount and velocity of a sample passing, by capillarity, through a detection zone, by controlling the dimensions, ventilation resistance, hydrophilicity and the like in the portion of the device where the sample passes through.

Claims

1. A method for qualitatively or quantitatively analyzing an analyte in a sample by using a specific binding analysis device, said device comprising:

two rectangular substrates stacked together, and

spacers interposed between said two rectangular substrates along a lengthwise direction of said two rectangular substrates staked together,

wherein a space forming zone is formed between said two rectangular substrates stacked together,

a first widthwise end of said two rectangular substrates stacked together including a first opening for applying the sample containing said analyte thereto,

a second widthwise end of said two rectangular substrates stacked together, opposite the first widthwise end, including a second opening with an air-permeable member inserted in the second opening, and

said space forming zone including a detection zone with a specific binding substance immobilized thereto, said specific binding substance being capable of binding to said analyte,

said method comprising the steps of;

orienting said specific binding analysis device such that said first opening is directed downwardly and a longitudinal direction of said specific binding analysis device is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal direction;

contacting said first opening with said sample,

allowing said sample to move upwardly, by capillarity, from said first opening to said detection zone in said space forming zone;

causing a specific binding reaction between said analyte and said specific binding substance;

generating a signal attributed to said specific binding reaction; and

detecting said signal to perform a qualitative or quantitative analysis of said analyte.

2. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said signal comprises a coloration. fluorescence or luminescence.

3. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specific binding substance comprises an antibody.

4. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a blocking agent for inhibiting adsorption of said analyte onto an inner surface of said rectangular substrates is applied to an area of the inner surface of said rectangular substrates other than said detection zone.

5. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said air-permeable member comprises a filter paper.