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Charge perturbation detection system for DNA and other molecules

  • US 7,785,785 B2
  • Filed: 11/10/2005
  • Issued: 08/31/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device for detecting a chemical reaction of a selected reactant with a target molecule, wherein the reaction produces a charge perturbation on the target molecule, comprising:

  • (a) a container for containing reaction medium having therein reactants and target molecules;

    (b) a polarizable metal electrode in the container adjacent the target molecules, having a potential difference within said electrode between an exposed surface of the polarizable metal electrode which is facing the reaction medium and a side of the polarizable electrode which is not facing the reaction medium;

    (c) said amplifying circuit comprising a voltage clamp amplifier having one input attached to a fixed voltage source, and another input attached to the polarizable metal electrode attached to a side of the polarizable metal electrode which is not facing the reaction medium, for maintaining said potential difference in the electrode and generating a signal in response to said charge perturbation, said charge perturbation on the target molecule causing a polarizable metal electrode surface charge perturbation and polarization; and

    (d) a detector for detecting the signal, detected by the electrode as a transient current, thereby indicating reaction of the selected reactant with the target molecule.

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