Phase change sensor
First Claim
1. A sensor device, comprising:
- a sensing material which responds to a change in osmolality of a solution by a change in volume, said sensing material comprising more than about 50% by weight of a polymerized hydroxypropyl acrylate monomer;
a deformable arm comprising a first end connected to a substrate and a second end positioned such that it is moved in response to the volumetric change of the sensing material; and
a signaling component which creates a detectable signal in response to deformation of the arm caused by movement of the second end of the arm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device is disclosed which is a highly sensitive and selective sensor. The device is comprised of a sensor material secured into a fixed position on substrate, a deformable arm and a signaling component which creates a detectable signal in response to movement of the arm. The sensitivity of the device is enhanced by using a sensor material which undergoes a dramatic change in volume which may be accompanied by a phase change in response contact with a target such a molecule of interest. The selectivity of the device is enhanced by incorporating highly specific binding receptors (e.g. antibodies) into the sensor material which receptors bind to specific targets (e.g. peptide epitopes). The binding of the target molecule to the receptor causes the sensor material to change dramatically in volume thereby moving the arm causing the signaling component (e.g. a piezoresistor) to create a detectable signal (e.g. change in resistance) thereby indicating the present of the target.
76 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A sensor device, comprising:
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a sensing material which responds to a change in osmolality of a solution by a change in volume, said sensing material comprising more than about 50% by weight of a polymerized hydroxypropyl acrylate monomer; a deformable arm comprising a first end connected to a substrate and a second end positioned such that it is moved in response to the volumetric change of the sensing material; and a signaling component which creates a detectable signal in response to deformation of the arm caused by movement of the second end of the arm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification