Device and method for chemical analysis
Inventors
Taslim, Mohammad E. • Fotouhi, Mohammed • Abedi, Mehdi • Mollaaghababa, Reza • Fotouhi, Bahram • Javaherian, Kashayar • Greenfield, Edward Alvin
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10401352-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A processing and detection system for detecting presence of at least one gluten protein in a food sample comprises a food processor including: a reservoir containing a process liquid for processing the food sample; a body that comprises a chamber configured to receive the food sample; and a pressing surface configured to press on the reservoir to cause the process liquid to exit the reservoir and mix with the food sample, thereby generating a processed food liquid; and an exit port configured to conduct the processed food liquid out of the food processor; and a cartridge including: at least one sensor configured to receive the processed food liquid and to generate an electrical signal in response to interaction with the at least one gluten protein in the processed food liquid, and an analyzer in electrical communication with the at least one sensor for detecting the electrical signal and determining the presence of the at least one gluten protein in the food sample based on the detected electrical signal.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for detecting a gluten protein in a sample using a single-use cartridge and a separate analyzer. The single-use cartridge includes a food chamber with an input port and an output port, and a sensor is disposed relative to the output port so as to receive at least a portion of the food sample exiting the chamber.
The sensor includes an anti-body functionalized graphene layer disposed on an underlying substrate and a plurality of antibodies covalently coupled to the anti-body functionalized graphene layer. The antibodies are configured for selective binding to the gluten protein, and the sensor further includes a plurality of metallic leads coupled to the anti-body functionalized graphene layer for detecting a change in electrical resistance in response to interaction with the gluten protein.
The analyzer is separate from the cartridge and includes a cavity for receiving the single-use cartridge. The analyzer applies a known current to the anti-body functionalized graphene layer and detects a change in voltage across the anti-body functionalized graphene layer in response to exposure to a sample suspected of containing the gluten protein, and an analysis module computes a change in electrical resistance and determines whether the gluten protein is present based on the change in electrical resistance.
The document further describes electrical measurements and analysis logic to distinguish gluten proteins from controls, including temporal resistance signatures and comparison to calibration data. It also describes cartridge-associated components such as microfluidics and filters positioned for sample handling prior to contact with the antibody-functionalized graphene sensing layer, together with refined targeting of gliadin.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is clm-00001, and the listed refinements add 10 inventive features that refine the target gluten protein, detection criterion, analysis logic, underlying substrate selection, and cartridge filtering.
Single-use cartridge with food chamber and output-positioned sensor
A system for detecting a gluten protein in a sample comprising a single-use cartridge with a food chamber having an input port and an output port, and a sensor disposed relative to the output port so as to receive at least a portion of the food sample exiting the chamber.
Anti-body functionalized graphene sensor with covalently coupled selective antibodies
A sensor comprising an anti-body functionalized graphene layer disposed on an underlying substrate and a plurality of antibodies covalently coupled to said anti-body functionalized graphene layer, the antibodies configured for selective binding to said gluten protein.
Metallic leads for resistance change detection
A plurality of metallic leads coupled to said anti-body functionalized graphene layer for detecting a change in electrical resistance thereof in response to interaction with said gluten protein.
Analyzer applying known current and measuring voltage across graphene
An analyzer separate from said single-use cartridge and having a cavity for receiving said single-use cartridge, the analyzer comprising a data acquisition unit having a current source for applying a known current to said anti-body functionalized graphene layer, and a voltage meter for detecting a change in a voltage across said anti-body functionalized graphene layer in response to exposure to a sample suspected of containing said gluten protein.
Computation of resistance change and presence determination from electrical response
An analysis module in communication with said data acquisition unit to compute a change in electrical resistance of said anti-body functionalized graphene layer based on said known current value and said detected change in voltage and determine whether said gluten protein is present in the sample based on said change in the electrical resistance.
Targeting gliadin as the gluten protein
The system specifies that the gluten protein is gliadin.
Presence determination using temporal change in electrical resistance
The system determines whether gluten protein is present based on analyzing a temporal change in electrical resistance.
Decision based on calibration data comparison
The analysis module compares a computed change in electrical resistance of the anti-body functionalized graphene layer to calibration data to determine whether gluten protein is present in the sample.
Underlying substrate comprising silicon
The system configures the underlying substrate so that it comprises silicon.
Cartridge filter providing upstream sample passage prior to graphene contact
The system further includes an oleophobic and hydrophilic filter in the cartridge such that the sample passes through the filter before contacting an antibody-functionalized graphene layer.
Overall, the claims coverage is centered on a gluten-protein detection system that combines an output-positioned single-use cartridge sensor using antibody-functionalized graphene with an external analyzer that applies a known current, measures voltage, computes resistance change, and determines protein presence, with dependent refinements that include gliadin specificity, temporal-resistance based decision-making, calibration-data comparison, silicon substrate selection, and oleophobic/hydrophilic cartridge filtering.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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