Device and method for chemical analysis
Inventors
Taslim, Mohammad E. • Fotouhi, Mohammed • Abedi, Mehdi • Mollaaghababa, Reza • Fotouhi, Bahram • Javaherian, Kashayar • Greenfield, Edward Alvin • Nawana, Namal
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10782285-B2
Publication Date
2020-09-22
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 disclosed invention provides a system for detecting an analyte in a sample using a sensor that includes a graphene layer and a plurality of antibodies coupled to the graphene layer to form an antibody-functionalized graphene layer. The antibodies exhibit specific binding to the analyte. The sensor further includes a reference electrode disposed in vicinity of the graphene layer and a plurality of electrical conductors electrically coupled to the graphene layer for measuring an electrical property of the graphene layer in response to an interaction of the sample with the graphene layer.
The system includes an AC voltage source configured to apply an AC voltage to the reference electrode. The processor controls the AC voltage source to generate a time-varying electric field at or near the vicinity of the functionalized graphene layer, thereby driving time-dependent electrical responses associated with the antibody-analyte interaction.
The disclosure includes specific sensor integration concepts using a processor, a cartridge, and an analyzer/reader unit in which processed liquid from a food processor is received by the sensor cartridge for sensing. It also describes sensor-support elements such as passivation layers and filtration hardware designed to route analyte-containing filtrates to the sensor.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim directed to an analyte-detection system using antibody-functionalized graphene with an AC-driven reference electrode to generate a time-varying electric field, supported by dependent claims that refine placement, operating constraints, and sample-handling structures.
Antibody-functionalized graphene layer for analyte-specific binding
A sensor comprising a graphene layer and a plurality of antibodies coupled to the graphene layer to form an antibody-functionalized graphene layer, wherein the antibodies exhibit specific binding to the analyte.
Reference electrode near graphene layer for AC-field generation
A reference electrode disposed in vicinity of the graphene layer.
Electrical conductors measuring graphene electrical property in response to interaction
A plurality of electrical conductors electrically coupled to the graphene layer for measuring an electrical property of the graphene layer in response to an interaction of said sample with the graphene layer.
Processor-controlled AC voltage applied to reference electrode to generate time-varying electric field
An AC voltage source configured for electrically coupling to said reference electrode, wherein the processor is configured to control the AC voltage source to apply an AC voltage to the reference electrode so as to generate a time-varying electric field at or near a vicinity of said functionalized graphene layer.
Reference electrode placement relative to graphene layer
The reference electrode is placed about 1 to about 2 mm above the graphene layer.
AC voltage frequency range
The AC voltage applied to the reference electrode has a frequency in the range of about 1 kHz to about 1 MHz.
AC voltage amplitude range
The applied AC voltage has an amplitude within about 1 millivolt to about 3 volts.
Microfluidic channel routing from sample port to functionalized graphene layer
The sensor includes one or more microfluidic channels that route a sample from a port to a functionalized graphene layer.
Passivation layer preventing analyte interaction with non-functionalized graphene regions
A passivation layer configured to prevent an analyte from interacting with the non-functionalized portion of a graphene layer that is not covered by the plurality of antibodies.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a graphene-based, antibody-functionalized sensing element coupled with a nearby reference electrode driven by processor-controlled AC voltage to generate a time-varying electric field that supports measurement of an electrical property of the graphene layer in response to analyte binding. Dependent features specify reference electrode placement, AC frequency and amplitude ranges, and add microfluidic routing and passivation to control where analyte interacts with graphene.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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