Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in aquatics
Inventors
Levin, Ron • Beeland, Clinton • LeFiles, James • EGAN, Joseph • ZOLLERS, Timothy • Thompson, Jacob
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11740177-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for aquatic applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention is a portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within an aquatic test sample composition. The system uses an optical assembly unit that includes a light unit and a detector unit adapted to fit within a portable housing unit. A cartridge system is adapted to be inserted in the housing unit and removed after one or more uses.
The cartridge system includes an interferometric chip having one or more waveguide channels with a sensing layer thereon. The sensing layer is adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the aquatic test sample composition. The cartridge system further includes a flow cell wafer and a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and the flow cell wafer.
The cartridge system includes alignment means for aligning the cartridge system within a cartridge recess in the optical assembly unit upon insertion. This alignment thereby provides optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and the flow cell wafer. The arrangement enables detection and quantification of analyte using waveguide channels and the sensing layer responsive to analytes in an aquatic test sample composition.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim directed to the portable interferometric system, with dependent claims refining performance, detector characteristics, cartridge identification, sensing chemistry/analyte selection, and timing/data constraints.
Portable interferometric detection in an aquatic sample
A portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within an aquatic test sample composition, using a portable housing unit and an optical assembly unit with a light unit and a detector unit.
Removable interferometric cartridge system
A cartridge system adapted to be inserted in the housing unit and removed after one or more uses, the cartridge system comprising an interferometric chip, a flow cell wafer, and a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer.
Waveguide interferometric chip with analyte-responsive sensing layer
An interferometric chip including one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon, where the sensing layer is adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the aquatic test sample composition.
Optical and microfluidic alignment by insertion alignment means
Alignment means for aligning the cartridge system within a cartridge recess in the optical assembly unit upon insertion thereby providing optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer.
The independent claim centers on a portable housing with an optical assembly including a light unit and detector unit, and a removable cartridge holding an interferometric chip with waveguide channels and an analyte-responsive sensing layer together with a flow cell wafer. The cartridge insertion provides optical and microfluidic alignment between the interferometric chip and the flow cell wafer for analyte detection and quantification in an aquatic test sample composition.
Stated Advantages
Portable, point-of-use detection and quantification of analyte within an aquatic test sample composition.
Cartridge system that can be inserted in the housing unit and removed after one or more uses.
Optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer provided by alignment means upon insertion.
Documented Applications
Aquatic test sample use for pathogen/microbe surveillance, including cyanobacteria and Vibrio cholera, and chemical contaminant/pesticide/herbicide detection, including 2,4-D and flumioxazin.
Interested in licensing this patent?