Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in agriculture
Inventors
Levin, Ron • Beeland, Clinton • LeFiles, James • EGAN, Joseph • ZOLLERS, Timothy • Thompson, Jacob
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12146829-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for agricultural applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method of detecting and quantifying the level of an analyte in an agricultural test sample by collecting the agricultural test sample containing one or more analytes, introducing the agricultural target sample to a portable interferometric system, initiating waveguide interferometry on the agricultural test sample, and processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
In the portable interferometric system, an optical assembly unit comprises a light unit and a detector unit each adapted to fit within a portable housing unit. The system further includes a cartridge system adapted to be inserted in the housing unit and removed after one or more uses, where the cartridge system comprises an interferometric chip including one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon and a flow cell wafer.
The cartridge system also includes a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer, and an 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.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim, describing a method for detecting and quantifying analyte levels in an agricultural test sample using a portable waveguide interferometry system with a removable cartridge and alignment means. Dependent claims refine analyte selection and performance/practical constraints, including quantitative timing, detection limits, detector sensitivity, and cartridge venting.
Portable agricultural waveguide interferometry for detecting and quantifying analytes
A method of detecting and quantifying the level of an analyte in an agricultural test sample by collecting an agricultural test sample containing one or more analytes, introducing the agricultural target sample to a portable interferometric system, initiating waveguide interferometry on the agricultural test sample, and processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
Portable interferometric system with optical assembly in a portable housing
The interferometric system comprises an optical assembly unit comprising a light unit and a detector unit each adapted to fit within a portable housing unit.
Removable cartridge with interferometric chip and flow cell wafer
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 including one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon, and a flow cell wafer.
Cartridge housing and alignment means providing optical and microfluidic alignment
A cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer, and an 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.
Time-to-data constraint after initiating waveguide interferometry
The method provides waveguide-interferometry data at or under 30 minutes after initiating the waveguide interferometry.
Low analyte detection limit
The interferometric system has an analyte detection limit of about 1.0 picogram/L.
Detector sensitivity based on pixels per diffraction line pair
The detector has sensitivity to at least 2 pixels per diffraction line pair.
Cartridge vent port to prevent bubble formation
The cartridge housing comprises a vent port for allowing air to exit and prevent bubble formation.
Analyte selection for agricultural/environmental chemical detection
The method includes one or more analytes selected from benzene, toluene, PCE, TCE, VC, or gasoline.
Overall claim coverage centers on portable waveguide interferometry for agricultural analyte detection and quantification, with a removable cartridge containing an interferometric chip and a flow cell wafer. Additional dependent-claim constraints specify a low detection limit, time-to-data performance, detector sensitivity, cartridge venting to prevent bubbles, and example chemical analytes.
Stated Advantages
Provides waveguide-interferometry data at or under 30 minutes after initiating waveguide interferometry.
Provides an analyte detection limit of about 1.0 picogram/L.
Prevents bubble formation via a vent port allowing air to exit.
Provides improved detector sensitivity defined as at least 2 pixels per diffraction line pair.
Enables detection of specific chemical analytes including benzene, toluene, PCE, TCE, VC, or gasoline.
Documented Applications
Agricultural test sample analyte detection and quantification using a portable interferometric system.
Agricultural/environmental chemical analyte detection including benzene, toluene, PCE, TCE, VC, or gasoline.
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