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
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Publication Number
US-12298239-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
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 provides a method of detecting and quantifying the level of analyte in an aquatic test sample. The method includes collecting an aquatic test sample containing one or more analytes, introducing the sample to a portable interferometric system, initiating waveguide interferometry on the aquatic test sample, and processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
The interferometric system comprises an optical assembly unit having 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, and includes an interferometric chip having one or more waveguide channels with 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.
A flow cell wafer is included, and a cartridge housing encloses the interferometric chip and the flow cell wafer. A cartridge housing and cartridge recess architecture is used to provide alignment during insertion, thereby providing optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a method of detecting and quantifying analyte levels in an aquatic test sample using waveguide interferometry on a portable interferometric system. Across the independent-claim scope, the principal inventive features include the portable interferometric system architecture, the cartridge structure with an interferometric chip and sensing layer, the flow cell wafer, and alignment means that provide optical and microfluidic alignment upon cartridge insertion.
Portable interferometric system with waveguide interferometry workflow
A method comprising collecting an aquatic test sample containing one or more analytes, introducing the aquatic target sample to a portable interferometric system, initiating waveguide interferometry on the aquatic test sample, and processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
Optical assembly unit in a portable housing
An optical assembly unit adapted to fit within a portable housing unit, the optical assembly unit comprising a light unit and a detector unit.
Cartridge system with interferometric chip and sensing layer
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, the sensing layer adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the aquatic test sample.
Flow cell wafer enclosed with the interferometric chip
The cartridge system further comprising a flow cell wafer and a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer.
Alignment means for optical and microfluidic alignment upon insertion
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.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a portable interferometric method for aquatic analyte quantification using waveguide interferometry, implemented via an optical assembly and a removable cartridge positioned by alignment means to provide optical and microfluidic alignment.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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