Optical interference diagnostic apparatus and methods of use
Inventors
NICKEL, Matthew R. • SWEET, Hillary M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12313556-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
An improved thin film optical interference apparatus, methods of use and of manufacture are provided, the apparatus comprising means for generating optical interference colours directly on the surface of a single layer of anodized metal. The interference colours generated by the presently improved apparatus can be used to indicate the presence of at least one organic compound or analyte.
Core Innovation
The patent describes an improved thin film optical interference diagnostic for detecting the presence of a target compound. The diagnostic uses a thin film optical interference apparatus that includes a single layer of an anodizable metal, with a first portion anodized to form a porous metal oxide and a second portion non-anodized underlying the first portion, such that different optical path lengths generate a first interference colour.
The first portion comprises a first thickness and a first refractive index that generate a first optical path length, while the second portion comprises a second thickness and a second refractive index that generate a second optical path length different from the first optical path length. A non-anodized metal is electrodeposited on the porous metal oxide, providing an enhanced interference colour compared to the first interference colour.
Upon binding of the target compound to the apparatus, a third thickness and a third refractive index generate a third optical path length different from the first and second optical path lengths. This results in a detectable change in interference colour indicative of the presence of the target compound.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three related aspects: an apparatus, a method of detecting using that apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the apparatus. Across these claims, the key inventive features are the single layer with anodized porous metal oxide portion and non-anodized portion that generate different optical path lengths and a first interference colour, the electrodeposition of a non-anodized metal on the porous oxide to enhance the interference colour, and the binding-induced change to a third thickness and refractive index that generates a detectable interference-colour change.
Single-layer anodized and non-anodized portions generating distinct optical path lengths
A single layer of an anodizable metal is provided with a first portion anodized to form a porous metal oxide and a second portion non-anodized underlying the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first thickness and a first refractive index generating a first optical path length, and the second portion comprises a second thickness and a second refractive index generating a second optical path length different from the first, providing a first interference colour.
Non-anodized metal electrodeposited on the porous metal oxide for enhanced interference colour
A non-anodized metal is electrodeposited on the porous metal oxide providing an enhanced interference colour compared to the first interference colour.
Binding-induced third optical path length producing detectable interference colour change
Upon binding of the target compound to the apparatus, a third thickness and a third refractive index generate a third optical path length different from the first and second optical path lengths, resulting in a detectable change in interference colour indicative of the presence of the target compound.
Method of detecting using contacting with a sample and detecting binding-induced interference-colour change
Contacting the surface of the apparatus with a sample for the target compound, and detecting the presence of the target compound upon binding of the target compound to the apparatus wherein a third thickness and a third refractive index generates a third optical path length different from the first and second optical path lengths, resulting in a detectable change in interference colour indicative of the presence of the target compound.
Method of manufacturing by anodizing to form porous oxide and non-anodized portion, then electrodepositing non-anodized metal
Providing a single layer of an anodizable metal; anodizing the single layer to form a first portion anodized to provide a porous metal oxide and a second portion non-anodized underlying the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first thickness and a first refractive index generating a first optical path length and the second portion comprises a second thickness and a second refractive index generating a second optical path length providing a first interference colour; and electrodepositing a non-anodized metal onto the single layer of the anodizable metal providing an enhanced interference colour compared to the first interference colour.
Across the independent claims, the apparatus and methods center on creating distinct optical path lengths from different thickness and refractive index regions within a single anodizable-metal layer to generate an interference colour, enhancing that colour by electrodepositing a non-anodized metal on the porous oxide, and producing a detectable interference-colour change when a target compound binds.
Stated Advantages
An enhanced interference colour compared to the first interference colour.
A detectable change in interference colour indicative of the presence of the target compound.
Documented Applications
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics using an immunoassay to detect a target compound by binding and generating a detectable interference-colour shift, with examples including prothrombin/anti-human prothrombin IgG.
Detection involving immune complexes, with examples including prothrombin and IgG and additional reagents mentioned in the disclosure (e.g., prothrombin and anti-human prothrombin IgG; deoxycholic acid; phosvitin).
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