Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in food processing and food supply chain
Inventors
Levin, Ron • Beeland, Clinton • LeFiles, James • EGAN, Joseph • ZOLLERS, Timothy • Thompson, Jacob
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12416616-B2
Publication Date
2025-09-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for food or food processing applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within a food processing test sample composition. The system comprises an optical assembly unit with a light unit and a detector unit adapted to fit within a portable housing unit, and a cartridge system adapted to be inserted into the housing and removed after one or more uses.
The cartridge system encloses an interferometric chip and a flow cell wafer within a cartridge housing. The interferometric chip includes one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon, and the sensing layer is adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the food processing test sample composition.
The invention further includes waveguide interferometry detection and data processing for analyte detection and quantification. The portable system can provide presence data on a display and/or deliver data via wireless transmission to a mobile device or server.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to a portable interferometric system and a method of detecting and quantifying analyte in a food processing test sample composition. Across the claim set, the inventive coverage centers on the removable cartridge architecture, integrated portable optical assembly, and waveguide interferometry detection and processing. Dependent claims add quantitative performance constraints, bubble reduction, multi-channel signal analysis, wireless transmission, display of presence data, timing constraints, and sample identification and buffer-based preparation steps.
Portable interferometric system for food processing analyte detection
A portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within a food processing test sample composition, comprising an optical assembly unit with a light unit and a detector unit adapted to fit within a portable housing unit, and a cartridge system adapted to be inserted in the housing 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, a flow cell wafer, and a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer.
Analyte detection and quantification with sensing-layer disturbance
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 food processing test sample composition.
Method steps for portable waveguide interferometry detection
A method of detecting and quantifying the level of analyte in a food processing test sample composition, comprising collecting a food processing target sample containing one or more analytes; introducing the chemical target sample to a portable interferometric system; initiating waveguide interferometry on the test sample composition; and processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
Cartridge vent port to prevent bubble formation
The portable interferometric system includes a cartridge housing with a vent port that allows air to exit to prevent bubble formation.
Quantitative analyte detection limit performance
The portable interferometric system is specified to have an analyte detection limit down to about 1.0 picogram per liter.
Detector sensitivity expressed in diffraction-line pixel metric
The portable interferometric system includes a detector with sensitivity of at least 2 pixels per diffraction line pair.
Analyte detection by combined signals from multiple waveguide channels
A portable interferometric system is configured to analyze light signals from multiple waveguide channels to detect an analyte that could not be detected by any individual waveguide channel alone.
Wireless transmission of analyte detection and quantification data
The method further provides that transmitting data wirelessly sends analyte detection and quantification data to a mobile device or server.
Display of presence data for analyte in test sample
The method further includes displaying data about the presence of an analyte in the test sample composition on a display unit.
Time constraint for providing interferometry data
The method further provides that the data from waveguide interferometry is delivered at or within 30 minutes.
Sample identification entry and buffer-based test sample preparation
The method further includes entering an identification for the target sample, mixing the target sample with a buffer solution to form a food processing test sample composition, and transmitting data produced by waveguide interferometry.
Overall, the claim coverage ties portable optical components to a removable cartridge that carries an interferometric chip with one or more waveguide channels and a sensing layer, together with a flow cell wafer, enabling waveguide interferometry initiation and data processing for analyte detection and quantification in food processing samples. Dependent claims further narrow performance and operational aspects, including quantitative detection-limit and detector sensitivity metrics, reduced bubble formation via a vent port, multi-waveguide-channel analysis, and optional wireless transmission, display, timing, and identification and buffer preparation workflow features.
Stated Advantages
Enables detection and quantification of analyte within a food processing test sample composition using a portable interferometric system.
Provides quantitative detection performance characterized by analyte detection limits and detector sensitivity expressed as pixels per diffraction line pair.
Supports improved detectability by analyzing light signals from multiple waveguide channels when an analyte could not be detected by any individual waveguide channel alone.
Reduces bubble formation in the cartridge via a vent port that allows air to exit.
Can provide analyte presence data on a display unit.
Can deliver analyte detection and quantification data via wireless transmission to a mobile device or server.
Supports timely output by providing data from waveguide interferometry at or within 30 minutes.
Documented Applications
Food processing test sample analysis for detection and quantification of analytes in a food processing environment, including categories of pesticides/food contaminants and pathogens/microbes.
Pathogen or microbe-related detection contexts described include examples such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Environmental and food-chain testing examples described include produce testing and chlorpyrifos detection.
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