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Publication Number
US-8753894-B2
Publication Date
2014-06-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described.A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided. The multi sensor array chip can be configured in order to detect labels in multiple zones, and to monitor progress of flow down a strip of membrane. These multiple label detection zones, using sandwich assay techniques, can quantify analyte concentration for many types of analytical samples. Also, the membrane can be micropatterned in order to provide multiple or unusually shaped flow paths.
Core Innovation
An electromagnetic effect field detection system measures labels in a fluid by using a planar substrate with at least one electromagnetic effect field sensor formed on a first surface. A backing structure substantially supports a second surface of the planar substrate on the opposite side from the electromagnetic effect field sensor. A flow permeable membrane is supported on the first surface and covers the electromagnetic effect field sensor, with a thinnest dimension of the membrane perpendicular to the first surface and with membrane length and width parallel to the first surface.
The sensing configuration uses one or more sensing lanes in which each lane includes a continuous flow path through interconnected pores of the flow permeable membrane. The continuous flow path is substantially parallel to the length of the flow permeable membrane, and label detection zones are disposed within the flow permeable membrane and positioned directly above the electromagnetic effect field sensor. The surface area of the flow permeable membrane is greater than that of the planar substrate.
The flow control within each sensing lane includes continuous flow path features that divert flow by plugging some of the pores in the flow permeable membrane. In the described context, excitation sources may be used to induce label signals, and sensor arrays may be multiplexed through multiple label capture sites and sensing lanes.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim includes a layered membrane-supported electromagnetic effect field sensor with sensing lanes defining continuous flow paths and label detection zones positioned above the sensor, and adds a flow diversion mechanism by plugging pores. The inventive features are further narrowed by dependent claims regarding adhesive bonding, interposing a low-electrical-conductivity material layer, explicit label-emitted electromagnetic effect field detection, and a specific backing-structure surface relationship.
Planar electromagnetic effect field sensor with backing
At least one electromagnetic effect field sensor formed on a first surface of a planar substrate, and a backing structure substantially supporting a second surface of the planar substrate where the second surface is on the opposite side of the planar substrate from the electromagnetic effect field sensor.
Flow permeable membrane covering the electromagnetic effect field sensor
A flow permeable membrane supported substantially on the first surface of the planar substrate and covering the at least one electromagnetic effect field sensor, wherein a thinnest dimension of the flow permeable membrane is perpendicular to the first surface and wherein a length and width of the flow permeable membrane are parallel to the first surface.
Sensing lanes with continuous pore flow paths and label detection zones above sensors
One or more sensing lanes, each lane comprising a continuous flow path and intended flow direction through interconnected pores of the flow permeable membrane, with the continuous flow path being substantially parallel to the length of the flow permeable membrane, and one or more label detection zones disposed within the flow permeable membrane and positioned directly above the electromagnetic effect field sensor.
Membrane area greater than planar substrate area
The surface area of the flow permeable membrane is greater than that of the planar substrate.
Flow diversion by plugging pores in the continuous flow path
The continuous flow path further comprises features that divert flow by plugging some of the pores in the flow permeable membrane.
Adhesive bonding between flow permeable membrane and sensor with membrane overhang
A flow permeable membrane bonded to an electromagnetic effect field sensor using an adhesive layer, with part of the membrane extending past the edge of the planar substrate in at least one direction.
Low-electrical-conductivity layer between adhesive and sensor
A low-electrical-conductivity material layer placed between the adhesive layer and the electromagnetic effect field sensor.
Low-electrical-conductivity layer between sensor and membrane
A low electrical conductivity material layer placed between an electromagnetic effect field sensor and a flow permeable membrane.
Sensor detects electromagnetic effect field emitted by a label in a detection zone
An electromagnetic effect field sensor that detects an electromagnetic effect field emitted by a label located within one of the label detection zones.
Backing structure substantially flush with the sensor side surface
Some portions of the backing structure are substantially flush with the first surface of the planar substrate.
Across the independent and dependent claims, the core claim structure is an electromagnetic effect field sensor on a planar substrate covered by a flow permeable membrane that defines sensing lanes with continuous pore flow paths and label detection zones positioned directly above the sensor, together with flow diversion by plugging pores. Dependent claims refine the membrane-to-sensor assembly using adhesive bonding and optional low-electrical-conductivity layers, specify electromagnetic effect field detection from a label within the detection zones, and define a substantially flush relationship of backing-structure portions relative to the planar substrate surface.
Stated Advantages
Multiplexing through multiple label detection zones and sensing lanes is supported as described in the integrated disposable sensor system context.
Documented Applications
Use in a disposable, flow-permeable membrane assay cartridge for detecting electromagnetic effect field labels in labeled detection zones above sensor arrays.
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