Rapid quantification of biomolecules in a selectively functionalized nanofluidic biosensor and method thereof
Inventors
Durand, Nicolas • Märki, Iwan • Broillet, Stéphane • Mayor, Annick • Lasser, Theo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9547004-B2
Publication Date
2017-01-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method and device for the rapid quantification of biomolecules (320) present in a nanochannel (210) is claimed. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel concept of liquid actuation and selectively functionalized surfaces in a nanochannel that create a concentration gradient of transitory immobilized biomolecules (340) across the nanochannel. The present concept enables the quantification of biomolecular interactions of interest (320).
Core Innovation
The invention provides a selectively functionalized nanofluidic biosensor for detecting and quantifying fluorescently-labeled biomolecules. A nanochannel is defined between two substrates and includes one or more selectively functionalized areas on which biomarkers are immobilized, with a lateral input aperture and a lateral output aperture so that a solution containing biomolecules can enter the nanochannel and pass through it toward the output aperture.
The biosensor uses a driving component associated with the lateral output aperture to drive the solution through the nanochannel by capillarity. The operation enables an absorbing element and generates a forced convective flow with an equilibrium/convection stop behavior, producing a concentration gradient across the nanochannel between fluorescently labeled specific biomolecules and non-specific biomolecules.
The concentration gradient enables rapid quantification by monitoring an optical signal associated with immobilized molecular complexes. The document links the optical measurement volume or detection volume to the nanochannel and describes monitoring fluorescence signal or photobleaching as compared to background diffusion, with confinement and intersection of the measurement volume with the nanochannel stated to improve detection probability and reduce background.
Claims Coverage
The provided content identifies one independent claim directed to a biosensor structure and its driving of flow through a selectively functionalized nanofluidic nanochannel. The inventive coverage centers on a lateral-input/lateral-output nanochannel biosensor with capillarity-driven transport and selectively functionalized, biomarker-immobilized areas.
Nanofluidic biosensor for fluorescently-labeled biomolecule detection via selectively functionalized immobilized biomarkers
A biosensor for detecting and quantifying fluorescently-labeled biomolecules, comprising a nanochannel defined between two substrates and containing one or more selectively functionalized areas on which biomarkers are immobilized.
Lateral input and lateral output apertures with capillarity-driven transport by a driving component
The nanochannel is defined by a lateral input aperture designed to allow a solution containing biomolecules to enter the nanochannel, and a lateral output aperture that contains or is in contact with a driving component that drives the solution through the nanochannel by capillarity.
The core coverage is the combination of a selectively functionalized, biomarker-immobilized nanochannel biosensor with lateral input/output apertures and capillarity-driven transport using a driving component at the output aperture.
Stated Advantages
Improved detection probability.
Reduced background.
Documented Applications
Biomedical/biological/food analysis applications.
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