Optochemical fluorescence sensor and method for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a sample

US5866433A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• AVL Medical Instruments · CH

Inventors

• Thomas Schalkhammer · Bischofshofen, AT
• Fritz Pittner · Wien, AT
• Alfred Leitner · Graz, AT
• Franz Aussenegg · Graz, AT
• Harald Brunner · Ingolstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 2, 1999
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S436/807
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optochemical fluorescence sensor with a biorecognitive layer for measuring the concentration of one or more analytes in a sample is provided with at least one island layer which is applied on a sensor substrate. The islands of the island layer are in the form of electrically-conductive material and have a diameter of less than 300 nm, the biorecognitive layer being directly applied on the island layer or bound via a spacer film. In addition, an analyte-specific fluorescent compound is provided which may be added to the sample or is provided in the sensor itself. The biorecognitive layer can bind the analyte to be measured directly or by means of analyte-binding molecules, the originally low quantum yield of the fluorescent compound increasing strongly in the vicinity of the island layer.