Method and system for the analysis of saliva using a sensor array

US7651868B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• John McDevitt · Clearwater, US
• Eric V. Anslyn · Austin, US
• Jason B. Shear · Austin, US
• Dean P. Neikirk · Austin, US
• Nick Christodoulides · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 26, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S436/809
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for the rapid characterization of analytes in saliva. In one embodiment, a system for detecting analytes includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.