Portable high gain fluorescence detection system
US8329453B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/0245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a compact, microprocessor-controlled instrument for fluorometric assays in liquid samples, the instrument having a floating stage with docking bay for receiving a microfluidic cartridge and a scanning detector head with on-board embedded microprocessor for controlling source LEDs, emission signal amplification and filtering in an isolated, low noise, high gain environment within the detector head. Multiple optical channels may be incorporated in the scanning head. In a preferred configuration, the assay is validated using dual channel optics for monitoring a first fluorophore associated with a target analyte and a second fluorophore associated with a control. Applications include molecular biological assays based on PCR amplification of target nucleic acids and fluorometric assays in general, many of which require temperature control during detection. Sensitivity and resistance to bubble interference during scanning are shown to be improved by use of a heating block with reflective mirror face in intimate contact with a thermo-optical window enclosing the liquid sample.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.