Automated detection and counting of biomolecules using nanoparticle probes
US8906673B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/904
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for counting nanoparticle probes is disclosed. In one embodiment, quantum dot-tagged proteins on optically transparent membranes or slides are counted. The transparent membranes or slides are loaded onto a stage (e.g., an X-Y stage or X-Y-Z stage), which can automatically reposition the transparent membrane or slides for image capture at varying locations. A microscope can be used for providing a light source to fluoresce the nanocrystals and for providing the magnification needed for image capture. Once one or more images are captured, the nanoparticles can be automatically counted using post-processing software that maintains a total count across multiple images, if desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.