Method and apparatus for two-step surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy

US9134247B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Real-Time Analyzers, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Atanu Sengupta · New Haven, US
• Frank Inscore · Bristol, US
• Chetan Shende · Vernon, US
• Michael Donahue · San Francisco, US
• Stuart Farquharson · Meriden, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 15, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 15, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N33/587
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A SERS method and apparatus employ a sample device having support structure including a first material containing a SER-active metal functionalized with a binding agent having specific capability for binding a designated target analyte. An analyte sample is introduced upon the functionalized SER-active metal; conditions to effect binding of the target analyte to the binding agent are maintained; unbound chemicals, biochemicals, or biologicals are removed; a second SER-active material is introduced to cause it to attach to the bound target analyte; the support structure is irradiated to generate a SER spectrum, with the first and second SER-active materials acting in concert; and the SER spectrum is detected and analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of the target analyte. Alternatively, the second SER-active material may be functionalized with a binding agent, with the procedure being modified accordingly.