Signal Amplification Method for SPR-based Chemical Detection
Introduction Surface plasma resonance (SPR) is a general spectroscopic method for sensing refractive index changes near the surface of a metal film. Its sensitivity to these changes provides a versatile platform for the observation and quantitation of chemical reactions and intermolecular binding at the metal/solution interface. The generality of the technique has led to its application to a variety of chemical systems, including biological interactions and reactions. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method for signal enhancement of surface Plasmon resonance-based chemical detection in flow based systems, such as microfluidic flow devices. An enzyme precipitation signal-enhancement protocol that is well established for use in optical adsorption assays is used to increase the signal associated with reflectivity. Three commonly used detection schemes in which this method is applicable are i) a competition assay with an enzyme labeled ligand, ii)a sandwich assay in which the enzyme is linked to a binding partner specific for an analyte of interest, and iii)a nucleic acid assay in which the enzyme is linked to a nucleic acid probe. Quantitation of the change in reflectivity due to the precipitate indicates the precipitate produces a greater than 50% change in reflectivity. As a comparison, a monolayer of antibody nonspecifically adsorbed directly onto the metal sensing surface produces a change in reflectivity of ~35%. Business Opportunity This method can be used with any SPR-based detection method, both imaging and nonimaging. In addition, this invention holds several distinct advantages over existing methods of signal amplification for SPR-based detection including the speed at which this method can be applied and the level of increase in signal. Stage of Development Our researchers have successfully manufactured this device and have a working prototype. Intellectual Property Position The UW has a US patent pending on this technology.Type of Offer: Licensing
« More Optical Science Patents