Chemically Responsive Nanosensors with Integrated Light Sources
Employing xerogel based sensor arrays in microdot form, wherein recognition chemicals (luminophores) are sequestrated, for detection and quantification of multiple analytes is described earlier in technology no. 5729. Till date, determining concentra tions of multiple target analytes within a sample in a spatially defined manner requires sensors outside the sample domain. This invention, a Chemically Responsive Nanosensor with an Integrated Light Source (CRNLS) has the xerogel based nanosensor lo cated fully within the sample/specimen. Luminophores within the sensor recognize area(s) with corresponding target analytes and “swim” towards it. Different analyte-specific spatial regions exhibit different color changes, and are detected and quanti fied. Other values are:a) Minute beta sources encapsulated within scintillator material generate visible light (i.e. a long-life, low noise, trouble-free light source). No external excitation is necessary. b) The sensing (luminophore) layer over the scintillator recognizes the analyte and exhibits color changes; a directing layer makes sensor dots flow towards specific analyte areas. c) The invention works with any other luminescence-based sensor strategy that can be coated as a thin film sensing layer. d) A protective encapsulating ceramic layer prevents radioactive contamination. e) Luminescence anisotropy can be potentially exploited (if the light source is sufficiently polarized) both in steady state and time resolved manner.
Applications of such sensors exist in the areas of medicine and biotechnology, environmental pollution and ecology, agricultural and industrial chemistry, criminology and forensic science, human and animal nutritional Science, electronic and semico
Categories: Sensors, Screening
Type of Offer: Licensing
« More Engineering - Electrical Patents