Abraham C Choi

US Patent:

6399295, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Dec 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/465921

Inventors:

Rosann M. Kaylor - Cumming GA
Abraham B. Choi - Duluth GA
Chibueze Obinna Chidebelu-Eze - East Point GA
Michael Heinrich Herbert Grunze - Neckargemund, DE

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. - Neenah WI

International Classification:

G01N 33569

US Classification:

435 5, 385 12, 385129, 385130, 385131, 356305, 356317, 356318, 356347, 422 8211, 435 6, 435 71, 435 72, 435 731, 435 732, 435 734, 435 737, 4352871, 4352872, 4352887, 435808, 436164, 436165, 436518, 436524, 436525, 436527, 436805

Abstract:

The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive system and method for detecting analytes present in a medium. The system comprises a diffraction enhancing element, such as functionalized microspheres, which are modified such that they are capable of binding with a target analyte. Additionally, the system comprises a polymer film, which may include a metal coating, upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of a analyte-specific receptors. Finally, the system includes a wicking agent which permits the system to be a single step system which avoids the necessity of any additional rinsing steps. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the polymer film, either directly or with the diffraction enhancing element, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image, such as a hologram, is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.