Michael D Donahue

US Patent:

20130157254, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 16, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/374225

Inventors:

Atanu SENGUPTA - New Haven CT, US
Frank E. INSCORE - Bristol CT, US
Chetan SHENDE - Ellington CT, US
Michael J. DONAHUE - Middletown CT, US
Stuart FARQUHARSON - Meriden CT, US

International Classification:

G01N 21/65
C12M 1/40
C12M 1/34
C12Q 1/70

US Classification:

435 5, 436501, 435 71, 422 69, 4352887

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.