Multi-analyte detection system and method

摘要

The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection.

主权项

1. An apparatus for detecting an analyte substance in a gas sample, comprising:
a flow system carrying a sensor head and a heating block, said sensor head and said heating block defining a module receiver therebetween; a gas inlet positioned on said sensor head and providing gaseous fluid communication to a sample area; a gas outlet positioned on said sensor head and providing gaseous fluid communication from said sample area; a sealing edge positioned on the bottom of said sensor head and within said module receiver; a heater positioned within said module receiver and positioned to provide heat to said sensor head, said heating block, and said module receiver; a removable module positioned in said module receiver and carrying a substrate and a substrate feeder capable of advancing said substrate through said module, said module carrying a window; said substrate carrying at least two different reporters thereon, wherein said two different reporters are selected for their ability to respond to at least one analyte carried by said gas sample, wherein said substrate is exposed to said gas sample in said window, wherein said sample area is defined by said bottom of said sensor head, said sealing edge, and said substrate, wherein said sealing edge and said substrate define a leak-free seal therebetween, and wherein said sample area is positioned within said window; wherein said sample area isolates a portion of said substrate carrying said at least two different reporters thereon from a remainder of said substrate located outside said sample area, and wherein said sample area precludes contamination of said remainder of said substrate located outside of said sample area; at least one optical port in optical communication with said sample area, said optical port providing optical communication for at least one optical illuminator and for at least one optical detector communicating therethrough; and a control system in electronic communication with said optical illuminator, said optical detector, and said module, said control system comprising a processor and a memory device.