Method and apparatus for detection of a biomarker by alternating current electrokinetics

摘要

Systems, methods and a lab-on-a-chip product are described for the detection of pathogens, infectious diseases and physiological conditions by quantifying change over time of one of capacitance or impedance when a biological sample is loaded onto the chip. The lab-on-a-chip utilizes AC electrokinetic phenomena such that molecules move or are carried in an electric field generated by the application of a signal of predetermined voltage and frequency to an electrode array. In particular, an electrode array of a conductive material is constructed on a substrate that may comprise silicon or quartz/glass or other known substrate, in one embodiment, a molecular probe comprising a bacterial antigen, an antibody against pathogen an antibody against protein or other biomarker is dispersed on the electrode array and blocked. A test for detection of diseases or conditions in animal or human including but not limited to Johne's disease, mastitis, pregnancy, heart attack and diabetes comprises taking the biological sample, dropping the sample on the chip, applying the predetermined signal to the chip for a predetermined time and detecting the biomarker through measuring the change in one of capacitance and impedance over time.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes coated with a coating material; a signal generator to generate an electrical signal with a fixed voltage and a fixed frequency, wherein an output of the signal generator is coupled to the electrode array; an impedance read-out circuit to measure an impedance of the electrode array; and a controller programmed to:
control the impedance read-out circuit to measure an initial value of the impedance of the electrode array when a sample is initially deposited onto the electrode array;control the signal generator to generate the electrical signal and apply the electrical signal to the electrode array after the initial value of the impedance is measured;control the impedance read-out circuit and the signal generator to measure the impedance versus time of the electrode array for a predetermined period of time after the initial value of the impedance is measured; andcalculate a change in the impedance versus time of the electrode array with respect to the initial value of the impedance.