Biosensor

摘要

The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

主权项

1. A resonant sensor assembly for monitoring density and/or viscosity of a fluid comprising:
a base substrate of fixed width and length; at least three parallel resonating beam members patterned in and integral to the base substrate, wherein the at least three beam members comprise a central beam member and at least two outer beam members, and wherein a width of the central beam member is twice the width of the at least two outer beam members such that a third mode of oscillation of the at least three beam members is optimally excitable; at least one vibration excitory element for use in providing a selective oscillation of at least one of the three beam members, wherein the at least one vibration excitory element is configured to cause at least one of the beam members to resonate in a transverse direction; and at least one sensor element for use in determining a frequency of oscillation of at least one of the at least three beam members, whereby density and/or viscosity of a fluid can be monitored by monitoring oscillations of at least one beam member.