APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BINDING KINETICS WITH A RESONATING SENSOR

摘要

Apparatus and method for detecting a presence of a subject material in a fluid sample using at least one resonating sensor immersible in the fluid sample. Binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in the fluid sample are measured with the resonating sensor, which has binding sites for the analyte material. Prior to exposing the resonating sensor to the fluid sample, operation of the resonating sensor is initiated, which produces a sensor output signal representing a resonance characteristic of the resonating sensor. Optionally, a reference resonator is used that produces a reference output signal. The reference resonator lacks binding sites for the analyte. Introduction of a fluid sample to the resonating sensor is automatically detected based on detection of a characteristic change in the sensor output signal or a reference output signal, or both. In response to the detecting of the introduction of the fluid sample, automated measurement of the binding kinetics of the analyte material to the resonating sensor are measured.