METHOD OF DETECTING AN ANALYTE USING A HOLOGRAPHIC SENSOR

摘要

A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid, which comprises contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and the analyte; and detecting any change of the optical characteristic of the element; wherein (a) the medium comprises a group which is capable of reacting with the analyte, wherein the analyte or the group is capable of existing in a plurality of forms, and the detecting is conducted in the presence of a first catalyst which is capable of catalysing the conversion of a relatively less reactive form of the analyte or group to a relatively more reactive form; or (b) the fluid comprises a component, other than the analyte, which is capable of interacting with the medium, and the detecting is conducted in the presence of a second catalyst capable of catalysing the removal of said component.