Patent ID: 9594079
Date: 2017-03-14
CPC Classifications: B82Y,G01N

Claim:
1. A method for detecting target molecules using an optical sensor element comprising a photonic crystal constituted by a membrane of a chosen transparent material, and more specifically the membrane being provided with a number of defined openings in a chosen pattern, the pattern being adapted to provide resonance at a chosen wavelength or range of wavelengths, the method including the following steps: a) in a chosen number of said openings providing a capture molecules having a high affinity to said target molecules; b) moving a first fluid flow containing target molecules through said openings; b1) wherein said sensor element is illuminated at said chosen wavelength thus obtaining a resonance, and providing a first image of said sensor element from a position outside the sensor element plane so as to detect light leaking from the resonator at the target molecule position; c) moving a second fluid flow containing a second reactant being different from said capture molecules but having a high affinity for the target molecules but a low affinity for other possible molecules in said first flow; d) illuminating said sensor element at said chosen wavelength thus obtaining a resonance and providing a second image of said sensor element from a position outside the sensor element plane so as to detect light leaking from the resonator; and e) an analyzing step including a comparison of said images provided in steps b1) and d), wherein the detection of a target molecule is registered when an increase in the induced signal in one position is detected in the resulting images in both steps b1) and d).