Patent ID: 8512966
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of: providing a transducer comprising a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, a first reagent immobilised on the transducer, and a second reagent releasably bound to the first reagent and having a label attached thereto which is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to generate energy by non-radiative decay, wherein either the first or second reagent has a binding site which allows binding to the other and which is capable of preferentially binding to the analyte or a derivative of the analyte; exposing the transducer to the sample thereby allowing the analyte or a derivative of the analyte to bind to the binding site and displace the second reagent; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation; transducing the energy generated into an electrical signal; and detecting the electrical signal.