Patent ID: 6872786
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A fiber optic device for detecting the presence of target molecules comprising an explosive organic chemical, the sensor comprising: at least one optical fiber means having a proximal end and a distal end for transmitting light energy, the proximal end being disposed within a probe housing; a molecularly imprinted polymer formed by the steps of: (A) providing the reaction product of (i) a polymerizable porphyrin derivative and (ii) a target molecule comprising an explosive organic chemical; (B) copolymerizing the reaction product of step (A) with monomer and crosslinking agent to form a polymer; and (C) removing the target molecule from the polymer, said polymer exhibiting selecting binding affinity for the target molecule and under going a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the target molecule binds thereto; the molecularly imprinted polymer being disposed on the distal end of the optical fiber means, wherein the polymer is capable of chemically binding with said target molecule; light source means for generating excitation energy, said light source means operatively associated with said optical fiber means such that said excitation light passes through said optical fiber means; and detection means operatively associated with said optical fiber means, for detecting an emission signal generated by said polymer; wherein the explosive organic chemical is selected from the group consisting of TNT or TNB.