Patent ID: 8551786
Filing Date: 2013-10-08
Classification: B82Y,C12Q,C40B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample, for use with an irradiating device, the method comprising the steps of: combining one or more first fluorophores and one or more second fluorophores with the test sample, wherein the first fluorophores comprise quantum dots of one or more quantum dot types, so as to secure the first fluorophores and the second fluorophores relative to the target molecules if present in the test sample, and so as to secure the second fluorophores within a predetermined maximum range of the first fluorophores, wherein the predetermined maximum range is less than about 10 micrometers (μm); and irradiating at least the first fluorophores with electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation via the irradiating device, such that the first fluorophores absorb the EMF radiation and thereafter emit a first fluorescent signal, such that a radiative flux of the first fluorescent signal is substantially unabated over the predetermined maximum range, and such that if the target molecules are present in the test sample, the second fluorophores absorb a first incident portion of the first fluorescent signal and thereafter emit a second fluorescent signal, with the second fluorescent signal being distinguishable from the first fluorescent signal; such that the first fluorescent signal is operatively detectable, together with the second fluorescent signal if the target molecules are present in the test sample; wherein the first fluorophores are characterized by a first fluorophore emission profile corresponding to the first fluorescent signal; and wherein the second fluorophores are characterized by a second fluorophore absorption profile which substantially overlaps with the first fluorophore emission profile; wherein the first fluorophores are bound by microbeads; and further comprising a step of binding biorecognition molecules (BRMs) with the microbeads and the target molecules, so as to as aforesaid secure the first fluorophores relative to the target molecules if present the test sample; and further comprising a step of binding marker molecules with the second fluorophores and the target molecules, so as to as aforesaid secure the second fluoro hones relative to the target molecules if present in the test sample.