Patent ID: 9207205
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for screening for cancer in a mammal, the method comprising: obtaining a biological sample from the mammal; treating the biological sample with an oxidizing agent in a concentration sufficient such that at least about 90 wt % of concentration of oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) in the biological sample is in its fully oxidized state; quantitatively measuring a concentration of oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) in said biological sample by capillary electrophoresis-lased induced fluorescence by subjecting the sample to capillary electrophoresis using laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) to cause the oxidized portion of said concentration of said oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) to emit fluorescent light, detecting the emitted fluorescence light, and analyzing the emitted fluorescence light to determine the concentration of the oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) in the biological sample; and comparing the concentration of oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) in the sample to an expected concentration of oncopterin (N2-(3-aminopropyl) biopterin) for either a healthy or cancer-bearing mammal of the same species; wherein the CE-LIF comprises directing laser light through a filter, a focal lens, and an iris of a first optical system and into an electrophoresis capillary containing the biological sample to irradiate and cause fluorescence from the biological sample; and receiving fluorescence emission from the biological sample through a second optical system comprising a confocal lens having a magnification greater than 20× and an iris which focus emitted fluorescence onto a photomultiplier tube as a light collection device for collecting fluorescent light emitted from the pteridine in the biological sample.