Patent ID: 6436699
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B82Y,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A capacity affinity sensor for determining the presence of and/or the quantity of a compound of interest in a liquid sample, comprising:a noble metal surface; and a first immobilized and electrically insulating layer having a first measurable capacitance, wherein the first immobilized and electrically insulating layer comprises a first self-assembled monolayer-forming compound having coupled thereto an affinity compound, and a second self-assembled monolayer-forming compound, the noble metal surface being at least 99% covered with the first immobilized and electrically insulating layer; wherein the affinity compound, upon contact with the liquid sample, is capable of specifically binding the compound of interest so as to form a second immobilized and electrically insulating layer having a second measurable capacitance.