Patent ID: 8691499
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: B82Y,C12Q,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting target molecules using a membrane layer having opposing sides through which parallel pores extend, each of the pores having a sidewall to which probe molecules are fixed, the probe molecules being selected to bind with corresponding target molecules when the target molecules are present in the pores, the membrane layer being initially provided in a baseline configuration having an absence of probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores, the method comprising: exposing the pores in the baseline configuration to a target solution containing target molecules so as to cause binding between the probe molecules and the target molecules if they are of the corresponding type; flushing the pores using a buffer solution to remove the target solution from the pores; subsequent to flushing of the pores, passing an electrical current, in an ionic solution, through the pores to generate an electrical parameter indicative of a test through-pore electrical impedance of the pores, where the test through-pore electrical impedance is a function of whether there is probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores; measuring the electrical parameter; and determining whether there is probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores based on the measured electrical parameter.