Patent ID: 7759134
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A magnetostrictive ligand sensor device for detecting a target species present in a sample, the device comprising: a) a collection chamber configured for receiving the sample and mixing the sample with liquid to prepare a liquid sample; b) a detection chamber configured for receiving the liquid sample from the collection chamber, the detection chamber comprising magnetostrictive particles; c) at least one binding element that is bound to at least one of the magnetostrictive particles and that binds to the target species, wherein alteration of the binding element via binding to the target species produces a resonance response of the magnetostrictive particles; d) a magnetic field generator configured for generating a varying electromagnetic field, wherein the varying electromagnetic field stirs the magnetostrictive particles in the liquid sample in the detection chamber, prevents adhesion of the magnetostrictive particles to any wall of the detection chamber, and enhances binding of the magnetostrictive particles to the target species in the liquid sample in the detection chamber; e) a driver configured to induce the resonance response of the magnetostrictive particles in the detection chamber, wherein the driver is separate from the magnetic field generator; and f) a measurement device for detecting the resonance response of the magnetostrictive particles.