Patent ID: 6350413
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method of performing a specific binding assay comprising:providing a biosensor including a step gradient waveguide including a planar substrate formed of a first optical material of refractive index n1 and a waveguide film formed of a second optical material having a refractive index n2, which is greater than n1, said waveguide film comprising a plurality of separate, disconnected waveguide film strips on the planar surface; immobilizing at least one specific binding molecule onto said plurality of discrete waveguide film strips, said at least one specific binding molecule configured to bind an analyte with specificity; providing a light source positioned to direct light into the step gradient waveguide; providing a light detection means to detect light from a region proximate the step gradient waveguide; contacting said at least one specific binding molecule with a sample containing said analyte; and operating said light detection means to detect light emanating from said step gradient waveguide indicative of the presence of said analyte within said sample.