Patent ID: 7792561
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for sensing a target analyte in a sample comprising: (a) an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) an optical system at the proximal end of the optical fiber comprising at least one electromagnetic energy emitter and at least one electromagnetic energy detector; and (c) a sensing element attached to the distal end of the optical fiber and in optical connectivity with the optical fiber, the sensing element comprising (i) at least one periplasmic binding protein capable of specifically binding with at least one target analyte and at least one reporter group associated with the periplasmic binding protein and (ii) a polymeric matrix that is covalently and directly attached to said distal end of the optical fiber through reactive groups on the polymer, wherein the periplasmic binding protein and reporter group are entrapped within or attached to the polymeric matrix, wherein the matrix permits the periplasmic binding protein to retain conformational mobility, and wherein the matrix is adapted to transduce a luminescence change of the reporter group upon specific binding of the periplasmic binding protein to the target analyte.