Patent ID: 7871573
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: B82Y,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A biological sensor having enhanced fluorescence emission comprising: an optical fiber having a fluorophore-mediated biosensor disposed thereon; a chamber having at least one opening through which said fiber may extend; an enhancing agent disposed in said chamber; an excitation light source operably connected to said fiber; and a measuring device operably connected to said light source to measure fluorescence emission from the biosensor and said enhancing agent; wherein said enhancing agent comprises nanometal particles surrounded by a layer of a predetermined thickness, the layer providing a spacer separating the nanometal particles from the fluorophore that is sufficient to prevent fluorescence quenching said layer has a predetermined thickness of between 1 nm and 3 nm, and, said nanometal particles being dispersed within a solution including an organic, biocompatible solvent.