Patent ID: 7666680
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting interactions between at least a first and second material of interest, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an osmotic cell having an impermeable bottom substrate; b) positioning a compressible, semi-permeable material directly attached to said bottom substrate of said cell; c) introducing into said osmotic cell at least first and second materials of interest, and a carrier fluid, together forming a mixture, such that said first and second materials of interest sit on a top surface of said compressible, semi-permeable material; d) detecting a change in an osmotic pressure in said osmotic cell occurring as a result of a reaction or interaction in said osmotic cell between the first and second materials of interest occurring above the top surface of said compressible, semi-permeable material; and e) determining said change in osmotic pressure by measuring the compression of said compressible, semi-permeable material; wherein the semi-permeable material is impermeable to said first and second materials of interest within the time scale needed for the method to be completed.