SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE

Abstract: The surface plasmon resonance apparatus (1) for detecting a soluble and/or particulate analyte comprises a prism sensor (2) providing a metallised sensor surface (3) capable of binding the analyte, and a laser (10) providing a beam (4) for direction at the sensor surface (3). A detector (5) is provided which is capable of detecting light (6), which is internally reflected from the sensor surface (3). Displacement means (7) comprising a vibrator (8) and mirror (9), is operable whereby the excitation beam (4) is displaced over an angular range (A) relative to the sensor surface (3). An analyte sample (15) is disposed on the metallic sensor (3). The detector (5) is used to interpret the light signals (6) internally reflected from the sensor surface (3) so that the sample (15) is analysed. A video camera system (16), which includes a mirror (17), microscope objective (18) and CCD (charge-coupled device) array (19), is used to detect the scattered light emitted from the upper face of the sensor surface (3).

Description: SURFACE PLAS N RESONANCE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates broadly to surface plasmon resonance detection of analytes. The invention further relates to methods employing such apparatus. BACKGROUND ART The use of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for the detection of small soluble analytas from solution is well known (see e.g. "Advance in Biosensors - A Research Annual Vol 1. 1991 " Ed. A P F Turner, Pub. Jai Press Ltd, London). CB 2 271 886 (Secretary of State for Defence), to which reference should be made, discloses SPR apparatus comprising a light source for generating polarised light, a sensor, the outside of which is metal coated and may be contacted with a sample solution, and means for detecting the light which is internally reflected from the inner sensor surface. In the absence of bound analyte, light is totally internally reflected at an incident angle characteristic of the refractive index (RI) of the sensor and of the sample solution. At a particular incident angel (the SPR angle), interaction of the metal with the evanescent wave set up by internal refection of the polarised light causes a drop in intensity of the reflected light. This drop can be observed using the light detector. The binding of analyte to the sensor surface, within the evanescent wave zone, alters the RI of the area above the sensor and this perturbs the SPR angle. This perturbation can be observed using the light sensor and related to the surface concentration of analyte. SPR detection in the literature has generally been limited to use with soluble molecular size analytes e.g. biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids which are specifically bound within the evanescent zone using appropriate liganda. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, surface plasmon resonance apparatus for detecting a soluble and/or a particular analyte is characterised in that it comprises: (a) a sensor providing a metallised sensor surface capable of binding the analyte: (b) a light source excitation beam for direction at the sensor surface: (c) at least one detector capable of detecting light from the light beam which is internally reflected from the sensor surface, and (d) beam modifying means whereby the excitation beam is influenced in a controlled manner whereby the level of light emitted from the sensor surface is substantially enhanced. The beam modifying means may be operable so as to displace the excitation beam over an angular range, relative to the sensor surface. Alternatively, the beam modifying means may be operable so as to adjust the wavelength of the excitation beam. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of detecting an analyte in a sample comprises exposing said sample to a metallised sensor surface and interpreting the light signals emitted from the sensor surface. Possible analytes may include those particular or insoluble analytes containing or consisting of biomolecules, for instance bacteria or other cells, spores, virions etc. , or biomolecules themselves such as proteins and polynucleotides. Possible targets include cryptosporidium, E. coli, salmonella etc. The excitation displacement means may comprise a beam- reflecting mirror and means for vibrating the mirror. The exitation beam may comprise a linear-beam, a fan-shaped beam or a wedge-shaped beam. The excitation angle of displacement may be automatically adjustable according to changes detected in the SPR gnal, thereby keeping the apparatus "on-resonance" Further adjustment may be required so as to take into account different areas of a matπxed sensor surface It will be advantageous to provide means tor monitoring changes in resonance and light scattering emission so as to maintain a preferred angle of incidence Automatic scanning is preferred, whereby at any given position on the sensor surface the required condition for resonance and therefore substantially maximum scatter emission will be achieved. Maximum surface emission conditions may be obtainable by use of appropriate controlled software, whereby, for example, each defined area of a matπxed surface during each single angle scan would take place in a time period less than 1 0 second. A third aspect according to the invention comprises a microscope incorporating detection apparatus as hereinbefore described An embodiment of apparatus according to the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein. Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration, and Figures 2 to 7 are further diagrammatic illustrations which illustrate modifications thereof In the drawings, like reference numerals apply to like features and components With reference to Figure 1 , surface plasmon resonance apparatus 1 for detecting a soluble and/or particulate analyte comprises a prism sensor 2 providing a metallised (gold layer) sensor surface 3 capable of binding the analyte, and, (in this example), a laser 10 providing a light source excitation beam 4 for direction at the sensor surface 3. A detector 5 is provided which is capable of detecting light 6 from the light beam 4, which light beam is internally reflected from the sensor surface 3, and displacement means 7 comprising a vibrator 8 and mirror 9, operable whereby the excitation beam 4 is displaced over an angular range A relative to the sensor surface 3. The displacement means 7 operate to influence the excitation beam 4 in a controlled manner, whereby the level of light reflected from the sensor surface 3 and detected by the detector 5 is substantially enhanced and analytical sensitivity improved. An analyte sample 15 is disposed on the metallic sensor surface 3 whereby it is exposed to said surface. The detector 5 is used to interpret the light signals 6 internally reflected from the sensor surface 3 so that the sample 15 is analysed. A video camera system 16, which includes a mirror 17 and microscope objective 16 and CCD (charge-coupled device) array 19, is used to detect the scattered light emitted from the upper face of the sensor surface. Figure 2 illustrates a modification wherein the surface plasmon apparatus 51 is provided with a feedback system. The apparatus 51 is basically of the same form as apparatus 1 of figure 1. However, the apparatus 51 comprises a prism sensor 52 providing a gold layer sensor surface 53 and a laser 60 providing a light source excitation beam 54 for direction at the sensor surface 53. Two detectors 55a, 55b are provided which detect light 56a, 56b internally reflected by reflection form the sensor surface 53, and displacement means 57 comprising a vibrator 58 and mirror 59 operate to displace the excitation beam 54 (after it has been split into two components by a beam splitter 62, over an angular range B relative to the sensor surface 53. In operation, the excitation beam 54 is split by the beam splitter 62 before impingement on the metallised surface 3 and then, after being internally reflected, on to twin detectors 55a, 55b. Detector 55a corresponds to detector 5 of Figure 1 , but detector 55b forms part of a feedback loop 63 actirg as a deepest SPR minimum detector which feeds back to the displacement or scanning means 57 This feedback optimises the system so as to ensure that the vibrating mirror 59 can be positioned at the deepest SPR minimum. Thus, as in the case of the arrangement illustrated by Figure 1 , the level of light emitted from the sensor surface 53 and detected by the camera system 16, is substantially enhanced and analytical sensitivity improved, while detector 55a provides conventional SPR scan data. Figure 3 illustrates a modified system 101 wherein a sensor block 102 of hemispherical shape is used to provide a metallised (gold) layer sensor surface 103 A (laser) light source 110 with a focusing lens 1 10a provides an excitation beam 104 directed at the sensor surface 103 Light 106 reflected from the sensor surface 103 passes through a lens 170 and is thereafter detected by sensor 105 The laser 1 10 is operated, in a controlled manner, so that it is caused to rotate about axis HOh, which is coincident with beam 104, so that an angle -0-is scanned by the beam Scattered light 106 emitted from the sensor layer 103 and detected by the detector 105 is measured at angle θ when maximum resonance occurs. SPR may be measured from the angle or time between light scattering maxima, or deepest SPR minima. As before, the scattered light is substantially enhanced and analytical sensitivity improved by rotation of the excitation beam 104. Figure 4 illustrates a modification of the apparatus illustrated by Figure 3, whereby feedback is provided in order to control the angular position of the beam 104 The apparatus 201 illustration in Figure 4 has a beam splitter 262, twin detectors 205a and 205b, a stepper motor controller 280 for rotating the laser 1 10, and a feedback loop 281. A beam splitter 262 is provided, so as to divide the twin beams 104a, 104b. The apparatus 201 allows angle θ to be set for maximum resonance and then adjusted incrementally to maintain resonance maximum using readout from the SPR detector 209b. Figure 5 illustrates apparatus 301 wherein, instead or using the SPR signal and using it to adjust the angle θ as in Figure 4, the light scattering signal is used to set the angle for maximum resonance. The video camera system 16 is used to send a feedback signal to the stepper motor control 280, along signal line 285 when maximum light is achieved which in turn sends a feedback signal to the laser 110, along signal line 281. Figure 5 also illustrates how SPR can be monitored from light scattering by determining the change in angular position θ. Figure 6 illustrates apparatus 401. Here angle θ is maintained, and the wavelength of excitation beam 104 automatically scanned and adjusted, using beam modifying means comprising control unit 390. SPR can here be measured using the adjustable wavelength of the excitation beam 104. A feedback line 391 may be provided between the detector 105 and the control unit 390, whereby the detector is used to scan and adjust the excitation beam 104 according to feedback signals emitted along line 391. Figure 7 illustrates apparatus 501 which is a variant of the arrangement shown by Figure 5, but which provides enhanced resolution by improving angular resolution and control. Figure 7 shows use of a (laser) ight source 5 10 which receives a feedback control signal 590 from the video camera system 16, whereby a large fixed angle excitation beam 592 of wedge form is provided by a second light force 591 , as well as a small angle beam 593. The beam 593 is adjustable, so that it may be "tuned" for optimised light scatter. The present invention may also reside in a microscope incorporating detection apparatus as hereinbefore described. The invention may be used with analytes including a particulate or insoluble analyte containing or consisting of bimolecular, spores, or virions. Alternatives may comprise bacteria or optical markers such as gold gel, latex beads or florescent markers. Any of the features disclosed herein may, where practicable, be added to or substituted for any of the other features disclosed herein.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus for detecting a soluble and/or a particular analyte, characterised in that if comprises: (a) a sensor (2) providing a metallised sensor surface (3) capable of binding the analyte (15), (b) a light source excitation beam (4) for direction at the sensor surface (3), (c) at least one detector (5) capable of detecting light (6) from the light beam (4) which is emitted from the sensor surface: and (d) beam modifying means (7) whereby the excitation beam (4) is influenced in a controlled manner whereby the level of light emitted from the sensor surface (3) is substantially enhanced. 2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the beam modifying means (7) is operable so as to displace the excitation beam (4) over an angular range (A), relative to the sensor surface (3). 3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the excitation displacement means (7) comprise a beam reflecting mirror (9). 4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the excitation beam (4) is of linear form. 5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the excitation beam (4) is fan- shaped. 6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the excitation beam (4) is wedge- shaped. . Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the excitation angle of displacement (A) is automatically adjustable (63) according to changes detected in SPR signal, thereby keeping the apparatus "on- resonance" . 8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, further adjustable so as to take into account different areas of a matrixed sensor surface. 9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 provided with means (205b) for monitoring changes in resonance and emission light scattering so as to maintain a preferred angle of incidence. 10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the beam modifying means (390) is operable so as to adjust the wavelength of the excitation beam ( 104). 11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said adjustment is automatically adjustable by feedback signals (391) emitted by said light detector (105). 12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 1 1 , provided with a CCD (charge-couple device) array (19) for detection of scattered light emitted externally from said sensor surface (3). 13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein feedback signals provided by said CCD array (19) are used (281) to operate said light source excitation beam ( 104a). 14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein beam splitter means (62) are provided to split the excitation beam into two components and twin detector means (55a, 55b) are provided, one for each beam component. 15. A method of detecting an analyte in a sample comprising exposing said sample to a metallised sensor surface (3) and interpreting the light signals emitted from the sensor surface. 16. The method claimed in Claim 15, wherein said analyte includes a particulate or insoluble analyte containing or consisting of biomolecules, spores, or virions. 17. The method claimed in Claim 15 wherein said analyte comprises bacteria. 18. The method claimed in Claim 15 wherein said analyte comprises optical markers such as gold gel, latex beads or fluorescent markers. 19. The claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, performed using the apparatus claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 14. 20. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. 21. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings. 22. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. 23. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings. 24. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 5 of the accompanying drawings. 25. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings. 26. Surface plasmon resonance apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7 of the accompany drawings. 27. A microscope incorporai ing detection apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 24. 28. The method claimed in anyone of Claims 15 to 19, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: PERKINS ELAINE ANN, SQUIRRELL DAVID JAMES, PERKINS, ELAINE, ANN, SQUIRRELL, DAVID, JAMES
Applicants: PERKINS ELAINE ANN, SECR DEFENCE, SQUIRRELL DAVID JAMES, PERKINS, ELAINE, ANN, SQUIRRELL, DAVID, JAMES, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G01N21
IPC codes: C12M1, C12Q1, G01N21, G01N33