Patent ID: 7316899

Claim:
A sensor array system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a body; a light source disposed within the body; a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is configured to be removably positionable in the body, and wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge body and a sensor array disposed within the cartridge body, and wherein the sensor array comprises: a sensor layer comprising a plurality of cavities fabricated within the sensor layer to form an ordered array; a particle, wherein the particle is positioned in a cavity, and wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric bead, and wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with an analyte during use, and wherein the cavity is configured such that a particle is substantially contained within the cavity during use; a plurality of assembled layers comprising a support layer, a cover layer and a spacer layer, wherein the cover layer is positioned over the cavity and is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use, the cover layer comprising a substantially transparent cover plate positioned such that a first channel is formed between an upper surface of the supporting member and the cover layer, and wherein the fluid passes through the first channel during use; and wherein the spacer layer provides for a second channel under the sensor layer and above the support layer, and wherein the fluid passes through the second channel during use; and a detector disposed within the body, wherein the detector is configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and the detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.