Patent Application
20070218454
Various detection devices and detection cells have been designed for identifying and characterizing small molecules. Typical devices may include, UV Vis, fluorimeters or micro-fluidic devices. Most of these devices provide some type of detection cell with limited volume for holding the sample while light is passed through the cell. This allows for conservation of sample and increase of signal to noise (i.e. improve characterization and detection).
Most of these devices and cells operate by first placing a buffer or a fluid medium in the detection cell. Then light of a defined wavelength is passed through the medium and the properties recorded. Next, a sample is then typically dissolved in the same fluid medium and the combined mixture is placed in the detection for a reading. Various light wavelengths can then be passed through or scanned through the device.
More recently, micro-fluidic devices are being used in identifying and characterizing small molecules. These devices avoid the problem of having to use large amounts of sample, transfer sample and take multiple readings to remove baseline contamination readings or low signal to noise. Smaller and smaller samples have been detected, characterized and recaptured using these devices.
Many of the mentioned ultraviolet and visible absorption methods adhere to the Beer Lambert law. The Beer Lambert Law provides that:
ε×b×C=A (1)
where C is the concentration in moles per liter and is assumed to be constant, A is the minimum detectable absorbance, ε is the molar extinction coefficient and b is the path length (typically 1.0 cm). As one will note from this law that as the concentration C or the path length b are increased the absorbance also increases. In other words the minimum level of detection is increased.
With micro-fluidic devices there are additional parameters that must be considered. For instance, path length (L), the volume (V) as well as well as the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the detection cell are also important in effecting the sensitivity level. Ideal conditions for improving the signal to noise ratio (sensitivity) require decreasing V, increasing L and decreasing CSA. This provides the optimal conditions for obtaining the best sensitivity. However, many detection cells or devices do not allow for improving each of these parameters. Typically the improvement of one condition causes a negative effect on the other parameters. In the end this does not improve overall sensitivity levels. For this reason there is a need to improve the overall signal to noise ratios of detection devices and detection cells. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a detection device or cell that minimizes overall sample volume, yet increases L and decreases CSA. To date few devices and/or detection cells provide the ability to improve each of these parameters to provide improved sensitivity. In addition, most of the present detection devices and detection cells do not provide flexibility for improving these parameters. Of the limited designs that do, most are also fairly cost prohibitive. These and other problems experience by the prior art have been obviated by the present invention.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting a molecule. The detection cell of the present invention provides a first layer or substrate, a detection layer or substrate contacting the first layer; a third layer or substrate contacting the detection cell layer; and a detection channel defined through the detection cell to serve as a light path for receiving light for detecting a molecule.
The invention also provides a method for detecting a molecule. The method comprises transmitting light at a molecule in a detection channel and detecting the molecule in the detection channel.
The invention is described in detail below with reference to the following figures:
Before describing the invention in detail, it must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a layer” includes more than one “layer”, reference to “a substrate” includes more than one “substrate”.
In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.
The term “reconfigurable” refers to a substrate or layer that is capable of being assembled or reconfigured into a larger structure. A detection layer may comprise various substrates or layers that may be assembled to define the detection layer. The parts may be similar in design or different. In certain embodiments the substrates may comprise similar monolithic designs that may provide for predictable reconfiguration of the detection cell. For instance, a certain molecule may be first tested using a defined number or substrates. The detection cell may then be reconfigured in a quick and efficient manner by adding or removing additional substrates. A different molecule can then be tested at a different path length defined by the number of substrates. In certain cases the same molecule may also be tested at different path lengths defined by reconfigured detections cells to find the best path length and configuration for detecting and characterizing molecules.
The term “detection cell” refers to an enclosed or partially enclosed area capable of being used to hold and analyze a sample. Typical detection cells may comprise one or more layers or substrates with one or more detection channels that allow for the transmission of light to the sample.
The term “detection device” refers to a device that may comprise one or more detection cells.
The term “detection layer” refers to a uniform or non-uniform material that may comprise a substrate or a portion of a substrate.
The term “detection channel” refers to an area, chamber, or elongated space or conduit capable of holding and/or allowing for sample movement and/or detection. Detection channel(s) typically are designed within a detection cell or detection device. It is within the scope of the invention to provide multiple detection channels within a single detection cell or detection device.
The term “fluidic communication” refers to allowing fluid to pass between structures. Samples and/or liquid can also be moved from place to place.
The term “light” refers to matter that has both wave and particle properties. Typical light used may include and not be limited to ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, fluorescence light, and bioluminescence light.
The term “light path” refers to the path along which light may travel for detecting a molecule. This may include transmission or reflection.
The term “micro-fluidic” refers to devices that are small in scale.
The term “molecule” refers to any material capable of being detected by light transmission, absorbance or reflection.
The term “monolithic” refers to a single structure comprising a homogenous material.
The term “opaque material” refers to a material that prevents or allows only limited light transmission.
The term “passes through” refers to a channel or channel portion that may continue from one side to the other side of a layer or substrate or may intersect a portion of a layer or substrate.
The term “substrate” refers to a structure capable of comprising a uniform material or one or more layers of material.
The term “transparent material” refers to a material capable of allowing light to pass through it.
The invention is described herein with reference to the figures. The figures are not to scale, and in particular, certain dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of presentation.
The input device 2 may comprise any device used for holding or transporting a sample to a micro-fluidic device or similar type device. Input devices are well known in the art. These devices may comprise and are not limited to capillaries, micro-fluidic devices and micro-fluidic chips. It should be noted that input devices include and are not limited to micro-sized devices.
The light source 5 may comprise any number of light sources known in the art that may be used to identify or characterize a molecule. Light sources are well known in the art which light may be reflected, scattered absorbed, or absorbed and re-emitted (fluorescence) by the various molecules. In particular, light sources may include and not be limited to sources that provide infrared, visible, ultraviolet or other particular wavelengths of light.
The detector 7 may comprise any number of common or well known detectors in the art that may be used for detecting light that has been reflected, transmitted, absorbed or scattered from small molecules placed in the detection device 1.
Detector 7 should not be confused with second detector 12. The second detector 12 may comprise any number of analytical or instrumental device or devices used for further characterizing, isolating or separating a molecule. For instance, in certain instances it could be imagined that the detector 12 comprises a mass spectrometer or mass spectrometry system, a microarray device, a gel, an isoelectric focusing device, a separation device, a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional gel, a flame or furnace atomic absorption device, an NMR or EPR device, an HPLC column or device or any other device or combination of the above devices that may further help characterize, identify or capture the molecules 6.
The first layer 9 may comprise any number of materials that are transparent to light in the desired spectrum. For instance, the first layer 9 may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, sapphire, Pyrex™, a transparent polymer, a silica wafer or a quartz material. Other materials known in the art may be employed. Also other materials not described here may be employed. An important functional aspect of the first layer 9 is its ability to allow light or a portion of light to pass through it. Typically the first layer 9 comprises a transparent material. In certain instances, the first layer 9 may comprise a portion of a substrate or the whole substrate. The first layer 9 may comprise other materials or may be monolithic in design. The first layer 9 may also comprise a top surface 20.
The detection cell layer 11 contacts the first layer 9. The detection layer 11 may comprise from 1-15 layers or substrates. The thickness of the detection cell layer 11 can therefore range from about 0.1 to 10 millimeters depending upon the number of layers and/or substrates employed. Ideally, the detection layer 11 may comprise from 1-5 layers or substrates. Each layer may vary in size or be consistent in thickness throughout the entire detection cell layer 11. In addition, the detection cell layer 11, may comprise a single material or multiple materials. The composition may be composite, homogenous or heterogenous. The substrate may be monolithic or fragmented into various sections or sub-sections. The detection layer 11 may comprise a portion of a substrate. The detection cell layer 11 may also comprise a transparent or opaque material. The detection cell layer 11 may comprise various semiconductor materials that make construction and assembly of the detection cell easy. The detection cell layer 11 may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a glass, a ceramic, or a polymer, or a combination of the above. Examples included silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon carbide, nickel, tungsten, Pyrex™, sapphire, sintered or monolithic ceramic, polyimide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), and the like. For instance, the detection cell layers may be designed in various ways so that they may be assembled or disassembled quickly and at defined thickness. This allows for designing and testing using various light sources and path lengths within the same detection cell 3. It also provides for added flexibility to maximize the detection of a particular molecule without having to redesign the whole detection cell 3.
The third layer 13 is optional to the present invention. In certain instances and embodiments it may contact the detection layer 11. However, this is not a requirement of the invention. It other embodiments the third layer 13 may be eliminated. The third layer 13 may comprise various layers or substrates. The actual width or thickness of the material may be adjusted. The third layer 13 may comprise a number of materials that are transparent to light. For instance, the third layer 13 may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a glass, a ceramic, or a polymer, or a combination of the above. Examples include silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon carbide, nickel, tungsten, Pyrex™, sapphire, sintered or monolithic ceramic, polyimide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), and the like. Other materials known in the art may be employed. Also other materials not described here may be employed. An important functional aspect of the third layer 13 is its ability to allow light or a portion of light to pass through it. Typically the third layer 13 comprises a transparent material. In certain instances, the third layer 13 may comprise a portion of a substrate or the whole substrate.
The detection channel 8 is defined by the layers and/or substrates comprising the detection cell layer 11. The term detection channel 8 may be interpreted to mean a channel having any number of lengths, widths or volumes. The detection channel 8 may also be defined by the first layer 9 and the third layer 13. However, this is not a requirement of the invention. In certain embodiments one or more detection channels 8 may be employed within the present invention. The detection channel 8 may have an inlet port 16 and an exit port 18 (See
Having described in detail the apparatus of the invention, a brief description of the method is now in order.
Methods of detecting molecules and making the detection cell will now be described. The method of detecting a molecule 6 is accomplished in a simple manner. Referring now to
