Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in chemical processing
A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for chemical applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.
1 . A portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within a chemical test sample composition, the system comprising:
an optical assembly unit, the optical assembly unit comprising a light unit and a detector unit each adapted to fit within a portable housing unit;
a cartridge system adapted to be inserted in the portable housing unit and removed after one or more uses, the cartridge system comprising:
an interferometric chip including one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon, the sensing layer adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the chemical test sample composition; and
a flow cell wafer disposed adjacent to and in fluidic communication with the interferometric chip; and
a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer;
at least one display unit; and
an alignment means for aligning the cartridge system within a cartridge recess in the optical assembly unit upon insertion thereby providing optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer, the alignment means comprising at least one male key portion on an exterior surface of the cartridge housing for engaging and securing the cartridge within a corresponding female rail of the optical assembly unit,
wherein insertion of the cartridge system into the portable housing unit provides functional optical and microfluidic coupling between the cartridge system and the optical assembly unit.
2 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , wherein the portable housing is sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand.
3 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , further comprising an external camera, the external camera adapted to capture a photo or video.
4 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , wherein the sensing layer comprises one or more antigens, antibodies, DNA microarrays, polypeptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, or molecularly imprinted polymers, or immunoglobulins suitable for binding one or more analytes within a chemical test sample composition.
5 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , configured to analyze the light signals from two or more waveguide channels to detect the presence of an analyte that individual waveguide channels could not have detected alone.
6 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more waveguide channels each comprises a different sensitive layer to allow the system to detect different analytes on each waveguide channel.
7 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , wherein the sensitive layer is configured to bind one or more antibodies, virus antigens, virus proteins, bacteria, fungi, pathogen, RNA, chemical, mRNA or any combination thereof.
8 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , having an analyte detection limit down to about 1.0 picogram/L.
9 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , having an analyte detection limit down to about 1000 pfu/L.
10 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , further comprising a location means adapted to determine a physical location of the system.
11 . The portable interferometric system of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge system includes a microfluidic system comprising a vent port for allowing air to exit and prevent bubble formation.
12 . A method of detecting and quantifying the level of analyte in a chemical test sample composition, the method comprising the steps of:
collecting a chemical target sample containing one or more analytes;
optionally entering an identification associated with the chemical target sample;
introducing the chemical target sample to a portable interferometric system of claim 1 ;
optionally, mixing the chemical target sample with a buffer solution to form a chemical test sample composition;
initiating waveguide interferometry on the chemical test sample composition;
processing any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry; and
optionally, transmitting any data resulting from the waveguide interferometry.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of transmitting data includes wirelessly transmitting analyte detection and quantification data to a mobile device or server.
14 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising the step of displaying data related to the presence of analyte in the test sample composition on a display unit.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the chemical target sample is taken from a chemical tank, chemical vessel, chemical processing equipment, or soil or air within or surrounding a chemical processing environment or within the chemical processing environment supply chain.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the chemical target sample is in the form of, dissolved in, or suspended in a liquid or a gas.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the data resulting from the waveguide interferometry is provided at or under 30 minutes.