Fluid Based Analysis of Multiple Analytes by a Sensor Array

Abstract

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

1 - 135 . (canceled) 
   
   
       136 . A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising:
 passing a fluid over a sensor array, the sensor array comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member;   monitoring a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor array, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.   
   
   
       137 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle. 
   
   
       138 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in fluorescence of the particle. 
   
   
       139 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle. 
   
   
       140 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a proton atom, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced when the pH of the fluid is varied, and wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined. 
   
   
       141 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a metal cation, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid. 
   
   
       142 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the anion in the fluid. 
   
   
       143 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a DNA molecule, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the DNA molecule in the fluid. 
   
   
       144 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a protein, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the protein in the fluid. 
   
   
       145 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a metabolite, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid. 
   
   
       146 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid. 
   
   
       147 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid. 
   
   
       148 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and further comprising exposing the particle to an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array. 
   
   
       149 . The method of  claim 148 , wherein a binding strength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a binding strength of the analyte to the receptor. 
   
   
       150 . The method of  claim 148 , wherein the indicator is a fluorescent indicator. 
   
   
       151 . The method of  claim 136 , further comprising treating the fluid with an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array, wherein the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte. 
   
   
       152 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breaking down the bacteria prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array. 
   
   
       153 . The method of  claim 136 , wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device. 
   
   
       154 . The method of  claim 136 , further comprising measuring the intensity of the spectroscopic change, and further comprising calculating the concentration of the analyte based on the intensity of the spectroscopic change. 
   
   
       155 .- 172 . (canceled)