Detection of biotargets using bioreceptor functionalized nanoparticles

Abstract

A system for determining a presence of biomolecule targets includes a vessel holding a sample solution suspected of containing the biomolecule targets and a plurality of probes including bioreceptor functionalized metal nanoparticles including a plurality of metal atoms. The biomolecule targets when present in the sample solution bind to the plurality of probes. A separation device is for separating the plurality of probes into a first group of probes having the biomolecule targets bound thereto and a second group of probes not having the biomolecule targets bound thereto. A reagent is introduced via a port for breaking down the metal nanoparticles in the first group or second group of probes, wherein at least one signal moiety solution is formed. A device measures a parameter of the signal moiety solution.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system for determining a presence of biomolecule targets, comprising:
 a vessel holding a sample solution suspected of containing said biomolecule targets and a plurality of probes comprising bioreceptor functionalized metal nanoparticles including a plurality of metal atoms, wherein said biomolecule targets when present in said sample solution bind to said plurality of probes;   a separation device for separating said plurality of probes into a first group of probes having said biomolecule targets bound thereto and a second group of probes not having said biomolecule targets bound thereto,   a reagent for breaking down said metal nanoparticles in said first group or said second group of probes, wherein at least one signal moiety solution is formed, and   a device for measuring a parameter of said signal moiety solution.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a metal portion of said bioreceptor functionalized metal nanoparticles consists of said plurality of metal atoms. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said biomolecule targets comprise at least one biomarker of at least one type of cancer. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sample solution comprises a bodily fluid or a fluid derived from body tissue. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said separation device comprises a filter, chromatography column, or centrifuge. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said reagent comprises an oxidizer and wherein said signal moieties comprise metal ions. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said device for measuring a parameter comprises an atomic absorption spectroscopy device or a mass spectrometer. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said metal nanoparticles comprise gold, silver, cadmium or an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said bioreceptor comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of antibody, DNA, proteins including enzymes, cells or cell components. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said vessel also holds a solid substrate. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said solid substrate includes moieties for selective binding to said first group of probes having said biomolecule targets bound thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said solid substrate includes moieties for selective binding to said second group of probes not having said biomolecule targets bound thereto.