Magnetic particle based biosensor

Abstract

A biosensor system and method of its use for detecting particles on the surface of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The system can include a light source and a plurality of optical sensors formed on an integrated circuit. The particles can be positioned the surface of the integrated circuit whereby the particles can cast a shadow or shadows that reduces the amount of light transmitted from the light source to the optical sensors. The surface of the integrated circuit can include one or more optical sensing areas whereby the presence of one or more particles may significantly or measurably reduce the amount of light incident on one or more optical sensor.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A device for detection of a target analyte in an aqueous sample comprising;
 an integrated circuit;   a functionalized surface of the integrated circuit;   magnetic particles that display paramagnetic behavior, wherein the magnetic particles are on the surface of the integrated circuit; and   an optical module comprising at least one of a reflector, a lens, an optical fiber, and a light pipe configured to direct light onto the surface;   wherein the magnetic particles are bound strongly and/or specifically to the surface of the integrated circuit through a biochemical bond after one or more chemical reactions involving one or more target species in an aqueous sample; and   wherein the bound magnetic particles cast shadows and reduce the amount of light incident on the surface.