 |
Your Own Handheld Biosensor
Convert your iPhone to a handheld biosensor with this cradle and app developed by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers.
(iPhone-based handheld biosensor)
Utilizing its integrated camera as a spectrometer, we demonstrate the use of a smartphone as the detection instrument for a label-free photonic crystal biosensor. A custom-designed cradle holds the smartphone in fixed alignment with optical components, allowing for accurate and repeatable measurements of shifts in the resonant wavelength of the sensor. Externally provided broadband light incident upon an entrance pinhole is subsequently collimated and linearly polarized before passing through the biosensor, which resonantly reflects only a narrow band of wavelengths. A diffraction grating spreads the remaining wavelengths over the camera's pixels to display a high resolution transmission spectrum.The photonic crystal biosensor is fabricated on a plastic substrate and attached to a standard glass microscope slide that can easily be removed and replaced within the optical path.
A custom software app was developed to convert the camera images into the photonic crystal transmission spectrum in the visible wavelength range, including curve-fitting analysis that computes the photonic crystal resonant wavelength with 0.009 nm accuracy.
We demonstrate the functionality of the system through detection of an immobilized protein monolayer, and selective detection of concentration-dependent antibody binding to a functionalized photonic crystal.
We envision the capability for an inexpensive, handheld biosensor instrument with web connectivity to enable point-of-care sensing in environments that have not been practical previously.
Science fiction fans have been teased with the idea of a powerful handheld biosensor for quite a while. In the 1960's, fans of Star Trek (TOS) recall the handheld tricorders used by both Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy.
(Medical tricorder)
More specifically, though, I recall the boink biosensor from Richard Preston's 1997 novel The Cobra Event and the WAGD germ detector from Greg Bear's excellent 2007 novel Quantico.
From Label-free biodetection using a smartphone via KurzweilAI.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/29/2013)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Medical ")
Sleeep PRO Earplug For Maximum Rest
'Merton... placed the electrodes of the sleep-inducer on his forehead.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1963.
You'll Regrow That Limb, One Day
'... forcing the energy transfer which allowed him to regrow his lost fingers.' - Frank Herbert, 1972.
First 3D Printed Human Corneas From Stem Cells
Just what we need! Lots of spare parts.
Nanorobots Roam Your Bloodstream, Cleaning It
Too bad they won't have lasers, though...
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
Sleeep PRO Earplug For Maximum Rest
'Merton... placed the electrodes of the sleep-inducer on his forehead.'
Inspired By Japan, Nap Pods For Hajj
It's always a good time for a nap.
Amphibio 3D Printed Gill Shirt
'... we can descend and live down there at one of those year-round aquatic resorts.'
How Do You Put An Asteroid Into Earth Orbit? Carefully!
'...she would have to be coaxed by another series of pats into a circular orbit.'
PD Aerospace Space Plane By 2023
'The sleek, tapered space shuttle lay immobile upon the private landing field...'
Foldimate Folds Your Clothes Perfectly
Look ma, my room is clean! I can hear you now.
Robots Help People Get Dressed, As Predicted In 1931
Yes, people of the future, robots will dress you.
International Space Station Leak Plugged - With Finger
'These tag-alongs search out stray leaks.'
Robot Snake Flies, Fights Fires
Just a prototype, but still amazing.
IPAL Chinese Robot Babysitter
'But Nanny is different...'
ZKZM-500 LASER Assault Rifle
'The Iranian reached back into the locker and got a pair of laserifles.'
LA Subway Scanner, As Seen In 'Total Recall'
'I'm afraid to tell you this Mr. Quaid, but you have suffered a schizoed embolism...'
Sion Electric Car Covered With Solar Panels
'It drew its power from six square yards of sunpower screens on its low curved roof.'
PAL-V Liberty Flying Helicopter Car
'...lifted themselves to skimming flight upon whirling helicopters."
Space Drones - UK's Effective Space To Launch Rocket Tugs
'Twenty rocket tugs towed it from its Earth hangar out into space.'
DIY Autonomous Robot Detects Trash
'The search-bug detached itself and rolled forward.'
