What is claimed is:
1. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and an indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use; a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is positioned above the upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are positioned such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the bottom layer and the top cover layer.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member; and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member comprises silicon, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a sensing cavity formed on a bottom surface of the sensor aπay.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member is formed from a plastic material, and wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a top cover layer, the top cover layer being coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity, and wherein the top cover layer is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the top cover layer to the particle, and wherein both the supporting member and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.
14. The system of claim 2, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises an ultraviolet detector.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a fluorescence detector.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
21. The system of claim 1 , wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
23. The system of claim 1 , wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R>)„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C C,,, alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NR -C(NR4)-NR5, -(CH2)y-NR6R7, -(CH2)y-NH-Y, - (CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide, or hydrogen and where Z is a polynucleotide, an oligosaccharide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NH-Y; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide or hydrogen; and
wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; and where Z is a polynucleotide or hydrogen; wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
26. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1; and wherein each of R' independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group;
and where Z is a oligosaccharide or hydrogen, wherem each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic rmg
27 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor comprises an enzyme
28 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor comprises a peptide mimetic
29 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a linker
30 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker
31 The system of claim 1 , wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the indicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a second linker, and wherem the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm by a third lmker, wherem the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
32 The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the indicator is coupled to the receptor
33 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
34 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker
35 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker, and wherein the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
36 The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the first linker
37 The system of claim 1, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker
38. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.
39. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker by a third linker, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.
40. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte.
41. The system of claim 1 , wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
42. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the absorbance of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
43. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
44. The system of claim 1, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
45. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
46. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:
a polymeric resin;
a receptor coupled to the polymeric resin; and an indicator coupled to the polymeric resin or the receptor, the indicator configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.
47. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
48. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
49. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R' independently represents -(CH2)y-NR3-C(NR4)-NR5, -(CH2)y-NR6R7, -(CH2)y-NH-Y, -
(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide, or hydrogen and where Z is a polynucleotide, an oligosaccharide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
50. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')π - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C,0 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NH-Y; where y is an integer of at least 1;
where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
51. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or CrC10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; and where Z is a polynucleotide or hydrogen; wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
52. The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R>)n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C,0 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z;
where y is an integer of at least 1 , where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group, where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group, and where Z is a oligosaccharide or hydrogen, wherein each of R2 mdependently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic rmg
53 The particle of claim 46, wherem the receptor comprises an enzyme
54 The particle of claim 46, wherein the receptor compπses a peptide mimetic
55 The particle of claim 46, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a linker
56 The particle of claim 46, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeπc resm by a first linker and wherein the mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a second linker
57 The particle of claim 46, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeπc resm by a first linker, and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a second linker, and wherem the indicator mteracts with the receptor m the absence of an analyte
58 The particle of claim 46, wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resin, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional indicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
59 The particle of claim 46, wherem the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherem the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the mdicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
60 The particle of claim 46, wherem the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherein the mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a fluorescence
quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional mdicator, and wherein the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered
61 The particle of claim 46, wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, the indicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a third linker, and wherein the mdicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
62 The particle of claim 46, wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker, the mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a second linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a third linker, wherem the mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the mdicator is at least partially quenched by the additional mdicator, and wherein the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered
63 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymenc resin by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker
64 The particle of claim 46, wherein the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeπc resm by a first linker, and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker, and wherem the mdicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte
65 The particle of claim 46, wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
66 The particle of claim 46, wherem the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced
67 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, and wherem the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherem the mdicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
68 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymenc resin, wherem the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional mdicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the mdicator by the additional mdicator is altered
69 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymenc resm, wherein the mdicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional mdicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherem the mdicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional mdicator is at least partially quenched by the mdicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the additional mdicator by the mdicator is altered
70 The particle of claim 46, wherem the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, and wherem the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
71 The particle of claim 46, wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the mdicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the mdicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the mdicator by the additional indicator is altered
72 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and
wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional mdicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the mdicator is altered
73 The particle of claim 46, wherein the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a third linker, and wherem the mdicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherem the indicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
74 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker, the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resm by a third linker, wherem the mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the mdicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional mdicator is altered
75 The particle of claim 46, wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherem the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeπc resm, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a third linker, wherem the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional mdicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the mdicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional mdicator by the mdicator is altered
76 The particle of claim 46, wherein the mdicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeπc resm, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeπc resin by a first linker, the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a third lmker, and wherem the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherem the additional mdicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the mdicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes
the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
77. The particle of claim 46, wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, the indicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a third linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
78. The particle of claim 46, wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, the indicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a third linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.
79. The particle of claim 46, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
80. The particle of claim 46, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
81. The particle of claim 46, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
82. The particle of claim 46, wherein the indicator produces the signal in response to a change in the pH of the fluid proximate the polymeric resin.
83. The particle of claim 46, wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the indicator produces the signal in response to the interaction of the metal ion with the receptor.
84. The particle of claim 46, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.
85. The particle of claim 46, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
86. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a polymeric resin; a receptor coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker; and an indicator coupled to the first linker, the indicator configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.
87. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
88. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
89. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or CrCι0 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NR3-C(NR4)-NR5, -(CH2)y-NR6R7, -(CH- -NH-Y, - (CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide, or hydrogen and where Z is a polynucleotide, an oligosaccharide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
90. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and
wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NH-Y; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
91. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1; and wherein each of R' independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; and where Z is a polynucleotide or hydrogen; wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
92. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R' independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; and where Z is a oligosaccharide or hydrogen; wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
93. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.
94. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide mimetic.
95. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker.
96. The particle of claim 86, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker, and wherein the indicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte.
97. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.
98. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.
99. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the
indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
100. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
101. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.
102. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
103. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
104. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.
105. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first
linker, wherem the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, and wherem the mdicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherem the indicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
106 The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the first linker, wherem the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, wherein the mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the mdicator by the additional mdicator is altered
107. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further compnses an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherem the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, wherein the mdicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherem the additional mdicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional mdicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional mdicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the mdicator is altered
108 The particle of claim 86, wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, and wherem the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherem the indicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
109. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherem the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the indicator and the additional mdicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the mdicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the
distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
110. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.
111. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.
112. The particle of claim 86, wherein the first linker comprises a peptide.
113. The particle of claim 86, wherein the first linker comprises a peptide mimetic.
114. The particle of claim 86, wherein the first linker has the general structure.
115. The particle of claim 86, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
116. The particle of claim 86, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
117. The particle of claim 86, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
118. The particle of claim 86, wherein the indicator produces the signal in response to a change in the pH of the fluid proximate the polymeric resin.
119. The particle of claim 86, wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the indicator produces the signal in response to the interaction of the metal ion with the receptor.
120. The particle of claim 86, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.
121. The particle of claim 86, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
122. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member, the particle comprising a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and an indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use; and monitoring a signal produced by the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherein signal is indicative of an analyte.
123. The method of claim 122, wherein the signal comprises an absorbance of the indicator and wherein the signal comprises a change in the absorbance of the particle.
124. The method of claim 122, wherein the signal comprises a fluorescence of the probe molecule and wherein the signal comprises a change in the fluorescence of the particle.
125. The method of claim 122, wherein the signal comprises a phosphorescence of the probe molecule and wherein the signal comprises a change in the phosphorescence of the particle.
126. The method of claim 122, wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the signal is produced in response to the interaction of the anion with the receptor.
127. The method of claim 122, wherein the analyte is a DNA molecule, and wherein the signal is produced in response to the interaction of the DNA molecule with the receptor.
128. The method of claim 122, wherein the analyte is a protein, and wherein the signal is produced in response to the interaction of the protein with the receptor.
129. The method of claim 122, wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the signal is produced in response to the interaction of the sugar with the receptor.
130. The method of claim 122, wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the signal is produced in response to the interaction of the bacteria with the receptor.
131. The method of claim 122, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent indicator.
132. The method of claim 122, wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device.
133. The method of claim 122, further comprising measuring the intensity of the signal, and further comprising calculating the concentration of the analyte based on the intensity of the signal.
134 The method of claim 122, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns,
135. The method of claim 122, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
136. The method of claim 122, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
137. The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
138. The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
139. The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')„ - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C]0 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NR3-C(NR4)-NR5, -(CH2)y-NR6R7, -(CH2)y-NH- Y, -
(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide, or hydrogen and where Z is a polynucleotide, an oligosaccharide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
140. The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C10 alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-NH-Y; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where Y is a peptide or hydrogen; and wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring.
141. The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherein X comprises carbocyclic systems or CrC,o alkanes, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer of at least 1 ; and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z; where y is an integer of at least 1 ; where R3, R4, and R5 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group; where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms; where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group; and where Z is a polynucleotide or hydrogen; wherein each of R2 independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl,
or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic ring
142 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula
(R')n - X - (R2)m
wherem X comprises carbocyclic systems or C,-C,0 alkanes, n is an mteger of at least 1, m is an mteger of at least 1 , and wherein each of R1 independently represents -(CH2)y-0-Z, where y is an mteger of at least 1 , where R3, R4, and R5 mdependently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R4 and R5 together represent a cycloalkyl group, where R6 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, where R7 represents alkyl, aryl, alkyl carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or alkoxy carbonyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, where R6 and R7 together represent a cycloalkyl group, and where Z is a oligosaccharide or hydrogen, wherein each of R2 mdependently represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, or together with another R2 group represent a carbocyclic rmg
143 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor compπses an enzyme
144 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor comprises a peptide mimetic
145 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a linker
146 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymenc resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker
147 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymenc resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resm by a third linker, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
148 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the indicator is coupled to the receptor
149 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
150 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker
151 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the mdicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
152 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the first linker
153 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker
154 The method of claim 122, wherem the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resm by a first linker, and wherein the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherem the particle further compπses an additional mdicator coupled to the receptor, wherem the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the mdicator and the additional mdicator to mteract such that the signal is produced
155 The method of claim 122, wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherem the mdicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the first linker by a third linker, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional mdicator to interact such that the signal is produced
156 The method of claim 122, wherem the indicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte
157 The method of claim 122, wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeric resm, and wherein the mdicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherem the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherem the mdicator and the additional mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered
158 The method of claim 122, wherem the particle further comprises an additional mdicator coupled to the polymeπc resm, wherein the mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional mdicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherem the mdicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherem the mteraction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the mdicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenchmg of the fluorescence of the mdicator by the additional mdicator is altered
159 The method of claim 122, wherem the particle ranges from about 0 05 micron to about 500 microns
160 The method of claim 122, wherem the polymeric resin compπses polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene
161 The method of claim 122, wherem the system further comprises a plurality of particles positioned withm a plurality of cavities, and wherem the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern m the presence of the analyte
162 A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid compnsmg a light source, a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay compnsmg a supporting member compnsmg at least one cavity formed withm the supportmg member, a particle, the particle positioned withm the cavity, wherem the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle mteracts with the analyte durmg use, and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle durmg use, wherem the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector duπng use
163 The system of claim 162, wherem the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned withm a plurality of cavities, and wherem the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid
164 The system of claim 162, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned withm the cavity
165 The system of claim 162, wherem the light source comprises a light emitting diode
166 The system of claim 162, wherem the light source comprises a white light source
167 The system of claim 162, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer,
wherein the bottom layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is positioned above the upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are positioned such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the bottom layer and the top cover layer.
168. The system of claim 167, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
169. The system of claim 162, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member; and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.
170. The system of claim 169, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
171. The system of claim 162, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member comprises silicon, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.
172. The system of claim 162, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a sensing cavity formed on a bottom surface of the sensor aπay.
173. The system of claim 162, wherein the supporting member is formed from a plastic material, and wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a top cover layer, the top cover layer being coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity, and wherein the top cover layer is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the top cover layer to the particle, and wherein both the supporting member and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
174. The system of claim 162, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.
175. The system of claim 162, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
176. The system of claim 162, wherein the detector comprises an ultraviolet detector.
177. The system of claim 162, wherein the detector comprises a fluorescence detector.
178. The system of claim 162, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay.
179. The system of claim 162, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
180. The system of claim 162, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
181. The system of claim 162, wherein the particle comprises a metal oxide particle.
182. The system of claim 162, wherein the particle comprises a metal quantum particle.
183. The system of claim 162, wherein the particle comprises a semiconductor quantum particle.
184. The system of claim 162, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
185. The system of claim 162, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
186. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor molecule produces the signal in response to the pH of the fluid.
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the receptor produces the signal in response to the presence of the metal ion.
188. The system of claim 184, wherem the analyte comprises a carbohydrate, and wherein the receptor produces a signal in response to the presence of a carbohydrate.
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.
190. The system of claim 184, wherein the particles further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.
191. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
192. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
193. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.
194. The system o f claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.
195. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.
196. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.
197. The system of claim 184, wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.
198. The system of claim 162, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.
199. The system of claim 162, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
200. The system of claim 162, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
201. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising a plurality of cavities formed within the supporting member, wherein the supporting member comprises silicon; a plurality of particles, the particles comprising a receptor molecule covalently linked to a polymeric resin, wherein the particles are positioned within the cavities, and wherein each of the particles is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; and a detector configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
202. The system of claim 201, wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
203. The system of claim 201, wherein each cavity is configured to hold a single particle.
204. The system of claim 201, wherein each cavity is configured to hold a plurality of particles.
205. The system of claim 201, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is positioned above the upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are positioned such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the bottom layer and the top cover layer.
206. The system of claim 205, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
207. The system of claim 201, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member; and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.
208. The system of claim 207, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
209. The system of claim 201, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.
210. The system of claim 201, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a sensing cavity formed on a bottom surface of the sensor aπay.
211. The system of claim 201, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.
212. The system of claim 201, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
213. The system of claim 201, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay.
214. The system of claim 201, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
215. The system of claim 201, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
216. The system of claim 201 , wherein the polymeric bead comprises a polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene resin.
217. The system of claim 201, wherein the receptor molecule produces the signal in response to the pH of the
fluid.
218. The system of claim 201, wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the receptor produces the signal in response to the presence of the metal ion.
219. The system of claim 201 , wherein the analyte comprises a carbohydrate, and wherein the receptor produces a signal in response to the presence of the carbohydrate.
220. The system of claim 201, wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.
221. The system of claim 201, wherein the particles further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.
222. The system of claim 201 , wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
223. The system of claim 201, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
224. The system of claim 201, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.
225. The system o f claim 201, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.
226. The system of claim 201, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.
227. The system of claim 201, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.
228. The system of claim 201 , wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.
229. The system of claim 201, wherein the particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
230. A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a supporting member; wherein at least one cavity is formed within the supporting member; a particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte.
231. The sensor aπay of claim 230, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
232. The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
233. The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter.
234. The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter, and wherein the cavity is configured to substantially contain the particle.
235. The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
236. The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
237. The sensor aπay of claim 236, wherein the cavity extends through the silicon wafer.
238. The sensor aπay of claim 236,wherein the cavity is substantially pyramidal in shape and wherein the sidewalls of the cavity are substantially tapered at an angle of between about 50 to about 60 degrees.
239. The sensor aπay of claim 236, further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer.
240. The sensor aπay of claim 236, further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide/silicon nitride multilayer stacks.
241. The sensor aπay of claim 236, further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon nitride.
242. The sensor aπay of claim 236, wherein the silicon wafer has an area of about 1 cm to about 100 cm .
243. The sensor aπay of claim 236, further comprising a plurality of cavities formed in the silicon wafer, and wherein from about 10 to about 106 cavities are formed in the silicon wafer.
244. The sensor aπay of claim 230, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.
245. The sensor aπay of claim 230, further comprising an inner surface coating, wherein the inner surface coating is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle.
246 The sensor aπay of claim 230, further compnsmg a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherem the detector is positioned below the cavity
247 The sensor aπay of claim 246, wherein the detector is a semiconductor based photodetector
248 The sensor aπay of claim 246, wherem the detector is a Fabry-Perot type detector
249 The sensor aπay of claim 246, further compnsmg an optical fiber coupled to the detector, wherem the optical fiber is configured to transmit optical data to a microprocessor
250 The sensor aπay of claim 230, further comprising an optical filters coupled to a bottom surface of the sensor aπay
251 The sensor aπay of claim 230, further comprising a barner layer positioned over the cavity, the baπier layer bemg configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle durmg use
252 The sensor aπay of claim 251, wherem the baπier layer comprises a substantially transparent cover plate positioned over the cavity, and wherem the cover plate is positioned a fixed distance over the cavity such that the fluid can enter the cavity
253 The sensor aπay of claim 252, wherem the baπier layer comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride
254 The sensor aπay of claim 230, further compnsmg a plurality of particles positioned withm a plurality of cavities formed m the supportmg member
255 The sensor aπay of claim 230, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned withm a plurality of cavities, and wherem the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern m the presence of the analyte
256 A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid compnsmg a supportmg member, wherein the supportmg member comprises a silicon wafer, and wherem a plurality of cavities are formed withm the supportmg member, a plurality of particles, at least one particle bemg positioned m each of the cavities, wherein the particles are configured to produce a signal when the particles mteract with the analyte
257 The sensor aπay of claim 256, wherein a plurality of particles is positioned withm each of the cavities
58 The sensor aπay of claim 256, wherein the particles compnse a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric
bead.
259. The sensor aπay of claim 256, wherein the cavity extends through the supporting member.
260. The sensor aπay of claim 256,wherein the cavity is substantially pyramidal in shape and wherein the sidewalls of the cavity are substantially tapered at an angle of between about 50 to about 60 degrees.
261. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the supporting member.
262. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a substantially fransparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide/silicon nitride multilayer stacks.
263. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon nitride.
264. The sensor aπay of claim 256, wherein the silicon wafer has an area of about 1 cm2 to about 100 cm2.
265. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a plurality of cavities formed in the silicon wafer, and wherein from about 10 to about 106 cavities are formed in the silicon wafer.
266. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavities.
267. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising an inner surface coating, wherein the inner surface coating is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle.
268. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity.
269. The sensor aπay of claim 266, wherein the detector is a semiconductor based photodetector.
270. The sensor aπay of claim 266, wherein the detector is a Fabry-Perot type detector.
271. The sensor aπay of claim 266, further comprising an optical fiber coupled to the detector, wherein the optical fiber is configured to transmit optical data to a microprocessor.
272. The sensor aπay of claim 256, further comprising a baπier layer positioned over the cavity, the baπier
layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use.
273. The sensor aπay of claim 272, wherein the baπier layer comprises a cover plate positioned over the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is positioned a fixed distance over the cavity such that the fluid can enter the cavity.
274. The sensor aπay of claim 272, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavities, and wherein the barrier layer comprises a cover plate positioned upon an upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the cover plate inhibits passage of the fluid into the cavities such that the fluid enters the cavities via the channels.
275. The sensor aπay of claim 272, wherein the barrier layer comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride.
276. A method for forming a sensor aπay configured to detect an analyte in a fluid, comprising: forming a cavity in a supporting member, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer; placing a particle in the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte; and forming a cover upon a portion of the supporting member, wherein the cover is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle from the cavity.
277. The method of claim 276, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer.
278. The method of claim 276, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer with a wet hydroxide etch.
279. The method of claim 276, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer such that sidewalls of the cavity are tapered at an angle from about 50 degrees to about 60 degrees.
280. The method of claim 276, wherein the silicon wafer has an area of about 1 cm2 to about 100 cm2.
281. The method of claim 276, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer below the cavity.
282. The method of claim 276, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the cavity extends through the silicon wafer and wherein the substantially transparent layer is positioned to support the particle.
283. The method of claim 276, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon nitride.
284. The method of claim 276, wherein the cover comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide.
285. The method of claim 276, wherein forming the cover comprises coupling the cover to the silicon wafer at a distance above the silicon wafer substantially less than a width of the particle.
286. The method of claim 276, further comprising etching channels in the silicon wafer prior to forming the cover on the silicon wafer, wherein forming the cover comprises placing the cover against the upper surface of the silicon wafer, and wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the silicon wafer to and from the cavities.
287. The method of claim 276, further comprising coating an inner surface of the cavity with a material to increase adhesion of the particle to the inner surface of the cavity.
288. The method of claim 276, further comprising coating an inner surface of the cavity with a material to increase reflectivity of the inner surface of the cavity.
289. The method of claim 276, further comprising forming an optical detector upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity.
290. The method of claim 276, further comprising forming a sensing cavity upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity.
291. The method of claim 290, wherein forming the sensing cavity comprises: forming a baπier layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer; forming a bottom diaphragm layer upon the baπier layer; forming etch windows extending through the bottom diaphragm layer; forming a sacrificial spacer layer upon the bottom diaphragm layer; removing a portion of the spacer layer; forming a top diaphragm layer; and removing a remaining portion of the spacer layer.
292. The method of claim 291, further comprising filling a portion of the sensing cavity with a sensing substrate.
293. The method of claim 276, further comprising forming an optical filter upon the bottom surface of the supporting member.
294 The method of claim 276, further comprising forming a plurality of cavities in the silicon wafer
295 The method of claim 276, wherem from about 10 to about 106 cavities are formed m the silicon wafer
296 A sensor aπay produced by the method of claim 276
297 A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid compnsmg passmg a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay compnsmg at least one particle positioned withm a cavity of a supportmg member, momtormg a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherem the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle
298 The method of claim 297, wherem the spectroscopic change comprises a change m absorbance of the particle
299 The method of claim 297, wherein the spectroscopic change compnses a change m fluorescence of the particle
300 The method of claim 297, wherem the spectroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle
301 The method of claim 297, wherem the analyte is a proton atom, and wherem the spectroscopic change is produced when the pH of the fluid is varied, and wherem momtormg the spectroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined
302 The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is a metal cation, and wherem the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid
303 The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced m response to the presence of the anion m the fluid
304 The method of claim 297, wherem the analyte is a DNA molecule, and wherem the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the DNA molecule m the fluid
305 The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is a protem, and wherem the specfroscopic change is produced m response to the presence of the protein m the fluid
306 The method of claim 297, wherem the analyte is a metabolite, and wherem the spectroscopic change is
produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid.
307. The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid.
308. The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid.
309. The method of claim 297, 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 aπay.
310. The method of claim 309 wherein a binding strength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a binding sfrength of the analyte to the receptor.
311. The method of claim 309, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent indicator.
312. The method of claim 297, further comprising treating the fluid with an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay, wherein the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte.
313. The method of claim 297, wherein the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breaking down the bacteria prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay.
314. The method of claim 297, wherein monitoring the specfroscopic change is performed with a CCD device.
315. The method of claim 297, further comprising measuring the intensity of the specfroscopic change, and further comprising calculating the concenfration of the analyte based on the intensity of the specfroscopic change.
316. A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a supporting member, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and wherein a plurality of cavities are formed within the supporting member; a plurality of particles, at least one particle being positioned in each of the cavities, wherein the particles are configured to produce a signal when the particles interact with the analyte.
317. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising: a supporting member, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and wherein a plurality of cavities are formed within the supporting member; and a plurality of particles, at least one particle being positioned in each of the cavities, wherein the
particles are configured to produce a signal when the particles interact with the analyte 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 aπay, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.
318. The method of claim 317, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle.
319. The method of claim 317, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in reflectance of the particle.
320. The method of claim 317, wherein the specfroscopic change comprises a change in fluorescence of the particle.
321. The method of claim 317, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle.
322. The method of claim 317, 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 specfroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined.
323. The method of claim 317, 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.
324. The method of claim 317, 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 aπay.
325. The method of claim 317, wherein a binding strength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a binding sfrength of the analyte to the receptor.
326. The method of claim 317, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent indicator.
327. The method of claim 317, further comprising tteating the fluid with an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay, wherein the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte.
328. The method of claim 317, wherein the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breaking down the bacteria prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay.
329. The method of claim 317, wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device.
330 The method of claim 317, further compnsmg measuring the mtensity of the specfroscopic change, and further comprising calculatmg the concentration of the analyte based on the mtensity of the specfroscopic change
331 A system for detecting an analyte m a fluid compnsmg a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay compnsmg at least one particle coupled to the sensor aπay, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle mteracts with the analyte, and a detector configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle
332 A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid compnsmg at least one particle coupled to the sensor aπay, wherem the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte
333 A method of sensmg an analyte in a fluid compnsmg passmg a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay compnsmg at least one particle coupled to a supporting member, momtormg a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherem the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle 334 A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid compnsmg a supporting member, wherem at least one cavity is formed within the supporting member, a particle positioned withm the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte, wherem the cavities are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member durmg use
335 The sensor aπay of claim 334, further compnsmg a plurality of particles positioned withm the cavity
336 The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resm
337 The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherem the particle has a size ranging from about 0 05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter
338 The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the cavity is configured to substantially contam the particle
339 The sensor aπay of claim 334, further compnsmg a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supportmg member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable
340. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
341. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member and wherein the cover layer is removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
342. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity, and wherein an opening is formed in the bottom layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
343. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity nanows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
344. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
345. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is configured to support the particle, and wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
346. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a removable cover layer coupled to the supporting member.
347. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
348. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
349. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
350. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
351. The sensor aπay of claim 334, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material.
352. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.
353. The sensor aπay of claim 334, further comprising a plurality of additional particles positioned within a plurality of additional cavities formed in the supporting member.
354. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member, wherein the cavity is configured such that the fluid entering the cavity passes through the supporting member during use; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
355. The system of claim 354, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
356. The system of claim 354, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
357. The system of claim 354, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
358. The system of claim 354, wherein the light source comprises a red light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.
359. The system of claim 354, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
360. The system of claim 354, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable.
361. The system of claim 354, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting ,member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
362. The system of claim 354, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member and wherein the cover layer is removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
363. The system of claim 354, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity, and wherein an opening is formed in the bottom layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
364. The system of claim 354, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
365. The system of claim 354, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
366. The system of claim 354, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is configured to support the particle, and wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
367. The system of claim 354, further comprising a removable cover layer.
368. The system of claim 354, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
369. The system of claim 354, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
370. The system of claim 354, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
371. The system of claim 354, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film
photoresist material
372 The system of claim 354, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material
373 The system of claim 354, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherem the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels mto and away from the cavity
374 The system of claim 354, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device
375 The system of claim 354, wherem the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay
376 The system of claim 354, wherem the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymenc resm
377 The system of claim 376, wherem the polymeric resm compπses polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene
378 The system of claim 376, wherem the receptor molecule produces the signal in response to the pH of the fluid
379 The system of claim 376, wherem the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the receptor produces the signal m response to the presence of the metal ion
380 The system of claim 376, wherein the analyte comprises a carbohydrate, and wherein the receptor produces a signal in response to the presence of a carbohydrate
381 The system of claim 376, wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second mdicator, the first and second mdicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second mdicators to interact such that the signal is produced
382 The system of claim 376, wherem the particles further comprises an mdicator, wherem the mdicator is associated with the receptor such that m the presence of the analyte the mdicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal
383 The system of claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide
384 The system of claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide
385 The system of claim 376, wherem the receptor comprises an enzyme
386. The system o f claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.
387. The system of claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.
388. The system of claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.
389. The system of claim 376, wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.
390. The system of claim 354, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.
391. The system of claim 354, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
392. The system of claim 354, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
393. A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a supporting member; wherein at least one cavity is formed within the supporting member; a particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte; and a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity; wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use.
394. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
395. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
396. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
397. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
398. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
399. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material.
400. The sensor aπay of claim 393, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity.
401. The sensor aπay of claim 393, further comprising a baπier layer positioned over the cavity, the baπier layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use.
402. The sensor aπay of claim 393, further comprising a barrier layer positioned over the cavity, the baπier layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use, wherein the baπier layer comprises a transmission electron microscope grid.
403. The sensor aπay of claim 393, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities formed in the supporting member.
404. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
405. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.
406. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises an electrode pump.
407. The sensor aπay of claim 393 wherein the pump comprises a piezoelectric pump.
408. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises a pneumatic activated pump.
409. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises a heat activated pump.
410. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises a peristaltic pump.
411. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump.
412. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises an electrohydrodynamic pump.
413. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump and an electrohydrodynamic pump.
414. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
415. The sensor aπay of claim 393, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
416. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member, a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
417. The system of claim 416, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
418. The system of claim 416, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
419. The system of claim 416, wherein the light source comprises a red light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.
420. The system of claim 416, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
421. The system of claim 416, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
422. The system of claim 416, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
423. The system of claim 416, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
424 The system of claim 416, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material
425 The system of claim 416, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective matenal
426 The system of claim 416, further compnsmg a baπier layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the baπier layer is positioned over the cavity, the baπier layer bemg configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle durmg use
427 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump compπses a diaphragm pump
428 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises an electrode pump
429 The system of claim 416 wherein the pump comprises a piezoelectnc pump
430 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump compnses a pneumatic activated pump
431 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises a heat activated pump
432 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises a penstaltic pump
433 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump
434 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises an electrohydrodynamic pump
435 The system of claim 416, wherem the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump and an electrohydrodynamic pump
436 The system of claim 416, wherem the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity naπows m a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supportmg member, and wherein a mmimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle
437 The system of claim 416, wherem a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle
438 The system of claim 416, wherem the detector compπses a charge-coupled device
439. The system of claim 416, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
440. The system of claim 439, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.
441. The system of claim 439, wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the mteraction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.
442. The system of claim 439, wherein the particles further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.
443. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.
444. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.
445. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.
446. The system o f claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.
447. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.
448. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.
449. The system of claim 439, wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.
450. The system of claim 416, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
451. The system of claim 416, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
452. A sensor aπay for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a supporting member; wherein a first cavity and a second cavity are formed within the supporting member; a first particle positioned within the first cavity; a second particle positioned within the second cavity, wherein the second particle comprises a reagent,
wherein a portion of the reagent is removable from the second particle when contacted with a decoupling solution, and wherein the reagent is configured to modify the first particle, when the reagent is contacted with the first particle, such that the first particle will produce a signal when the first particle interacts with the analyte durmg use, a first pump coupled to the supportmg member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the first cavity, a second pump coupled to the supporting member, wherem the second pump is configured to direct the decouplmg solution towards the second cavity, wherein a first channel is formed in the supporting member, the first channel couplmg the first pump to the first cavity such that the fluid flows through the first channel to the first cavity durmg use, and wherem a second channel is formed m the supporting member, the second channel couplmg the second cavity to the first cavity such that the decoupling solution flows from the second cavity through the second channel to the first cavity durmg use
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherem the first particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a first polymeric resm, and wherem the second particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a second polymeπc resin
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the first particle comprises an mdicator molecule coupled to a first polymeric resm, and the second particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resm
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherem the first particle compnses a first polymenc resin configured to bind to the receptor molecule, and wherem the second particle comprises the receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resm
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherem the supportmg member comprises a plastic material
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the supportmg member comprises a silicon wafer
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the supporting member compnses a dry film photoresist material
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherem the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material
The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein an inner surface of the first cavity is coated with a reflective material
The sensor aπay of claim 452, further compnsmg a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the
supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the first cavity.
462. The sensor aπay of claim 452, further comprising a plurality of additional particles positioned within a plurality of additional cavities formed in the supporting member, and wherein the second cavity is coupled to the additional cavities such that the reagent may be fransfened from the second particle to the additional cavities during use.
463. The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the first and second pumps comprise a diaphragm pump.
464. The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the first and second pumps comprise an electrode pump.
465. The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the first pump comprises a diaphragm pump or an electrode pump and wherein the second pump comprises a diaphragm pump or an electrode pump.
466. The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein the first cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the first cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of the first particle, and wherein the second cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the second cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of the second particle.
467. The sensor aπay of claim 452, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the first cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of the first particle, and wherein a width of a bottom portion of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the second cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of the second particle.
468. The sensor aπay of claim 452, further comprising a reservoir coupled to the second pump, the reservoir configured to hold the decoupling solution.
469. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising: a supporting member; wherein a first cavity and a second cavity are formed within the supporting member; a first particle positioned within the first cavity; a second particle positioned within the second cavity, wherein the second particle comprises a reagent, wherein a portion of the reagent is removable from the second particle when contacted with a decoupling solution, and wherein the reagent is configured to modify the first particle,
when the reagent is contacted with the first particle, such that the first particle will produce a signal when the first particle interacts with the analyte during use; a first pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the first cavity; a second pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the second pump is configured to direct the decoupling solution towards the second cavity; wherein a first channel is formed in the supporting member, the first channel coupling the first pump to the first cavity such that the fluid flows through the first channel to the first cavity during use, and wherein a second channel is formed in the supporting member, the second channel coupling the second cavity to the first cavity such that the decoupling solution flows from the second cavity through the second channel to the first cavity during use; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
470. The system of claim 469, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a plurality of additional particles positioned within a plurality of additional cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid, and wherein the second cavity is coupled to the additional cavities such that the reagent may be transfeπed from the second particle to the additional cavities during use.
471. The system of claim 469, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
472. The system of claim 469, wherein the light source comprises a red light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.
473. The system of claim 469, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
474. The system of claim 469, wherein the first particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a first polymeric resin, and wherein the second particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.
475. The system of claim 469, wherein the first particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a first polymeric resin, and the second particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.
476. The system of claim 469, wherein the first particle comprises a first polymeric resin configured to bind to the receptor molecule, and wherein the second particle comprises the receptor molecule coupled to a
second polymeric resin.
477. The system of claim 469, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
478. The system of claim 469, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
479. The system of claim 469, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
480. The system of claim 469, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
481. The system of claim 469, wherein an inner surface of the first cavity is coated with a reflective material.
482. The system of claim 469, wherein the first and second pumps comprise a diaphragm pump.
483. The system of claim 469, wherein the first and second pumps comprise an electrode pump.
484. The system of claim 469, wherein the first pump comprises a diaphragm pump or an electrode pump and wherein the second pump comprises a diaphragm pump or an electrode pump.
485. The system of claim 469, wherein the first cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the first cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of the first particle, and wherein the second cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the second cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of the second particle.
486. The system of claim 469, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the first cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the first cavity is substantially less than a width of the first particle, and wherein a width of a bottom portion of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the second cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the second cavity is substantially less than a width of the second particle.
487. The system of claim 469, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a reservoir coupled to the second pump, the reservoir configured to hold the decoupling solution.
488. The system of claim 469, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the first particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
489. A method for forming a sensor aπay configured to detect an analyte in a fluid, comprising: forming a cavity in a supporting member, wherein the cavity is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member; placing a particle in the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte; and placing a cover upon a portion of the supporting member, wherein the cover is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle from the cavity.
490. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity, wherein the bottom layer is configured to inhibit the displacement of the particle from the cavity while allowing the fluid to pass through the supporting member.
491. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming an optical detector upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity.
492. The system of claim 489, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
493. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming channels in the supporting member wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member to and from the cavity.
494. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming a pump on the supporting member, the pump being configured to pump the fluid to the cavity.
495. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming additional cavities in the supporting member and further comprising placing additional particles in the additional cavities.
496. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming a cover, wherein forming the cover comprises: forming a removable layer upon the upper surface of the supporting member; forming a cover upon the removable layer; forming support structures upon the supporting member, the support structures covering a portion of the cover; and dissolving the removable layer.
497. The method of claim 496, wherein the cover layer is formed prior to forming the cavity.
498. The method of claim 496, wherein forming the cover further comprises forming openings in the cover, wherein the openings are substantially aligned with the cavity.
499. The method of claim 489, wherein the particles are placed in the cavities using a micromanipulator.
500. The method of claim 489, further comprising forming additional cavities within the supporting member, and further comprising placing additional particles in the additional cavities, wherein placing the additional particles in the additional cavities comprises: placing a first masking layer on the supporting member, wherein the first masking layer covers a first portion of the additional cavities such that passage of a particle into the first portion of the additional cavities is inhibited, and wherein the first masking layer a second portion of the cavities substantially unmasked,; placing the additional particles on the supporting member; and moving the additional particles across the supporting member such that the particles fall into the second portion of the cavities .
501. The method of claim 500, further comprising: removing the first masking layer; placing a second masking layer upon the supporting member, wherein the second masking layer covers the second portion of the cavities and a portion of the first portion of the cavities while leaving a third portion of the cavities unmasked; placing additional particles on the supporting member; and moving the additional particles across the supporting member such that the particle fall into the third portion of the cavities.
502. The method of claim 489, wherein forming the cover comprises coupling the cover to the supporting member at a distance above the supporting member substantially less than a width of the particle.
503. The method of claim 489, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.
504. The method of claim 503, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer.
505. The method of claim 503, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer such that the width of the cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
506. The method of claim 489, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
507. The method of claim 489, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
508. The method of claim 507, wherein forming the cavity comprises: etching a first opening through a first dry film photoresist layer, the first opening having a width substantially less than a width of the particle; placing a second dry film photoresist layer upon the first dry film photoresist layer; etching a second opening through the second dry film photoresist layer, the second opening being substantially aligned with the first opening, wherein a width of the second opening is substantially greater than the width of the first opening.
509. The method of claim 508, wherein the second dry film photoresist layer comprises a thickness substantially greater than a width of the particle.
510. The method of claim 506, further comprising forming a reflective layer upon the inner surface of the cavity.
511. The method of claim 489, wherein the supporting material comprises a plastic material.
512. The method of claim 511, wherein the cavity is formed by drilling the supporting material.
513. The method of claim 511, wherein the cavity is formed by transfer molding the supporting member.
514. The method of claim 511, wherein the cavity is formed by a punching device.
515. A sensor aπay produced by the method of claim 489.
516. A sensor aπay produced by the method of claim 503.
517. A sensor aπay produced by the method of claim 506.
518. A sensor aπay produced by the method of claim 507.
519. A sensor aπay produce by the method of claim 511.
520. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member, wherein the cavity is configured such that the fluid entering the cavity passes through the supporting member;
monitoring a specfroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.
521. The method of claim 520, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle.
522. The method of claim 520, wherein the specfroscopic change comprises a change in fluorescence of the particle.
523. The method of claim 520, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle.
524. The method of claim 520, 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 specfroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined.
525. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is a metal cation, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid.
526. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the anion in the fluid.
527. The method of claim 520, 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.
528. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is a protein, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the protein in the fluid.
529. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is a metabolite, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid.
530. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid.
531. The method of claim 520, wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid.
532. The method of claim 520, 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 aπay.
533 The method of claim 532, wherem a binding strength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a bindmg sfrength of the analyte to the receptor
534 The method of claim 532, wherem the mdicator is a fluorescent mdicator
535 The method of claim 520, further compnsmg freatmg the fluid with an indicator pnor to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay, wherein the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte
536 The method of claim 520, wherem the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breakmg down the bacteria prior to passmg the fluid over the sensor aπay
537 The method of claim 520, wherein momtormg the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device
538 The method of claim 520, further comprising measuring the intensity of the spectroscopic change, and further compnsmg calculating the concentration of the analyte based on the mtensity of the spectroscopic change
539 The method of claim 520, wherem momtormg the spectroscopic change comprises directmg a red light source at the particle, detectmg the absorbance of red light by the particle, directing a green light source at the particle, detecting the absorbance of green light by the particle, directmg a blue light source at the particle, and detectmg the absorbance of blue light by the particle
40 A sensor aπay for detectmg an analyte m a fluid compnsmg at least one particle coupled to a supporting member, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle mteracts with the analyte
41 The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherem the particle is coupled to the supportmg member with via an adhesive material
42 The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherem the particle are coupled to the supporting member via a gel material
43 The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherem the particle is suspended m a gel material, the gel mateπal covering a portion of the supporting member, and wherein a portion of the particle extends from the upper surface of the gel
544. The sensor aπay of claim 540, further comprising a cover positioned above the particle.
545. The sensor aπay of claim 540, further comprising a cover coupled to the supporting member, positioned above the particle, wherein a force exerted by the cover on the particle inhibits the displacement of the particle from the supporting member.
546. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
547. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
548. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
549. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
550. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member comprises glass.
551. The sensor aπay of claim 540, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the particle.
552. The sensor aπay of claim 540, further comprising a plurality of particles coupled to the supporting member.
553. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member is composed of a material substantially transparent to visible light.
554. The sensor aπay of claim 540, wherein the supporting member is composed of a material substantially transparent to ultraviolet light.
555. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle coupled to a supporting member, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte, and wherein the supporting member is substantially transparent to a portion of light produced by the light source; and a detector configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
556. The system of claim 555, wherein the system comprises a plurality of additional particles coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
557. The system of claim 555, wherem the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
558. The system of claim 555, wherein the light source comprises a red light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.
559. The system of claim 555, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
560. The system of claim 555, wherein the particle is coupled to the supporting member with via an adhesive material.
561. The system of claim 555, wherein the particle are coupled to the supporting member via a gel material.
562. The system of claim 555, wherein the particle is suspended in a gel material, the gel material covering a portion of the supporting member, and wherein a portion of the particle extends from the upper surface of the gel.
563. The system of claim 555, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover positioned above the particle.
564. The system of claim 555, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a cover coupled to the supporting member, positioned above the particle, wherein a force exerted by the cover on the particle inhibits the displacement of the particle from the supporting member.
565. The system of claim 555, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
566. The system of claim 555, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.
567. The system of claim 555, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
568. The system of claim 555, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
569. The system of claim 555, wherein the supporting member comprises glass.
570. The system of claim 555, wherein the supporting member is composed of a material substantially
transparent to ultraviolet light.
571. The system of claim 555, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
572. The system of claim 555, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.
573. The system of claim 555, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
574. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; a vacuum apparatus coupled to the cavity, wherein the vacuum apparatus is configured to pull the fluid through the cavity during use; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
575. The system of claim 574, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
576. The system of claim 574, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
577. The system of claim 574, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
578. The system of claim 574, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
579. The system of claim 574, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is positioned above the upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are positioned such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the bottom layer and the top cover layer.
580. The system of claim 574, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
581. The system of claim 574, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member; and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.
582. The system of claim 581, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
583. The system of claim 574, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member comprises silicon, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.
584. The system of claim 574, further comprising a conduit coupled to the sensor aπay, wherein the conduit is configured to conduct the fluid sample to and away from the sensor aπay.
585. The system of claim 574, wherein the supporting member is formed from a plastic material, and wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a top cover layer, the top cover layer being coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity, and wherein the top cover layer is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the top cover layer to the particle, and wherein both the supporting member and the top cover layer are substantially fransparent to light produced by the light source.
586. The system of claim 574, wherem the cavities are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member during use.
587. The system of claim 586, wherein the cavity is configured to substantially contain the particle.
588. The system of claim 586, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable.
589. The system of claim 586, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
590. The system of claim 586, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member and wherein the cover layer is removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.
591. The system of claim 586, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity, and wherein an opening is formed in the bottom layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
592. The system of claim 586, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity naπows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
593. The system of claim 586, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.
594. The system of claim 586, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is configured to support the particle, and wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity.
595. The system of claim 586, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.
596. The system of claim 586, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.
597. The system of claim 586, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material.
598. The system of claim 574, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
599. The system of claim 574, wherein the detector comprises an ultraviolet detector.
600. The system of claim 574, wherein the detector comprises a fluorescence detector.
601. The system of claim 574, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay.
602 The system of claim 574, wherem the particle ranges from about 0 05 micron to about 500 microns
603 The system of claim 574, wherem a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid
604 The system of claim 574, wherem the vacuum apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, and wherem the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable baπier positioned between the chamber and the conduit, and wherem the chamber is configured to pull the fluid through the conduit when the breakable baπier is punctured
605 The system of claim 574, wherem the vacuum apparatus comprises a vacuum pump
606 The system of claim 574, wherem the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resm
607 The system of claim 574, wherem the polymeπc resm comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divmyl benzene
608 The system of claim 607, wherein the receptor molecule produces the signal m response to the pH of the fluid
609 The system of claim 607, wherem the analyte compπses a metal ion, and wherein the receptor produces the signal m response to the presence of the metal ion
610 The system of claim 607, wherem the analyte comprises a carbohydrate, and wherein the receptor produces a signal m response to the presence of a carbohydrate
611 The system of claim 607, wherem the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second mdicators being coupled to the receptor, wherem the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced
612 The system of claim 607, wherem the particle further compnses an mdicator, wherem the mdicator is associated with the receptor such that m the presence of the analyte the mdicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal
613 The system of claim 607, wherem the receptor comprises a polynucleotide
614 The system of claim 607, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide
615 The system of claim 607, wherem the receptor comprises an enzyme
616. The system o f claim 607, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.
617. The system of claim 607, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.
618. The system of claim 607, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.
619. The system of claim 607, wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.
620. The system of claim 607, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.
621. The system of claim 574, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.
622. The system of claim 574, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
623. The system of claim 574, further comprising a filter coupled to the conduit and the sensor aπay, wherein the fluid passes through the filter before reaching the sensor aπay.
624. The system of claim 623, wherein the fluid is a blood sample, and wherein the filter comprises a membrane for the removal of particulates.
625. The system of claim 623, wherein the fluid is a blood sample, and wherein the filter comprises a membrane for removal of white and red blood cells from the blood.
626. The system of claim 574 further comprising a reagent delivery reservoir coupled to the sensor aπay, wherein the reagent delivery reservoir is configured to deliver reagents to the particles during use.
627. The system of claim 626, wherein the reagent delivery reservoir comprises an indicator.
628. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing the fluid through a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member of the sensor aπay, wherein a vacuum apparatus is coupled to the cavity, and wherein the vacuum apparatus is configured to provide a pulling force on the fluid in the cavity; monitoring a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.
629. The method of claim 628, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle.
630. The method of claim 628, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in fluorescence of the particle.
631. The method of claim 628, wherein the specfroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle.
632. The method of claim 628, 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.
633. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is a metal cation, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid.
634. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the anion in the fluid.
635. The method of claim 628, 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.
636. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is a protein, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the protein in the fluid.
637. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is a metabolite, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid.
638. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid.
639. The method of claim 628, wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the specfroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid.
640. The method of claim 628, 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 aπay.
641. The method of claim 640, wherein a binding sfrength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a binding sfrength of the analyte to the receptor.
642 The method of claim 640, wherem the mdicator is a fluorescent mdicator
643 The method of claim 628, further comprising treating the fluid with an mdicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay, wherem the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte
644 The method of claim 628, wherem the analyte is bacteria and further compnsmg breakmg down the bacteria pnor to passmg the fluid over the sensor aπay
645 The method of claim 628, wherem momtormg the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device
646 The method of claim 628, further compnsmg measurmg the mtensity of the specfroscopic change, and further compnsmg calculatmg the concenfration of the analyte based on the mtensity of the spectroscopic change
647 The method of claim 628, wherem the fluid is blood
648 The method of claim 628, further compnsmg passing the fluid through a filter prior to passing the fluid over the sensor aπay
649 The method of claim 628, further compnsmg passmg the fluid through a reagent reservoir pnor to passmg the fluid over the sensor aπay
650 The method of claim 628, wherem the particles are initially stored m a buffer, and further compnsmg removmg the buffer prior to passmg the fluid over the sensor aπay
651 A system for detecting an analyte m a fluid compnsmg a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay compnsmg a supportmg member compnsmg at least one cavity foπned withm the supportmg member, a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherem the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle mteracts with the analyte durmg use, a vacuum apparatus coupled to the cavity, wherem the vacuum apparatus is configured to pull the fluid through the cavity durmg use, and a detector, the detector bemg configured to detect the signal produced by the mteraction of the analyte with the particle during use,
52 The system of claim 651, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned withm a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid
653. The system of claim 651, wherem the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
654. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal; a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
655. The system of claim 654, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.
656. The system of claim 654, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.
657. The system of claim 654, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
658. The system of claim 654, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.
659. The system of claim 654, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is positioned above the upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are positioned such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the bottom layer and the top cover layer.
660. The system of claim 654, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
661. The system of claim 654, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member; and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained
within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.
662. The system of claim 661, wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
663. The system of claim 661, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member comprises silicon, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.
664. The system of claim 654, wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a sensing cavity formed on a bottom surface of the sensor aπay.
665. The system of claim 654, wherein the supporting member is formed from a plastic material, and wherein the sensor aπay further comprises a top cover layer, the top cover layer being coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity, and wherein the top cover layer is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the top cover layer to the particle, and wherein both the supporting member and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.
666. The system of claim 654, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.
667. The system of claim 654, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.
668. The system of claim 654, wherein the detector comprises an ultraviolet detector.
669. The system of claim 654, wherein the detector comprises a fluorescence detector.
670. The system of claim 654, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor aπay.
671. The system of claim 654, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
672. The system of claim 654, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
673. The system of claim 654, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the biopolymer by the analyte.
674. The system of claim 654, wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the peptide by the
protease.
675. The system of claim 654, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.
676. The system of claim 654, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.
677. The system of claim 654, wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.
678. The system of claim 677, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the first indicator is at least partially quenched by the second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the first indicator by the second indicator is altered.
679. The system of claim 677, wherein the first indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
680. The system of claim 654, further comprising an indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.
681. The system of claim 654, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
682. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a polymeric resin; a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin; and
an indicator system coupled to the biopolymer, the indicator system producing a signal during use, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte such that the signal is altered during use.
683. The particle of claim 682, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.
684. The particle of claim 682, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.
685. The particle of claim 682, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the biopolymer by the analyte.
686. The particle of claim 682, wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the peptide by the protease.
687. The particle of claim 682, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.
688. The particle of claim 682, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.
689. The particle of claim 682, wherein the particle indicator system comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.
690. The particle of claim 689, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the first indicator is at least partially quenched by the second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the first indicator by the second indicator is altered.
691. The particle of claim 689, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.
692. The particle of claim 682, wherein the indicator system comprises at least one indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.
693. The particle of claim 682, wherein the particle is in a system comprising a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.
694. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member, the particle comprising a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte such that the signal is altered; and monitoring a signal produced by the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay, wherein the an alteration of the signal indicates the presence of the analyte.
695. The method of claim 694, wherein the signal comprises an absorbance of the particle and wherein the alteration of the signal comprises a change in the absorbance of the particle.
696. The method of claim 694, wherein the signal comprises a fluorescence of the particle and wherein the alteration of the signal comprises a change in the fluorescence of the particle.
697. The method of claim 694, wherein the signal comprises a phosphorescence of the particle and wherein the alteration of the signal comprises a change in the phosphorescence of the particle.
698. The method of claim 694, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the biopolymer, the cleavage being induced by the analyte.
699. The method of claim 694, wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the peptide by the protease.
700. The method of claim 694, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.
701. The method of claim 694, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte
comprises an oligosaccharide cleavmg agent, and wherein the chemical reaction compπses cleavage of at least a portion of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleavmg agent
702 The method of claim 694, wherem the particle further comprises a first mdicator and a second mdicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer m the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the alteration of the signal is produced
703 The method of claim 702, wherein the first mdicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the second indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the first mdicator and the second indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the first indicator is at least partially quenched by the second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer m the presence of the analyte causes the first and second mdicators to move such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the first mdicator by the second indicator is altered
704 The method of claim 702, wherem the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherem the second mdicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherem the first mdicator and the second mdicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherem the chemical reaction of the biopolymer m the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second mdicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered producmg the alteration in the signal
705 The method of claim 694, further compnsmg an indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherem the chemical reaction of the biopolymer m the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the mdicator is cleaved from at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resm
706 The method of claim 694, wherein momtormg the alteration of the signal is performed with a CCD device
707 The method of claim 694, further compnsmg measunng the intensity of the signal, and further compnsmg calculatmg the concentration of the analyte based on the mtensity of the alteration of the signal
708 The system of claim 654 wherem the particle further comprises an indicator coupled to the particle, and wherein the chemical reaction causes a change to a biopolymer such that the mteraction of the mdicator with the biopolymer is altered to produce the signal
709 The system of claim 654 wherem the particle further comprises an mdicator coupled to the particle, and wherem the chemical reaction causes a change to the biopolymer and the mdicator to produce the signal
710 The particle of claim 682, wherem the particle indicator system comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, and wherem the chemical reaction of the biopolymer m the presence of the analyte causes a
distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.
711. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising: passing a fluid over a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member, the particle comprising a polymeric resin, and wherein a biopolymer is coupled to the polymeric resin; allowing the biopolymer to undergo a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal; and detecting the signal produced by the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor aπay.
712. The method of claim 711, wherein the signal comprises an absorbance of the particle and wherein an alteration of the signal comprises a change in the absorbance of the particle.
713. The method of claim 711, wherein the signal comprises a fluorescence of the particle and wherein an alteration of the signal comprises a change in the fluorescence of the particle.
714. The method of claim 711, wherein the signal comprises a phosphorescence of the particle and wherein an alteration of the signal comprises a change in the phosphorescence of the particle.
715. The method of claim 711, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the biopolymer, the cleavage being induced by the analyte.
716. The method of claim 711, wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the peptide by the protease.
717. The method of claim 711, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.
718. The method of claim 711, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.
719. The method of claim 711, wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the alteration of the signal is produced.
720. The method of claim 719, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the first indicator is at least partially quenched by the second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the first indicator by the second indicator is altered.
721. The method of claim 719, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered producing the alteration in the signal.
722. The method of claim 711, further comprising an indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.
723. The method of claim 711, further comprising monitoring an alteration of the signal.
724. The method of claim 723, wherein the monitoring is performed with a CCD device.
725. The method of claim 723, further comprising measuring an intensity of the signal, and further comprising calculating a concenfration of the analyte based on the intensity of the signal.
726. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor aπay, the sensor aπay comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member; a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; a vacuum configured to pull the fluid through the cavity during use; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.
727. The method of claim 614, wherein the signal indicates the presence of an analyte in the fluid sample.
728. The system of claim 654, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a
plurality of cavities.
729. The system of claim 654, wherem the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.