Collection of ENEA technology and expertise
Photometric station for in vitro diagnostic analysis using organic-based optoelectronic devices and photonic crystals.
The invention consists of a method and apparatus that allows for in vitro diagnostic analysis of biological samples by analyzing the light radiation transmitted through the sample being analyzed, using system components that are not commonly used in this type of application. This type of system generally allows for immunoenzymatic tests to detect the possible presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample, typically blood, and allows, for example, the detection of an infection (e.g., ELISA tests).
Application sectors
Problem to solve
The proposed system employs several innovative solutions compared to standard solutions already available on the market. In this case, an OLED (organic LED) source was used. The optical path of the light radiation emitted by the source was adapted to the specific requirements of the system, which are very stringent not only in terms of wavelengths (typically: 405 nm, 450 nm, 492 nm, 550 nm, 620 nm), and signal detection was performed using an OPD (organic photodiode). To appropriately select the analysis signal, a series of photonic crystals were used to achieve a bandwidth of less than 10 nm, as required by commercially available solutions. The proposed system offers the opportunity to reduce the overall dimensions compared to commercial systems, avoiding the use of additional optical fibers and interference filters.
Description
Current state-of-the-art systems use a halogen lamp or LED as the light source, optical fibers as transmission media in the optical path, a series of mechanically selectable filters, and photosensors for signal intensity measurement. In our case, however, the invention consists of a method and apparatus that enable in vitro diagnostic analysis of biological samples by analyzing transmitted light radiation. The proposed system employs several innovative solutions compared to standard solutions already available on the market. In this case, an OLED (organic LED) source was used. The optical path of the light radiation emitted by the source was adapted to the specific requirements of the system, which are very stringent not only in terms of wavelengths (typically 405 nm, 450 nm, 492 nm, 550 nm, 620 nm), and signal detection was performed using an OPD (organic photodiode). To properly select the analysis signal, a series of photonic crystals were used to achieve a bandwidth of less than 10 nm, as required by commercially available solutions. The proposed system offers the opportunity to reduce the overall dimensions compared to commercial systems, avoiding the use of additional optical fibers and interference filters.
Innovative aspects and advantages
- Elimination of additional optics and optical fibers
- Elimination of handling systems.
- Lightweight and portable system.
- Possibility of making it extremely small and fabricated on a flexible substrate.
Technological Maturity 4
Strengths
- Cost
- Social/economic relevance
- Legal/regulatory content
- Efficiency/productivity/performance
- Innovation
Admissible applications
- In vitro diagnostic analysis of biological samples (e.g., ELISA or ELFA)
- Portable spectrophotometric system
Research group involved
Patent Available for Licensing
Disponibile per una licenza non esclusiva
Revision date
01-12-2025
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