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Abstract

An optical biosensor carries one or more affinity legends or binding members that bind specifically to a marker being monitored. Light directed along optic fibers illuminates a surface plasmon resonance (SPRN) probe surface on which is immobilized the binding member. A spectrophotometer receives light reflected back along the fiber optic path and provides wavelength information indicative of the absence or presence of surface plasmon resonance indicative of the bound marker in known SPR manner. The probe is used in vitro or in vivo. When used in vivo the fiberoptic light path comprises a catheter that directs the probe to an implant site. For in vivo implantation a housing houses the probe at the implant site and is adapted to filter out larger particles that would adversely affect with the spectral analysis. In one embodiment the probe has two regions on its surface. The first region has no immobilized binding member. The second region does have the binding member immobilized on it. Light returned from the first and second regions can be compared. The presence or absence of a marker bound by the binding member on the second surface is apparent in the similarity or dissimilarity of the spectral information returned from the two regions. The probe can monitor blood, spinal fluid, mucus membrane, wound tissue, implanted organs, urine and other substances for the presence of a marker which may be indicative of a medical condition in an animal or human subject.

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First Claim