Fiber Optic Immunoassay System for Infectious Disease Agent Detection

A portable fiber optic-based biosensor system for the detection of infectious disease agents is proposed. This system shall be rugged, yet versatile. The baseline approach uses in optoelectronic module containing a solid state, electronically-chopped, laser diode light source in combination with a compact PIN photodiode receiver that synchronously and ratiometrically detects any fluorescence signal generated. A fiber optic cable will extend from the rear of each optoelectronic module to a remote want-shaped immunoassay detector head. This system will allow extremely sensitive assays to be made for infectious disease agents in laboratory and field settings where the fiber cable and remote probe form factor facilitate sample handling and minimize personnel contact with potentially hazardous samples.