ULTRA-SENSITIVE MAGNETOREDUCTION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND ULTRA-SENSITIVE, WASH-FREE ASSAY USING THE SAME

摘要

An ultra-sensitive SQUID-based magnetoreduction measurement system for performing an assay is provided, wherein the system is capable of measuring the concentration of multiple-active-epitope biomolecules, single-active-epitope biomolecules, or small biomolecules with high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the ultra-sensitive magnetoreduction measurement system is 1 ppt or below. The system includes a sample unit and a sensor unit. The sample unit includes excitation coils and a pick up coil, and a sample housed inside the pick up coil, wherein the sample contains at least magnetic nanoparticles coated with bio-receptors that are conjugated with to-be-detected biomolecules. The sensor unit includes a SQUID magnetometer and a couple coil, wherein the magnetization of the sample sensed by the pick-up coil is transferred to the magnetometer at the sensor unit via the couple coil.