An array immunosensor for simultaneous detection of clinical analytes

A fluorescence-based immunosensor has been developed for simultaneous analy sis of multiple samples. A patterned array of recognition elements immobili zed on the surface of a planar waveguide is used to "capture" analyte prese nt in samples; bound analyte is then quantified by means of fluorescent det ector molecules. Upon excitation of the fluorescent label by a small diode laser, a CCD camera detects the pattern of fluorescent antigen:antibody com plexes on the sensor surface. Image analysis software correlates the positi on of fluorescent signals with the identity of the analyte. This immunosens or was used to detect physiologically relevant concentrations of staphyloco ccal enterotoxin B (SEB), F1 antigen from Yersinia pestis, and D-dimer, a m arker of sepsis and thrombotic disorders, in spiked clinical samples.