Appeal No. 98-2792
Application 08/516,257
As explained in the last paragraph on page 13 of the
specification, the analog-analyte binds with a receptor to
form an analog-analyte-receptor complex. When the analyte
molecules are introduced into the processing chamber by
diffusion through the semi-permeable membrane (8), they may
then bind with a receptor to form an analyte-receptor complex.
Apparently the receptor material has a higher affinity for the
analyte molecule
than for the analog-analyte molecule, because the formation of
an
analyte-receptor complex frees a previously bound analog-
analyte molecule. The analog-analyte molecules are labeled by
covalent coupling with an appropriate dye (specification, page
14) so that they fluoresce in response to excitation energy
sent into the processing chamber (i.e., via the optical fiber
(30)). The degree of interaction of the analyte with the
receptor material in the processing chamber of the sensor is
4
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Last modified: November 3, 2007