US 11,674,928 B2
Detecting nucleic acids in impure samples with an acoustic wave sensor
Georgios Papadakis, Heraklion (GR); and Electra Gizeli, Heraklion (GR)
Assigned to Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion (GR)
Filed by Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion (GR)
Filed on Jun. 18, 2018, as Appl. No. 16/10,617.
Claims priority of application No. 1709659 (GB), filed on Jun. 16, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2019/0011401 A1, Jan. 10, 2019
Int. Cl. C12Q 1/6825 (2018.01); C12Q 1/6844 (2018.01); C12Q 1/6806 (2018.01); C12Q 1/6853 (2018.01); G01N 29/032 (2006.01); G01N 33/02 (2006.01); G01N 33/487 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 29/032 (2013.01) [C12Q 1/6806 (2013.01); C12Q 1/6825 (2013.01); C12Q 1/6844 (2013.01); C12Q 1/6853 (2013.01); G01N 33/02 (2013.01); G01N 33/487 (2013.01); G01N 2291/022 (2013.01); G01N 2291/02809 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
 
1. A method of measuring a nucleic acid target in an impure liquid sample, the method comprising:
providing an acoustic wave sensor having a sensing surface;
applying the acoustic wave sensor to the impure liquid sample;
generating an acoustic wave in the impure liquid sample through the sensing surface while the impure liquid sample is in contact with the sensing surface;
measuring the energy loss of the acoustic wave; and
comparing the measured energy loss with a reference to thereby determine the presence of the nucleic acid target,
in which changes in the frequency of the acoustic waves arising from the adherence of the nucleic acid target and/or non-target nucleic acids and/or biological molecules and/or cell fragments and/or (added) reagents are not monitored by virtue of measurements of acoustic wave frequency or phase or velocity,
wherein the impure liquid sample in contact with the sensing surface comprises at least one of:
i. a crude sample;
ii. a sample comprising whole or lysed cells; and
iii. reagents for procedures carried out before detection with the acoustic sensor.