| abstract |
An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte are described. The apparatus includes at least one microchannel adapted for an analyte to adhere to an interior surface thereof, a mixing element positioned within at least a portion of the at least one microchannel, a light source for energizing quantum dots conjugated with the analyte within the at least one microchannel, and a detection system for detecting and quantifying fluorescent energy emitted by the quantum dots in one or more predetermined wavelength ranges, wherein each wavelength range being correlated to one and only one type of analyte. The method includes the steps of providing a sample to at least one microchannel coated with an antibody, contacting the sample with a conjugate comprising a quantum dot and an antibody that specifically binds to the analyte, increasing electrothrermal flow of the sample, energizing the quantum dot with a light source, detecting fluorescent emission from the quantum dot, and correlating the fluorescent emission to the presence of or the concentration of the analyte in the sample. |