US5874668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Atomic force microscope for biological specimens
Assignee: Arch Development Corp
•
Filing: 1995-10-24
•
Granted: 1999-02-23
•
Expires: 2015-10-24
Abstract
Abstract An atomic force microscope for quantitative imaging and identification, at the molecular or submolecular level, biomolecules or subunits of biomolecules in a physiologic environment, through use of a cantilever tip incorporating a biomolecular identifier.
Inventors
- 👤 Shaohua Xu
- 👤 Morton F. Arnsdorf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:26
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01Q; G01Q60/00; G01Q60/24; G01Q60/38; G01Q60/42; B; B82; B82Y; B82Y35/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S977/00; Y10S977/84; Y10S977/849; Y10S977/852; Y10S977/853
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen with said means comprising an amphipathic molecule coupled to said cantilever tip for interaction with a biological site of interest; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen with said means comprising an amphipathic molecule coupled to said cantilever tip for interaction with a biological site of interest; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The atomic force microscope as defined in claim 1 wherein said amphipathic molecule is selected from the group consisting of small lipid molecules, detergents, and large macromolecules.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The atomic force microscope as defined in claim 2 wherein said amphipathic molecules are selected from the group consisting of charged molecules and zwitterions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The atomic force microscope as defined in claim 1 wherein said cantilever tip comprises at least one leg portion and at least one of a hole and a cutout in said leg portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cantilever tip as defined in claim 4 wherein said leg portion includes a plurality of holes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cantilever tip as defined in claim 5 wherein said cantilever tip comprises at least two of said leg portions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cantilever tip as defined in claim 6 wherein said leg portions have different patterns of said holes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The atomic force microscope as defined in claim 1 wherein said tip comprises a ceramic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The atomic force microscope as defined in claim 1 wherein said amphipathic molecule has a pKa near a pH to be measured.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
100 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen wherein said means for identifying biomolecules comprises at least one of receptor molecules coated onto said cantilever tip, a zwitterion liquid coating, amphipathic liquids having protein donors, amphipathic liquids having protein acceptors, and hydrophobic molecules; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
100 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen wherein said means for identifying biomolecules comprises at least one of receptor molecules coated onto said cantilever tip, a zwitterion liquid coating, amphipathic liquids having protein donors, amphipathic liquids having protein acceptors, and hydrophobic molecules; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto wherein said cantilever tip is coated with photoactivated charges, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
74 words
An atomic force microscope for probing a biological specimen, comprising: a cantilever arm having a cantilever tip attached thereto wherein said cantilever tip is coated with photoactivated charges, said cantilever tip including means for identifying biomolecules on the surface of said biological specimen; means for providing a laser beam for reflecting off said cantilever tip; means for scanning said cantilever tip relative to said biological specimen; and means for detecting said reflected laser beam.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-22 | 2002-08-24 | 2003-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | 2007-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-22 | 2010-08-24 | 2011-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |