International Business Machines Corporation

Sandra Lynn Waters

Daniel James Winarski

Dylan J Boday

Anna Wanda Topol

Stephen Leonard Schwartz

Nils Haustein

Craig Anthony Klein

Allen Keith Bates

Described are embodiments of an invention for detecting target antigens in a biological sample using a sample assembly. Detection may be accomplished by performing a method comprising: sweeping a head module over the sample assembly, wherein said head module includes at least one magneto-resistive read sensor configured to detect target antigens via nanoparticles within the sample assembly; and detecting at least one particular antigen among the target antigens. Preferably, detecting the target antigens via the nanoparticles is based at least in part on detecting unique magnetic properties of particular nanoparticles specifically associated with different types of the target antigens. Detection using a magnetic read/write head in the sample assembly facilitates automation of sample detection with high speed and fidelity. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.

Trenched sample assembly for detection of analytes with electromagnetic read-write heads

A sample assembly includes an outer layer with at least one sample trench. The sample trench includes a first set of antibodies that are bonded on a first surface of a base layer. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies, and a second set of antibodies are bonded to the target antigens. Further, the sample trench includes nanoparticles that are bonded to the second set of antibodies.

Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with trenches for detection of analytes with electromagnetic read heads. The sample assembly includes an outer layer with at least one sample trench. The sample trench includes a first set of antibodies that are bonded on a first surface of a base layer. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies, and a second set of antibodies are bonded to the target antigens. Further, the sample trench includes nanoparticles that are bonded to the second set of antibodies. A head module includes a write head for magnetizing nanoparticles and a read sensor for detecting the magnetized nanoparticles, and thus, the target antigens. The sample trench constrains the biological sample, and thus the target antigen, during the preparation and subsequent analysis of the biological sample. Accordingly, the target antigen is aligned with read elements of a head module such that the target antigen is reliably and accurately detected. Further, to ensure reliable and accurate detection, the outer layer is formed with a low friction material allowing the read head to remain in contact with the upper surface of the outer layer during the process of detection.

A data storage assembly is presented. The data storage assembly includes a bi-layered antireflective coating. An inner layer of the antireflective coating includes diamond like carbon. An outer layer is disposed over the inner layer.

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Sandra Lynn Waters