I'm no patent expert, but it appears that the detection methods (prism versus grating, among other things) are sufficiently different . . .
BiaCore's patent:
164.195.100.11
>>The modified SPR device operates as follows. Plane polarized light from a high efficiency, near-infrared light emitting diode is focused into a transverse wedge through the prism, and onto the side of the sensor chip opposite the gold-film. Reflected light is monitored by a fixed, two-dimensional array of light sensitive diodes positioned to achieve a resolution of approximately 0.1.degree. in the angle of reflection. Computer interpolation routines process the data from the diode array to determine the resonance angle to an accuracy of 10.sup.-4.degree.. Averaged readings are ordinarily obtained at a frequency of 5 Hz, but may be varied if desired. The use of a fixed diode array detector eliminates moving parts from the optical system, allowing changes in the resonance angle to be detected in real time.<<
Quantech/HTS' patent:
164.195.100.11
>>9. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-formed surface relief profile is in the form of one or more gratings, with two or more gratings disposed mutually at an angle.
10. An article as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each grating is of square-wave, sinusoidal or saw-tooth profile.
11. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-formed surface relief profile comprises a regular array of protuberances.<<
snip
Next step is to find out just how much comparable HTS and Biacore systems cost. Don't know if HTS has made an announcment, since they have yet to launch (but very soon). Further, there's no doubt BiaCore has a significant first mover advantage. However, they haven't penetrated or saturated their market, so there's room if HTS can execute. HTS management might also be worth checking on.
BTW, another BCOR competitor is Thermo BioAnalysis, which lost a patent dispute with BCOR last winter.
Cheers, Tuck |
