Device for detecting target analyte in sample applied on diffraction sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting a target analyte in a sample applied on a diffractive sensor, the device comprising:-a housing (101) defining a darkroom (102) within the housing; -a support device (105) adapted to support and integrally hold the diffraction sensor (1), said support device (105) being movable within the darkroom (102) and between the inside and outside of the darkroom (102); -a laser light source (103) adapted to emit laser light having a wavelength within the visible spectrum in the darkroom (102); -a screen (107), which is arranged in the darkroom (102); -a vision system (111) configured to capture an image on the screen (107); -a control unit operatively connected to the laser light source (103), to the support device (105) and to the vision system (111).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detecting a target analyte in a sample applied on a diffractive sensor, in particular a device for analyzing a diffraction image produced by such a diffractive sensor and subsequently determining the presence or absence of a sought target analyte.

[0002] The term "target analyte" refers to any chemical substance whose presence in a sample is to be determined.

[0003] The present invention applies in particular to the detection of target analytes such as viruses or bacteria or components thereof (e.g. nucleic acids, protein components, etc.), but can also apply to the detection of other kinds of target analytes, thus not only in the medical, veterinary and diagnostic fields, but also for example in the field of biosecurity or chemistry, in particular for detecting trace contaminants, as will be explained in more detail below. BACKGROUND

[0004] It is known that a diffractive sensor can change the diffraction image produced when placed in contact with a sample containing a specific target analyte.

[0005] For example, with reference to Figure 1 European patent application No. 24164097.8, filed by the Applicant, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes a diffractive sensor 1 for detecting a generic target analyte or a plurality of target analytes. The sensor 1 comprises, preferably on a transparent or translucent support layer 2, a diffractive layer 3 having nanometric diffractive gratings 30, i.e. provided with diffractive structures having a depth of the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. The diffractive layer 3 comprises a plurality of mutually equal surface areas, i.e. in which the diffractive gratings 30 have the same conformation, in which the diffractive gratings 30 have grooves forming a pattern having a random pattern which is repeated equally in each surface area. A protective layer 4 can be provided to protect the diffractive gratings 30.

[0006] The diffractive gratings 30 of the diffractive layer 3 cause a beam of monochromatic polarized light (laser light) to pass through the sensor 1, such a beam being diffracted into a diffraction image visible to the naked eye, for example as shown in Figure 2 Such a diffraction image comprises a plurality of points, the distribution of which depends on the conformation of the diffractive gratings 30 repeated in the surface areas.

[0007] The diffractive sensor 1 further comprises a receptor layer 5 superimposed on the diffractive layer 3. The receptor layer 5 is capable of selectively binding to the target analyte to be detected, without binding to substances of different nature. The target analyte can be contained in a sample, for example a clinical specimen such as a biological solution (e.g. a sample of saliva or blood or urine), which can be deposited (e.g. smeared) on the receptor layer 5. The target analyte can alternatively not be dissolved in the sample, but present in solution form.

[0008] In this way, if the target analyte is not present in the sample, the receptor layer 5 is not altered and the diffraction sensor 1, when subjected to the laser beam, produces on the screen a reference diffraction image visible to the naked eye. On the other hand, when the target analyte is present in the sample, it binds to the receptor layer 5 and, therefore, the diffraction sensor 1 produces a verification diffraction image different from the reference diffraction image and comparable to the reference diffraction image, which is always visible to the naked eye. Figure 3 The comparison between the diffraction images produced in the absence of the target analyte (a) and in the presence of the target analyte and bound to the receptor layer 5 (b) is shown. Figure 3 It can be seen that the number and / or distribution and / or light intensity of the points visible in the diffraction images of the first case and of the second case are different. Therefore, by comparing the two diffraction images, it is possible to determine whether the target analyte is present in the sample and whether it has bound to the receptor layer 5 of the diffraction sensor 1. Figure 3

[0009] In general, in the case where the target analyte is an antigen, the receptor layer 5 can comprise an antibody specific for that antigen and unable to bind antigens other than the target antigen, which is intended to be detected by the diffraction sensor 1. The antibody is firmly bound to the diffraction layer 3.

[0010] Optionally, the receptor layer 5 is able to selectively bind a plurality of different target analytes, such as in different areas of the receptor layer 5, and is configured so that, depending on the target analyte bound and its possible content, the diffraction image produced is different. For example, the receptor layer 5 can comprise different antibodies positioned so that the receptor layer 5 is able to selectively bind to different target antigens. SUMMARY

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a device for detecting a target analyte in a sample placed on a diffraction sensor, by way of example and without limitation a diffraction sensor of the type described in the above-mentioned European patent application No. 24164097.8, which makes it possible to perform such detection in a simple, quick and reliable manner, automatically or semi-automatically.

[0012] This and other objects are achieved by a device for detecting at least one target analyte in a sample applied to a diffraction sensor according to claim 1.

[0013] The dependent claims define possible advantageous embodiments of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] ​To better understand the present invention and its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a diffraction sensor of the type described in European Patent Application No. 24164097.8;

[0016] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 Possible diffraction patterns produced by the diffraction sensor in the image;

[0017] Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) shows the results of the application of the target analyte to the sample in the absence and presence of the target analyte, respectively. Figure 1 Two possible diffraction patterns generated by the diffraction sensor in the image;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for detecting a target analyte in a sample applied to a diffraction sensor, according to one possible embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for detecting a target analyte applied to a sample by a diffraction sensor, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 It was partially disassembled. Figure 5 A perspective view of the device in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Reference Appendix Figure 4 Used to detect the application applied to diffraction sensor 1 (e.g., Figure 1 The apparatus for analyzing a target analyte in a sample on a diffraction sensor (in a scattering device) is collectively referred to as reference device 100.

[0022] The device 100 includes a housing 101, for example, a box-like structure designed to be placed on a flat surface (such as a table). The housing 101 defines a darkroom 102 within the housing.

[0023] The apparatus 100 includes a laser source 103, which may be at least partially disposed within a darkroom 102, enabling the emission of a laser beam within the darkroom 102. For example, the laser emitted by the laser source 103 may have a wavelength λ (green light) equal to 532 nm, but more generally, the laser source 103 may emit laser light of any wavelength within the visible spectrum (indicatively between 390 nm and 700 nm). The laser source 103 may optionally include a shutter 104, allowing the size of the laser beam to be varied.

[0024] The apparatus 100 also includes a support device 105 adapted to support the diffraction sensor 1. Advantageously, the support device 105 is configured to reversibly and securely hold (e.g., fasten) the diffraction sensor 1, allowing the support device 105 and the diffraction sensor 1 to move integrally. For example, the support device 105 may include a slit 125 into which the diffraction sensor 1 can be inserted (e.g., cantilevered). The support device 105 is translatable (horizontally and / or vertically) within the dark chamber 102 and between the interior of the dark chamber 102 and its exterior (i.e., the exterior of the housing 101). Furthermore, the support device 105 is movable up and down (vertically), allowing the position of the diffraction sensor 1 relative to the laser source 103 to be changed within the dark chamber 102. According to one embodiment, the support device 105 may also be rotatably movable, or include a rotatable portion 115 to change the spatial orientation of the diffraction sensor 1 integral therewith. For example, the movable portion 115 may include the slit 125.

[0025] The laser source 103 and the support device 105 are preferably spatially oriented such that the laser beam illuminates the diffraction sensor at a 90° angle, although different beam angles are possible. (Reference) Figure 1 In the example, the laser beam preferably irradiates the outer surface of the receptor layer 5 on which the sample is applied at a 90° angle.

[0026] In order to allow the support device 105 to exit from and enter the darkroom 102, the housing 101 advantageously includes a closable opening 106, which may be automatic.

[0027] The apparatus 100 also includes a screen 107 located within a darkroom 102, on which the diffraction image of the diffraction sensor 1 is projected when it is illuminated by a laser beam emitted from a laser source 103. The screen 107 is preferably arranged such that the surface on which the diffraction image is projected is oriented at 90° relative to the laser beam. The screen 107 may be, for example, opaque and may include, for example, a polyester layer, the thickness of which is preferably less than 500 µm, even more preferably less than 300 µm, for example, equal to about 270 µm. Optionally, the screen 107 may include optical components for light amplification to increase the brightness of the diffraction image generated by the diffraction sensor, for example, one or more layers of photonic crystal. Advantageously, the distance between the screen 107 and the support device 105 is manually or automatically adjustable to optimize the focusing of the diffraction image generated by the diffraction sensor 1 on the screen 107.

[0028] Preferably, under normal operating conditions, the laser source 103, support device 105, and screen 107 are arranged in a top-to-bottom order in the darkroom 102, such as... Figure 4As shown. Alternatively, different spatial orientations may be provided, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0029] The device 100 also includes a vision system capable of capturing diffraction images generated by the diffraction sensor 1. For example, the vision system may include a camera 111 pointed at the screen 107. Alternatively, the vision system may be embedded in the screen 107, allowing the screen itself to acquire diffraction images without the aid of a camera. Optionally, the vision system may be able to focus the image directly onto the sensor.

[0030] According to one possible embodiment, device 100 includes a temperature control system 112 configured to maintain the temperature near support equipment 105 within the darkroom 102 within a predetermined temperature range, for example, between 4°C and 40°C, specifically between 25°C and 35°C. Such a temperature control system 112 may include, for example, temperature sensors and heating and / or cooling components.

[0031] According to one embodiment, apparatus 1 includes a device 108 for washing the diffraction sensor 1, which is preferably arranged outside the dark chamber 102. After a sample in which a target analyte is to be searched is applied to the diffraction sensor 1, the sensor is washed to remove substances or molecules or contaminants other than the target analyte from the receptor layer 5. These substances or molecules or contaminants may interfere with the resulting diffraction pattern, even if only as background noise. Washing can be performed, for example, using a buffer solution, ionic or nonionic detergents, or by a mild surfactant. In cases where the receptor layer 5 contains antibodies or other proteins, washing can be performed, for example, using PBS (phosphate-buffered saline), possibly with the addition of a mild detergent (such as a nonionic surfactant), by immersion, and possibly by subsequent centrifugation of the sensor. For this purpose, the washing device 108 may also include a suitable hydraulic circuit 118 for supplying and delivering the detergent fluid, and furthermore, the washing device may include a collection tank for residual detergent fluid 128 (see [reference needed] for this purpose). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0032] According to one possible embodiment, apparatus 100 also includes device 109 for drying the diffraction sensor 1 after the previously mentioned washing. Drying device 109 may be separate from washing device 108, or alternatively, integrated into the washing device, preferably located outside darkroom 102. Drying device 109 may, for example, include a compressed air distributor, optionally heated.

[0033] According to one embodiment, device 100 includes a reader 110 configured to detect a code (e.g., numeric or alphanumeric code, barcode, or QR code) disposed on a diffraction sensor or its container that identifies characteristics of the diffraction sensor or its container and provides necessary information about an operable analysis, such as the type and quantity of a target analyte that can be detected. This allows device 100 to move its components and acquire diffraction images in an appropriate manner to perform a search for a desired target analyte, as will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The device 100 includes a control unit operatively connected at least to a laser source 103, a support device 105 (and possibly its movable portion 115), and a vision system, and optionally connected to at least one of: a shutter 104, a closable aperture 106, a screen 107, a washing device 108, a drying device 109, a reader 110, and a temperature control system 112. The control unit is configured to manage the automatic or semi-automatic operation of the device 100. The control unit may be implemented by hardware devices such as the control unit, software, or a combination of hardware and software. It may be integrated into the device 100 and connected to an external calculator 200, or alternatively, it may be part of the external calculator 200. The control unit and / or the calculator 200, on which the control unit is located or connected, may also be operatively connected, for example via a data network, to a portable device 300, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, on which an application may be loaded, for example, for remote control of the device 100 and / or for making sample analysis performed by the device 100 itself available. The computer 200 and / or portable device 300 can also be used as an interface between the device 100 and the operator.

[0035] The control unit is configured to start from a state where the support device 105 is located outside the dark chamber 102 and the diffraction sensor 1 is placed on it without applying any sample to be analyzed:

[0036] - Receive information about diffraction sensor 1. This information may be manually entered by an operator (e.g., via calculator 200 and / or via portable device 300), or it may be automatically detected by reader 110. If present, the reader can detect the code marked on diffraction sensor 1 or its container and determine information about the diffraction sensor from it.

[0037] - The support device 105, along with the diffraction sensor lacking the sample to be analyzed, is moved into the dark chamber 102 and positioned relative to the laser source 103 and the screen 107 in a predefined position, determined for example based on previously received information. At this stage, the control unit may also command the opening 106 of the housing 101 to move from a closed position to an open position to allow the support device 105 to pass through with the diffraction sensor 1, and then return to the closed position after passage.

[0038] The command laser source 103 illuminates the diffraction sensor 1 on the support device 105 with a laser beam having defined characteristics (e.g., a specific wavelength and amplitude, which can be set by commanding the shutter 104), and commands the vision system to detect the reference diffraction image projected by the diffraction sensor 1 in the absence of a sample on the screen 107. During the detection of the reference diffraction image, the control unit may also move the support device 105 and / or the screen 107 to change their relative distance, thereby ensuring that the reference diffraction image is correctly focused on the screen 107;

[0039] - The support device 105, together with the diffraction sensor 1 which lacks a sample to be analyzed, is moved outside the dark chamber 102 to apply the sample to the diffraction sensor. At this stage, the control unit can again command the opening 106 of the housing 101 to move from the closed position to the open position to allow the support device 105 and the diffraction sensor 1 to pass through, and then return to the closed position after passing through;

[0040] - Control the washing device 108 (if present) to wash the diffraction sensor 1 to remove, except for the target analyte present on the diffraction sensor (e.g., anchored to...). Figure 1 The control unit can be configured to rotate the support device 105 or a portion thereof, such that the diffraction sensor is tilted during washing, for example, at 90° (thus the surface of the receiver layer 5 is placed vertically), thereby facilitating the flow of washing residue and detergent solution. Depending on the positioning of the washing device 108, the control unit can also command the support device 105 to position itself at the washing device 108;

[0041] - The control unit commands the drying device 109 (if present) to dry the diffraction sensor 1 after washing. Depending on the positioning of the support device 105, the control unit can also command the drying device 109 to position itself at the support device. Optionally, the control unit is configured to rotate the support device back to its pre-wash orientation (e.g., surface level of the receptor layer 5) after drying.

[0042] - The support device 105 is moved into the dark chamber 102 along with the diffraction sensor 1 to which the sample to be analyzed is applied, and the support device is placed in the same default position relative to the laser source 103 and the screen 107. At this stage, the control unit can again command the opening 106 of the housing 101 to move from the closed position to the open position to allow the support device 105 and the diffraction sensor 1 to pass through, and then return to the closed position after passing through;

[0043] The control unit commands the laser source 103 to illuminate the diffraction sensor 1 with a laser beam having the same defining characteristics used for detecting a reference diffraction image, and commands the vision system to detect the verification diffraction image generated by the diffraction sensor 1 with the sample applied. During the detection of the verification diffraction image, the control unit may also move the support device 105 and / or the screen 107 to change their relative distance, thereby ensuring that the verification diffraction image is correctly focused on the screen 107.

[0044] - Compare the verification diffraction image with a reference diffraction image. For example, this comparison can be made by analyzing the points in each diffraction image, comparing their number and / or distribution and / or light intensity;

[0045] - If the verification diffraction pattern differs from the reference diffraction pattern, the presence of the target analyte in the sample is confirmed.

[0046] In cases where the diffraction sensor 1 can selectively incorporate multiple target analytes (information from the diffraction sensor, which can be provided to the control unit as described above, i.e., manually via calculator 200 and / or portable device 300, or automatically via reader 110), the diffraction images generated in the presence of each such detectable target analyte will differ from each other and from a reference diffraction image. In this case, the control unit can be configured to compare the verification diffraction image generated by the diffraction sensor with a sample to which multiple stored diffraction images are applied (each diffraction image corresponds to a specific target analyte and / or optionally corresponds to one or more quantities of its defined quantity: i.e., for the same target analyte, a series of diffraction images are stored, each diffraction image representing the quantity or range of the target analyte in the sample), and if the verification diffraction image generated by the diffraction sensor matches the diffraction image stored for that specific target analyte and optionally its specific quantity, then the presence of the specific target analyte among the multiple target analytes detectable by the diffraction sensor is determined.

[0047] The control unit is preferably configured to move the support device 105, along with the diffraction sensor 1 containing the sample, out of the dark chamber 102 again at the end of the analysis to remove the sample from the support device 105. In this way, a new analysis of additional samples can be performed in the same manner as described above.

[0048] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Possible construction embodiments of device 100 are illustrated. The reference numerals for the elements given in these figures correspond to... Figure 4 The reference numerals for the components given in the schematic diagram of the device.

[0049] The apparatus according to the invention can be found in various fields, and non-limiting examples are given below:

[0050] - Diagnostics in the medical and veterinary fields:

[0051] ○ Diagnosing infectious pathogens by confirming the presence of pathogens or their components: bacterial (e.g., Lyme disease, purpurein disease, syphilis), viral (e.g., HIV, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus), fungal (or the presence of pathogenic fungi, such as Candida, Aspergillus), and parasitic (e.g., filariasis, leptospira, Leishmania, Giardia lamblia, Trypanosoma) infectious pathogens;

[0052] ○ Detection of viruses (such as: coronavirus, HIV, hepatitis, Ebola virus, norovirus, influenza, West Nile virus, Zika virus, poxvirus, dengue fever);

[0053] ○ Diagnosing autoimmune diseases by confirming specific clinically validated markers, which are caused by the immune system abnormally producing autoantibodies that destroy cells in the body or antibodies associated with specific diseases (e.g., autoantibodies that destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas of type 1 diabetes);

[0054] ○ Detection and quantification of hormones (e.g., human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone);

[0055] ○ Screening of donated blood (e.g., for detecting viral pathogens such as HIV);

[0056] ○ Detection of drugs (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine);

[0057] ○ Detection of tumor markers (e.g., prostate-specific antigen (PSA) used for prostate cancer diagnosis);

[0058] ○ Diagnosis in the veterinary field (e.g., detection of pathogens causing African swine fever, avian influenza, bovine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, coronavirus, equine infectious anemia, feline leukemia, etc.).

[0059] -DNA research;

[0060] -Non-diagnostic applications:

[0061] ○Biosafety:

[0062] ■Epidemic surveillance;

[0063] ■ Testing of biological weapons / bioterrorism;

[0064] ■ Testing in cosmetics (e.g., metal contamination testing);

[0065] ○ Pollutant detection:

[0066] ■ Detection and screening of contaminants in food (e.g., Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus).

[0067] ■ Detection and screening of environmental pollutants (e.g., detection of heavy metals in water or soil).

[0068] ■Detection of pesticides;

[0069] ■ Detection of gunpowder (e.g., detection of nitrates by specific enzymes such as nitrate reductase).

[0070] Regarding the above description of the apparatus for detecting a target analyte in a sample applied to a diffraction sensor, those skilled in the art may make numerous additions, modifications, or substitutions with functionally equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims, in order to meet specific needs.

Claims

1. Device (100) for detecting at least one target analyte in a sample to be analyzed applied to a diffractive sensor (1), the device comprising: - a housing (101) delimiting a dark chamber (102) inside the housing; - a support apparatus (105) adapted to support and integrally hold the diffractive sensor (1), the support apparatus (105) being movable inside the dark chamber (102) and between the inside and the outside of the dark chamber (102); - a laser source (103) adapted to emit in the dark chamber (102) a laser light having a wavelength in the visible spectrum; - a screen (107) arranged in the dark chamber (102); - a vision system (111) configured to capture an image on the screen (107); - a control unit operatively connected to the laser source (103), to the support apparatus (105) and to the vision system (111), the control unit being configured to: - starting from a condition in which the support apparatus (105) is arranged outside the dark chamber (102) and the diffractive sensor (1) lacking the sample to be analyzed is positioned on the support apparatus (105), move the support apparatus (105) inside the dark chamber (102) and position the support apparatus in a predefined position with respect to the laser source (103) and to the screen (107); - command the laser source (103) to irradiate the diffractive sensor (1) lacking the sample to be analyzed with a laser beam having defined characteristics, so that the diffractive sensor (1) lacking the sample to be analyzed, irradiated by the laser beam, projects a reference diffraction image on the screen (107), the reference diffraction image being visible to the naked eye and comprising a plurality of points; - command the vision system (111) to detect the reference diffraction image; - move the support apparatus (105) outside the dark chamber (102) to apply the sample to be analyzed to the diffractive sensor (1); - move the support apparatus (105) with the diffractive sensor (1) having the applied sample to be analyzed inside the dark chamber (102) and reposition the support apparatus in the predefined position with respect to the laser source (103) and to the screen (107); - command the laser source (103) to irradiate the diffractive sensor (1) having the applied sample to be analyzed with a laser beam having the same defined characteristics, so that the diffractive sensor (1) having the applied sample to be analyzed, irradiated by the laser beam, projects a verification diffraction image on the screen (107), the verification diffraction image being visible to the naked eye and comprising a plurality of points; - compare the verification diffraction image with the reference diffraction image by comparing the number and / or the distribution and / or the light intensity of the plurality of points of the verification diffraction image and of the reference diffraction image. If the verification diffraction image is different from the reference diffraction image, it is determined that the at least one target analyte is present in the sample under analysis.

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the laser source (103) comprises a shutter (104) configured to change the size of the laser beam, the control unit being configured to control the shutter (104).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to move the support device (105) within the dark chamber (102) so that the distance of the diffraction sensor (1) with respect to the laser source (103) is adjusted.

4. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (101) comprises a closable opening (106) for the passage of the support device (105) between the interior and the exterior of the dark chamber (102), wherein the control unit is configured to control the opening (106) of the housing (101) from a closed position to an open position during the passage of the support device (105) between the interior and the exterior of the dark chamber (102).

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vision system comprises a video camera (111) directed to the screen (107) or integrated into the screen (107).

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature regulation system (112) operatively connected to the control unit and controlled to maintain the temperature in the proximity of the support device (105) within the dark chamber (102) within a predetermined temperature range.

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a reader (110) configured to detect a code arranged on the diffraction sensor (1) or its packaging, the code identifying characteristics and information of the diffraction sensor (1), wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the reader (110) to receive the characteristics and information of the diffraction sensor (1).

8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to a computer (200) and / or a mobile device (300) and is configured to receive manually inputted diffraction sensor characteristics and information from the computer and / or the mobile device.

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the predefined position of the support device (105) with respect to the laser source (103) and the screen (107) based on the characteristics and information of the diffraction sensor.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffractive sensor (1) is configured to selectively bind to the at least one target analyte, and the apparatus (100) further comprises a diffractive sensor washing device (108) operatively connected to the control unit, the control unit being further configured to control the washing device (108) so that the washing device, after the diffractive sensor (1) has been subjected to the sample to be analyzed, performs a washing of the diffractive sensor to remove substances or molecules or contaminants other than the target analyte before the acquisition of the verification diffraction image.

11. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support device (105) is further rotatably movable or comprises a rotatably movable portion (115), wherein the control unit is further configured to rotate the support device (105) or the rotatably movable portion (115) thereof to tilt the diffractive sensor (1) before and / or during washing.

12. The apparatus (100) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a device (109) for drying the diffractive sensor (1), the device being operatively connected to the control unit, the control unit being further configured to control the drying device (109) to perform a drying of the diffractive sensor (1) with the applied sample to be analyzed after the washing.

13. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is further configured to move the support device (105) and / or the screen (107) to change their relative distance and to perform a focusing of the reference diffraction image and / or the verification diffraction image on the screen (107) during the acquisition of the reference diffraction image and / or the verification diffraction image by the vision system.

14. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffractive sensor (1) is configured to selectively bind to a plurality of target analytes, and the control unit is further configured to: compare the verification diffraction image, different from the reference diffraction image, with a plurality of stored diffraction images, each stored diffraction image corresponding to a specific target analyte of the plurality of target analytes; if the verification diffraction image matches the stored diffraction image for a specific target analyte, determine that the specific target analyte is present in the plurality of target analytes.

15. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is further configured to: compare the verification diffraction image, different from the reference diffraction image, with a plurality of stored diffraction images, each stored diffraction image corresponding to a specific range of target analyte content; if the verification diffraction image matches the stored diffraction image for the specific range of target analyte content, estimate the target analyte content of a plurality of target analytes.

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