Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for containing a sample, for example a sample to be analysed in an analyser such as a spectroscopic analyser. A cartridge for containing a sample to be analysed by an analyser such as a spectroscopic analyser, said cartridge comprising: an upper member including a reservoir; a lower member said upper and lower members being interconnected by a tube for containing the sample, and the lower member including a coupling for connection to a driven rotary means of said analyser whereby the cartridge may be rotated about its axis.

Abstract: A method for the detection or determination of a target comprising a plurality of target compounds, or derivatised target compounds, said method comprising: immobilizing said target on a carrier, directing radiation at said target, said radiation being selected to cause said target to emit a relevant radiation, detecting said relevant radiation emitted by said target, and analyzing said detected radiation to identify and/or quantify the plurality of target compounds in said target.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and polymers for solid phase extraction by binding an analyte containing a primary amino group. The polymer is a reactive polymer, wherein binding of the analyte to the polymer causes fluorescent isoindole complex formation. A method of binding comprises use of an SPE carrier, such as an SPE cartridge, loaded with a reactive polymer. Binding of an analyte is detected by observing changes in fluorescence after applying the analyte to the polymer. Fluorescence can be detected using a fluorometer or transilluminator, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the reactive polymer is prepared from a monomer mixture comprising acetonitrile and triethylamine.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a fluorescent polymer contained within a solid-phase extraction (SPE) carrier. The fluorescent polymer is capable of adsorbing an analyte by means of functional monomers. In use of the apparatus, a sample, such as a foodstuff sample, is applied to the fluorescent polymer. If the sample comprises the analyte, adsorption of the analyte onto the fluorescent polymer causes quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorescent polymer. Fluorescence quenching can be detected using a fluorometer or transillumination system. The method can be used to determine whether mycotoxins are present in foodstuff samples.

Abstract: A method for the detection or determination of a target comprising a plurality of target compounds, or derivatised target compounds, said method comprising: immobilising said target on a carrier, directing radiation at said target, said radiation being selected to cause said target to emit a relevant radiation, detecting said relevant radiation emitted by said target, and analysing said detected radiation to identify and/or quantify the plurality of target compounds in said target.

Abstract: Polymers capable of binding ochratoxins are disclosed. The polymers may be used for solid phase extraction of ochratoxins and immobilisation of ochratoxins in solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, for qualitative or quantitative analysis of ochratoxins in liquid extracts from foodstuffs or animal feeds. The polymers may be prepared from monomers containing amido or amino-alkyl moieties and acid moieties. Preferred embodiments are polymers prepared from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulfonic acid (AMPSA) and from a mixture of diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) and itaconic acid (IA). The polymers are preferably cross-linked, for example using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or divinyl benzene (DVB), and made macroporous by polymerisation in the presence of a porogen solvent such as dimethyl formamide (DMF).