Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a control method, the microfluidic device including a platform including a chamber configured to accommodate a sample, a channel connected to the chamber, and a metering unit connected to the chamber by the channel and configured to meter an amount of the sample, wherein the metering unit includes a metering chamber configured to measure the amount of the sample, and an accommodation chamber connected to the metering chamber and configured to accommodate the sample to prevent the sample from overflowing out of the metering chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (400), a sensor device, and a method for the optical examination of a sample. A first output light beam that originates from a total internal reflection at a detection surface of a TIR chamber and a second output light beam (L2?) that comes from the interior of an inspectable chamber (420) are both received within an observation region (OR). Preferably, these output light beams are detected with the same light detector, e.g. an image sensor. The invention hence allows for observing a total internal reflection at the TIR chamber and for looking into the inspectable chamber (420) from the same observation region (OR). This is for example enabled by different inclinations of the windows encountered by the first and the second output light beams, by different optical elements (407) in the paths of the output light beams, and/or by light scattering surface structures in the inspectable chamber.

Abstract: A flow channel structure includes a substrate having a flow channel formed therein, and plural fibrous bristles extending from the inner wall of the flow channel. The flow channel is configured to allow a solution to flow through the flow channel. The inner wall of the flow channel is made of silicon. The flow channel is configured to allow a solution to flow through the flow channel. This flow channel structure can homogenize the solution inside the flow channel.

Abstract: Illumination apparatus for illuminating growth plates in a biological growth plate (122) scanner are described herein, the apparatus including one or more illumination modules (140) for illuminating the front surface of the biological growth plate located (122) on a plate support surface (120) in the scanner. The illumination modules may include a plurality of light emitters (142), a homogenization cavity (141), an extraction element and a concentration element to (144), e.g., improve uniformity in the illumination delivered to the biological growth plate (122).

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: A transducer device for detecting an environmental state within a biological material including a channel comprising a fluid, a hydrogel material, which is adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with an environmental material and/or when detecting an environmental change, and which is mechanically coupled to the channel such that the volume of the channel changes when the volume of the hydrogel material changes. The transducer device further includes a sensor, which is adapted to generate a signal upon detection of the change of a physical property of the fluid that is induced by the volume change of the channel. By applying the transducer device, an accurate monitoring of physiological parameters, for which the hydrogel material is sensitive is possible. It is also possible to apply the transducer device outside of the bodily lumen, for example to monitor the blood of a patient outside the bodily lumen.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for sensing a status condition of a liquid-filled electrical equipment such as a transformer. The sensor assembly can include a light source; a first hydrogen detection section, the first hydrogen detection section being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light from the light source, wherein the first hydrogen detection section has a first hydrogen sensitive layer that changes an optical response with respect to the received light depending on whether an amount of hydrogen at the first hydrogen sensitive layer is above or below a first threshold; and a first output section optically coupled to the first hydrogen detection section for receiving light having interacted with the first hydrogen sensitive layer such that the received light depends on the optical response of the first hydrogen sensitive layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for performing an assay to detect an analyte in a fluid sample comprising a channel with reagent deposits comprising a flow control reagent positioned at one or more defined locations therein and a method for producing such a device. In particular, the invention relates to a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples.

Abstract: An optochemical sensor element suitable for sensing an analyte comprises a polymeric material in which at least a portion of the polymer material is solvent crazed to provide a multiplicity of pores of controlled nanometer size, and an indicator dye impregnated into the pores, in which optochemical sensor element the indicator dye is a long-decay photoluminescent dye selected from the group consisting of: phosphorescent platinum(II)—and palladium (II) complexes of porphyrin dyes such as octaethylporphine, coproporphyrin, octaethylporphine-ketone, benzoporphine, tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphine, chlorin e6; fluorescent complexes of ruthenium (II), osmium(II), iridium(III) and europium (III); or derivatives or close analogs of these dyes. The sensor element in the presence of the analyte alters a photoluminescence parameter thus allowing sensing and/or quantification of the analyte.

Abstract: A chromatographic optical detection system includes an optical detector disposed to receive light scattered from a stream of particles and configured to convert the received light to an electrical signal; a signal-processing unit in signal communication with the optical detector to receive the electrical signal, and configured to convert the electrical signal to digital pulses and count the digital pulses to output a first signal corresponding to a number of particles detected in a time interval, and configured to integrate and digitize the electrical signal to output a second signal corresponding to the number of particles detected in the time interval; and a data station in signal communication with the signal-processing unit, and configured to select the first signal, if the number of particles detected in the time interval is less than a threshold criterion, and to select the second signal if the number of particles detected in the time interval exceeds the threshold criterion.

Abstract: An analytical system includes a laser disposed to direct light toward a microfluidic feature disposed in a feature layer of a multiple layer test cartridge, a sensor to receive reflections from capping layers disposed about the microfluidic feature in the feature layer, and a controller to determine a depth of the microfluidic feature as a function of the received reflections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus is provided having a stage receiving a biochemical reaction cartridge which includes chambers and flow paths communicating therebetween, a moving system for moving liquid via the flow paths, and a detector for detecting the presence of the liquid in a chamber and/or the amount of the liquid. In addition, a determining device determines a result of the movement of the liquid from the information of the liquid in the chamber detected by the detector.

Abstract: Non-linear spectroscopic devices, systems, and methods for probing molecules. A non-linear spectroscopic method for probing molecules can include providing a plurality of molecules in an aqueous solution, the providing being effective for permitting the molecules to be free in said aqueous solution and without the molecules being bound to another material such that second harmonic or sum frequency coherent light would result from the illumination of the molecules changes in their conformation. The method can also include probing the molecules by directing light at one or more selected frequencies to generate second harmonic or sum frequency incoherent light resulting from predefined interactions between the first and second molecules and capturing the incoherent light and detecting the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic tape unit with a test tape that can be wound onto a spool which comprises a transport tape and a plurality of test elements mounted thereon, where the test elements have an analytical reagent layer, a carrier foil supporting the reagent layer and a piece of adhesive tape connecting the carrier foil with the transport tape, and where the front side of the reagent layer facing away from the carrier foil is designed for the application of a sample substance. According to the invention it is proposed that the test elements in combination with the light transmitting transport tape in each case form an optical multi-layer system for a rear-side reflection-photometric measurement of the reagent layer.

Abstract: A test strip reader for reading a test result of a test strip plate or cassette is provided. The test strip plate or cassette includes a test strip and is configured for generating a control line or a test line in the test strip according to the test result. The test strip plate or cassette reader includes a light source, a driver configured for driving the light source to emit light to a section of the test strip corresponding to the control line or the test line, a photo detector configured for receiving light reflected from the section and generating a detecting signal corresponding to the test result, a signal processor configured for processing the detecting signal to obtain the test result and generating a corresponding result signal, and a display configured to display the test result based upon the result signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling actuation of label particles in a biosensor device, e.g., using frustrated total internal reflection, includes applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device. A feedback control of the actuation force is applied.

Abstract: Contact lens testing apparatuses and method for testing contact lenses for analytes are presented. In an aspect, a device is provided that includes a housing configured to hold one or more contact lenses, and a testing compartment provided within the housing and comprising a reagent, the reagent configured to facilitate a chemical reaction in response to the existence of a predetermined biomarker disposed on or within a contact lens placed in the testing compartment, wherein the chemical reaction produces a known result related to state information of an individual from which the biomarker was generated.

Abstract: A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: Curable compositions are prepared from polyol components containing one or more polyols and isocyanate components containing one or more isocyanates, which compositions contain at least one indicator having at least one quinonoid group, which indicator signifies the degree of curing by a change of color. A method is also provided for indicating the progress of curing in such curable compositions.

Abstract: A method (200) for determining a concentration of an analyte in a fluid or fluid sample, comprises: providing (201) a SERS substrate comprising receptor molecules (107) capable of binding competitor molecules (106); contacting (202) the SERS substrate (102) with a fluid (sample) comprising analyte (108) and such competitor molecules (106); radiating (203) the SERS substrate (102) with a light source while measuring a SERS signal; and determining (205) a concentration of the analyte (108) based on the measured signal level. A corresponding device and system are also provided.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for sensing hydroxyl radicals in ozone washing systems are generally disclosed. In some examples, the disclosure describes an ozone washing system having an ozone reservoir coupled to a washing machine and a control unit configured to direct the insertion of ozone from the ozone reservoir to the washing machine based on sensed hydroxyl radical levels in fluid samples from the washing machine.

Abstract: A system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in urine samples which includes: 1) several disposable cartridges for holding four disposable components including a centrifuge tube, a pipette tip having a 1 ml volume, a second pipette tip having a 0.5 ml volume, and an optical cup or cuvette; 2) a sample processor for receiving the disposable cartridges and processing the urine samples including transferring the processed urine sample to the optical cups; and 3) an optical analyzer for receiving the disposable cartridges and configured to analyze the type and quantity of micro-organisms in the urine sample. The disposable cartridges with their components including the optical cups or cuvettes are used in the sample processor, and the optical cups or cuvettes containing the processed urine samples are used in the optical analyzer for identifying and quantifying the type of micro-organism existing in the processed urine samples.

Abstract: A method (100) for analyzing chemicals includes fractionating a complex sample into at least two sample portions that each includes potions of two polypeptides though in different concentration ratios, digesting and performing LC/MS on each of the sample portions (110, and associating precursor ions observed via LC/MS with their corresponding polypeptide in response to LC/MS provided intensity data (170). A set of precursor ions that has substantially similar intensity ratios in both sample portions is determined to be associated with the same polypeptide.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: A biological substrate, e.g., microfluidic chip. The substrate includes a rigid substrate material, which has a surface region capable of acting as a handle substrate. The substrate also has a deformable fluid layer coupled to the surface region. One or more well regions are formed in a first portion of the deformable fluid layer and are capable of holding a fluid therein. The one or more channel regions are formed in a second portion of the deformable fluid layer and are coupled to one or more of the well regions. An active region is formed in the deformable fluid layer. At least three fiducial markings are formed within the non-active region and disposed in a spatial manner associated with at least one of the well regions. A control layer is coupled to the fluid layer.

Abstract: A device for measuring calories of food items includes a food item holding unit on which an inspection-target food item including a plurality of food materials is placed, a light source for radiating near-infrared rays at a specific wavelength region to the food item, and a light reception unit that receives light emitted from the light source and then reflected from the food item. The light receiving device receives light reflected from the food item when the near-infrared rays at the specific wavelength are radiated to the food item. A control unit calculates calories of the food item in accordance with measurement values of absorbances of the near-infrared rays at the specific wavelength region which are received by the light reception unit.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for detecting blood in urine or feces includes a photodetector configured to detect a transient light emitted in a toilet bowl by luminol and an oxidizer catalyzed by iron in the blood. The apparatus may include dispensers for the luminol, the oxidizer and a base. The apparatus may include a microprocessor and a network connection and may perform statistical analyzes, store data and alert the patient or a healthcare provider if blood is detected. The photodetector may be configured to detect light emitted in the toilet bowl by a fluorophore present in the water and excited by the transient light from the luminol and oxidizer.

Abstract: There is provided a device, such as a microfluidic device, for performing an assay including: a substrate comprising a channel, such as a microfluidic channel; at least one optical element having an input port arranged to be optically coupled to a light source; an output port optically coupled to at least a portion of the channel; and a light guide portion optically connecting the input port and output port; and a detection port optically coupled to said at least a portion of the channel. The device provides an improved geometry which addresses problems related to traditional orthogonal detection arrangements and in-line detection systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic sensor for analyzing a fluid which is in a pipe and which is under a first pressure. The sensor includes a mixer for mixing amount of fluid from the pipe with at least one amount of a reactant from at least one tank, and an analyzer for analyzing the resulting mixture. The sensor further includes a sampling channel for sampling an amount of the fluid in the pipe, in order to supply the fluid the mixer and to pressurize the at least one tank. According to the invention, an outlet of the analyzer is subjected to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure in the pipe, such that the fluid passively moves from the pipe towards the analyzer via the mixer, as well as towards the tank.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for processing biological sensors. The system includes a support component configured to support a fluidic component. The fluidic component includes at least a first container and a second container. The first container is capable of holding a first volume of a first fluid, and the second container is capable of holding a second volume of a second fluid. Additionally, the system includes a hybridization component configured to perform a hybridization process on a first sensor and a second sensor. Moreover, the system includes a transport component configured to move the first sensor, directly or indirectly, from the hybridization component into the first container and in contact with the first volume of the first fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus may include a substrate having a first side for a sensing element and a second side for electronics, the substrate may have a at least one via from the first side of the substrate to the second side of the substrate, the at least one via may be hermetically sealed with an optically transmissive material.

Abstract: A system of quantitatively determining a biomolecule, which has: allowing fluorescent silica particles capable of emitting fluorescence detectable by a flow cytometer to capture a target biomolecule fluorescent-labelled for quantitative determination; detecting the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent silica particles themselves by using the flow cytometer; and measuring the intensity of the fluorescence of the labelled target biomolecule, thereby quantitatively determining the target biomolecule.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated from a light-identifiable species or a redox reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals or determined analyte concentrations with one or more complex index function extracted from the output signals or from other sources. The complex index functions determine at least one slope deviation value, ?S, or normalized slope deviation from one or more error parameters. The slope-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals may be used to determine analyte concentrations having improved accuracy and/or precision from output signals including components attributable to bias.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: A temperature control device which may control temperature of a reactor, and a test apparatus including the same are provided. The temperature control device includes at least one body, temperature controllers provided on the at least one body and configured to control a temperature of the at least one body, and at least one temperature sensor provided on the at least one body and configured to measure the temperature of the at least one body.

Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing a liquid sample. A micro-fluidic device to perform an assay of a liquid sample is described that includes a sample application site and a vent outlet in fluid communication with the capillary channel. A cap is provided that is configured to seal both the vent outlet and the sample application site in a shared volume and separate from an outside environment.

Abstract: Devices to detect a substance and methods of producing such a device are disclosed. An example device to detect a substance includes a housing defining an externally accessible chamber and a seal to enclose at least a portion of the chamber. The example device also includes a substrate includes nanoparticles positioned within the chamber. The nanoparticles to react to the substance when exposed thereto. The example device also includes a non-analytic solution within the chamber to protect the nanoparticles from premature exposure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a system for guiding chemiluminescence and a system for preventing a variation in dark currents. The apparatus includes a first light shielding BOX having a sample container holder and a shutter unit therein, the shutter unit including a top plate which is partly formed by a movement of a plate member, and a second light shielding BOX having a photodetector therein. While a measurement is not implemented, the shutter unit is closed to block entrance of stray light to the photodetector, and while a measurement is implemented, the plate member is moved to open the shutter unit, and the tip of the photodetector is inserted into a through hole formed in the top plate, so that the distance between the bottom of the sample container and a sensitive area of the photodetector is reduced to several millimeters or less.