Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The methods, systems 400 and apparatus disclosed herein concern metal 150 impregnated porous substrates 110, 210. Certain embodiments of the invention concern methods for producing metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 that exhibit greatly improved uniformity and depth of penetration of metal 150 deposition. The increased uniformity and depth allow improved and more reproducible Raman detection of analytes. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise oxidation of porous silicon 110, immersion in a metal salt solution 130, drying and thermal decomposition of the metal salt 140 to form a metal deposit 150. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise microfluidic impregnation of porous silicon substrates 210 with one or more metal salt solutions 130. Other embodiments of the invention concern apparatus and/or systems 400 for Raman detection of analytes, comprising metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 prepared by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting analytes in a test sample. Embodiments include methods for quantitatively detecting analytes within a range of concentrations. In an embodiment the method includes a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas for capturing a labeled receptor to provide a detectable signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of detecting contaminants, such as melamine, in at least one ingestible item. The apparatus, system and method may include a disposable notched probe having therein at least one send and one receive fiber optic, or electrical, or heat source, and a reactant associated with said disposable notched probe, wherein a reaction of the reactant with at least a portion of the ingestible item indicates, to the consumer user, a presence of a contaminant.

Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.

Abstract: A blood coagulation detection device includes a micro channel unit, an optical signal unit, an opto-electronic conversion circuit, an amplifier circuit, and a filter circuit. The micro channel unit has a sample detection area. The optical signal unit transmits a reference light to the micro channel unit so as to form a message light. The opto-electronic conversion circuit receives the message light and converts the message light into an electrical signal. The amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the opto-electronic conversion circuit for amplifying the electrical signal. The filter circuit is electrically connected to the amplifier circuit for filtering the amplified electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system and wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system. The release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule and may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation by other assays or other means. Also disclosed is the related method of detecting biological and chemical materials using a fluidized bed detector.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: An optical blood coagulation monitor and method. The monitor has a blood sample holder, a laser with its output light directed through the blood sample, a two-dimensional detector that is able to detect light at the laser light wavelength and that has a detector output, optics for imaging onto the detector laser light that is forward scattered by the blood, and a data analysis system, responsive to the detector output, that is adapted to analyze the detected light to provide information on time-resolved coagulation and clotting properties of the blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly reliable optical fiber measurement device and measurement method having a simple and compact structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes: preparing a sample solution containing the target particles and luminescent probes to be bound to the target particles, and binding these in the sample solution; moving a position of a light detection region of the optical system in the sample solution using a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, and detecting light signal emitted from the luminescent probe in the light detection region while moving the position of the light detection region, and individually detecting the target particles directly or indirectly; and counting the number of the detected target particles, and calculating the concentration of the target particles in the sample solution from the number of the counted target particles on the basis of a calibration curve that approximates the correlation between the concentration or quantity of the target particles in the sample solution and the number of the target particles.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for particle sorting, particle patterning, and methods of using the same. The sorting or patterning is opto-fluidics based, in that particles are applied to individual chambers in the device, detection and/or analysis of the particles is carried out, such that a cell or population whose removal or conveyance is desired is defined, and the cell or population is removed or conveyed via application of an optical force and flow-mediated conveyance or removal of the part.

Abstract: A method of analyzing particles in a fluid stream including focusing a generally elliptical beam spot to a width less than the size of the particles. As particles pass through the beam spot electromagnetic radiation from the particles which is then detected and converted into electrical signals indicative of characteristics of the particles. The electrical signals may be digitally sampled to provide digital information which may be analyzed to extract information and to classify the particles.

Abstract: A sample analysis disc has concave sections and convex sections formed alternately in a track area of a disc surface. Labeled beads are immobilized to the track area. Each labeled bead has a biopolymer bound thereto. Only one of the labeled beads is allowed to be filled in each concave section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tunable optical light source spanning the UV-range and possible also the visible and near-IR wavelengths. The tunable optical light source includes an input light source, a focusing element, a non-linear crystal arranged to convert the frequency of at least part of the output spectrum of the super continuum source, and a holding unit for the non-linear crystal. The input light source is a super continuum light source with a spectral bandwidth of at least about 300 nm and the holding unit is adjustable for changing the frequency converted output wavelength of the non-linear crystal wfc such that the lowest obtainable output wavelength wUV of said tunable light source is ultraviolet. The disclosure further relates to an illumination source and an optical measurement system.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X, wherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) comprising a metallic nanodisk with alternating shielding layer(s), having a tagged biomolecule conjugated or tethered to the surface of the nanoplasmonic resonator for highly sensitive measurement of enzymatic activity. NPRs enhance Raman signals in a highly reproducible manner, enabling fast detection of protease and enzyme activity, such as Prostate Specific Antigen (paPSA), in real-time, at picomolar sensitivity levels. Experiments on extracellular fluid (ECF) from paPSA-positive cells demonstrate specific detection in a complex bio-fluid background in real-time single-step detection in very small sample volumes.

Abstract: A multilayered optical sensing patch, for the measurement of conditions, such as pH, oxygen level, etc, within containers, is provided. The multilayered optical sensing patch of the present invention is comprised of a heat sealable polymer substrate layer, and a polymeric sensing membrane later attached thereto. The polymer sensing membrane layer is formed of a porous polymer support membrane, and an optical sensing composition (comprising a reactive indicator) covalently bonded thereto. The heat sealable polymer substrate layer is capable of being securely bonded to the inner layer of bioreactor bags, as well as the porous polymer support substrate layer. Further, the porous polymer support membrane layer provides a firm supporting structure for the polymeric sensing layer, thereby protecting the optical sensing composition disposed therein from degradation/damage.

Abstract: A photodetector detects fluorescence emitted from a sample placed on a substrate of a DNA chip. There is an irradiation optical system for guiding irradiation light by a first optical waveguide, gathering the irradiation light by a first lens and irradiating the sample. A reception optical system gathers fluorescence at an input-side end surface of a second optical waveguide by a second lens and guides the fluorescence to a measuring unit. The irradiation optical system and the reception optical system are separate light guiding paths. The reception optical system is of a confocal optical system in which a focal point on the sample is identical to a focal point at the input-side end surface of the second optical waveguide of the reception optical system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure feature a filtration system comprising a filtration module for particle filtration and methods of using the device for the isolation of particles (e.g., viable cells). Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide for the high throughput filtration of large volumes of sample while preserving cell viability and. providing high yields.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline and having a housing that defines a conduit therein for providing fluid communication through the pig, one or more optical computing devices arranged on the conduit for monitoring a bypass fluid flowing through the conduit. The one or more optical computing devices including at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the bypass fluid and generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the bypass fluid. A signal processor is communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the corresponding output signals and determining the characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the exterior surface. The electrodes induce flow of a fluid through the porous core medium between the interior and exterior reservoirs, wherein a gas is generated when the electrodes induce flow of the fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet to convey the fluid to one of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a fluid outlet to discharge the fluid from another of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a gas removal device to remove the gas from the pump cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline and having first and second ends, one or more optical computing devices arranged on at least one of the first and second ends for monitoring a fluid within the pipeline. The optical computing devices including at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid. The system also includes a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the output signal of each optical computing device and determining the characteristic of the fluid as detected by each optical computing device.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates the camera from a mobile device (phone, iPad, etc.) to capture an image from a chemical test kit and process the image to provide chemical information. A simple user interface enables the automatic evaluation of the image, data entry, gps info, and maintain records from previous analyses.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring chemical reaction processes in or near real-time. One method may include containing a fluid within a flow path, the fluid having a chemical reaction occurring therein, optically interacting at least one integrated computational element with the fluid, thereby generating optically interacted light, and producing an output signal based on the optically interacted light that corresponds to a characteristic of the chemical reaction.

Abstract: An analyzer which acquires first measured data relating to a first parameter and second measured data relating to a second parameter, the first and second measured data being obtained by measuring an analyte, forms a two-dimensional distribution chart that indicates a distribution of tangible components contained in the analyte based upon the first and second measured data, with the first and second parameters being set as two axes of the two-dimensional distribution chart, sets an area on the two-dimensional distribution chart, and forms a frequency distribution chart with respect to tangible components belonging to the area, with the first parameter being set as an axis of the frequency distribution chart is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light source for irradiating molecules present in a detection volume with one or more selected wavelengths of light and directing the fluorescence, absorbance, transmittance, scattering onto one or more detectors. Molecular interactions with the light allow for the identification and quantitation of participating chemical moieties in reactions utilizing physical or chemical tags, most typically fluorescent and chromophore labels. The invention can also use the light source to separately and simultaneously irradiate a plurality of capillaries or other flow confining structures with one or more selected wavelengths of light and separately and simultaneously detect fluorescence produced within the capillaries or other flow confining structures. In various embodiments, the flow confining structures can allow separation or transportation of molecules and include capillary, micro bore and milli bore flow systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method separation analysis of reducing sugars with enhanced sensitivity and an analytical apparatus therefore employing the post-column fluorescence detection/boric acid complex anion exchange method. The method disclosed is a method for analysis of reducing sugars using the post-column fluorescence detection/boric acid complex anion exchange method, and characterized in that a back-pressure generator is installed in the flow path between the heater, which is for causing a reaction by heating a sample separated by column chromatography with a basic amino acid, and a fluorometric detector.

Abstract: A sensing system can include one or more particles having one or more plasmon resonances. The particles can be positioned adjacent to the active region of a sensor to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor to electromagnetic radiation having frequencies corresponding to the plasmon resonances. An array of sensors such as used for color imaging can employ different types of particles adjacent to different sensors, so that different sensors sense different colors. During fabrication of such sensors, the particles can be applied mechanically or using a process such as inkjet printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor having a color-changeable sensory surface, characterized in that at least one molecular layer of a positively charged polymer (4) is bonded to a further molecular layer of a negatively charged polymer (5) in alternation by means of ionic forces, wherein a solvent is stored in the charged polymer layers (4, 5), whereby the polymer layers swell at least 10%, and colored, preferably metal or semiconducting nanoparticles (6) are bonded to the last charged polymer molecular layer, and the total layer thickness of the inert intermediate layer (3) and all polymer layers (4, 5) is at least 40 nm but less than 500 nm so that the layer setup has an interference color that is visible to the human eye or measurable in the infrared and that can be changed by means of interaction with an analyte, the interference color being caused by optical interference between the material surface (2) and the layer of the nanoparticles (6).

Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring a glucose level of a user having: a card-like member; a processor within the card-like member; at least one glucose sensor comprising a reagent, the glucose sensor generating a signal indicative of a measured glucose level upon application of a blood sample to the glucose sensor, wherein the glucose sensor is fixed to the card-like member and operably coupled to the processor; and at least one cover alterable between a first position in which the glucose sensor is covered and a second position in which the glucose sensor is exposed for use.

Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.

Abstract: A reflective diffractometric hydrogel sensor includes an upper layer, including a microfluidic chamber formed from a substantially transparent material and configured to contain a solution, a reflective diffraction grating positioned within the microfluidic chamber, the diffraction grating including a plurality of hydrogel strips configured to change in dimension in response to a stimulus, each hydrogel strip having a top surface coated with a reflective material and a bottom surface in contact with the upper layer substrate, and a reflective surface below the reflective diffraction grating wherein when a coherent light is incident upon and reflected from the upper layer at an angle substantially normal to the upper layer an interference diffraction pattern results, including a first diffraction mode, a light intensity of which indicates the relative distance between the top surfaces of the plurality of hydrogel strips and the reflective surface.

Abstract: A flow cell includes: a flow channel through which a sample solution flows; an inlet section which communicates with the flow channel and to which the sample solution is supplied; a transfer section which includes a plurality of opening sections, one end side of which communicates with the flow channel and an other side of which opens to outside air, and which communicates with the flow channel, and draws in and guides the sample solution supplied into the inlet section to the flow channel; a detecting section which faces the sample solution in the flow channel; and a sealing member which unsealably seals at least either one of the opening section or the inlet section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spectral analysis of immiscible phases are disclosed. A flow cell for online absorption measurements of immiscible process phases can comprise: a body containing an inlet window and an outlet window in operable communication with a measurement instrument; and a series of partitions that divide the inside of the flow cell into three (3) or more vessels that have an inlet and an outlet, wherein the vessels are connected in series with one another. Optionally, the first vessel is equipped with a porous membrane to facilitate the separation of immiscible process phases.

Abstract: A sample analyzer that includes a sample preparing section operative to aspirate a sample from a sample container and a measuring section operative to prepare a plurality of measurement samples from the aspirated sample. A control unit is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of prepared measurement samples, obtain a plurality of measurement data for the respective measurement samples, and obtain an analysis result of a predetermined item of the sample based on the plurality of measurement data.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: Lateral flow assay analysis is shown and described. In one embodiment, the lateral flow assay comprises a surface having a reflectance profile that is adapted to enable monitoring of the assay continuously until the detection of an analyte. In other embodiments, a lateral flow assay system includes an incubator and a reader, wherein the incubator incubates the assay concurrently as the reader generates a test result. Further, an assay measurement apparatus may include an optical detector to perform continuous image detection of the assay to generate a diagnostic test result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for in situ detection of one or more target nucleic acids based on a combination of an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay method and a general ISH signal amplification method. This new method produces high signal intensity and while keeps low background noise of signal amplification. The result can be consistently reproduced and the method can be easily adopted for routine clinic diagnostic use. Further, the invention relates to a kit, comprising the components of the ISH assay and a general ISH signal amplification assay, for sensitive detection of one or more target nucleic acids.

Abstract: A photoluminescent oxygen probe including a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.

Abstract: An objective is to provide Si/Si3N4 system nanosized particles each exhibiting reduced environmental load together with minimized bio toxicity, excellent chemical stability, enhanced relative light emission intensity, and less degradation of emission intensity during continuous exposure to light; a biosubstance labeling agent capable of keeping on labeling a biosubstance exhibiting luminance enhanced for a long duration with the Si/Si3N4 system nanosized semiconductor particle of the present invention; and also a method of manufacturing the Si/Si3N4 system nanosized semiconductor particle of the present invention.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating sheathed flow includes an inlet section comprising an array of tubes including at least one sheath inlet port and a sample inlet port, a flow focusing section downstream from the inlet section, an optical access section downstream from the flow focusing region and comprising opposing flat surfaces, and an outlet section downstream from the optical access section, wherein the apparatus is operable to create a sheathed flow around a fluid introduced into the sample inlet port and to maintain the sheathed flow through the optical access section. Applications of the apparatus and method include bead/particle counting, flow cytometry, waveguiding, and fluid control.

Abstract: Microstructures and nanostructures (100) consisting of a substrate (110), an array of pillars (120) capped by metallic disc (130), metallic dots (clusters or granules) (140) disposed on the sidewalls of the pillars, and a metallic backplane (150) that can interact to enhance a local electric field, the absorption of the light, and the radiation of the light are disclosed. Methods to fabricate the structures (100) are also disclosed. Applications of the structures to enhance the optical signals in the detection of molecules and other materials on a structure surface, such as fluorescence, photoluminescence and surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical detection cell for micro-fluidics. The detection cell provides a first layer, a detection cell layer contacting the first layer, a third layer contacting the detection cell layer, a micro-fluidic chip having a fluidic port and a detection channel defined through the detection cell and being in fluid communication with the fluidic port of the chip, the detection channel serving as a light path for receiving light for detecting a molecule. Methods of detecting molecules and making the detection cell are also disclosed.