Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample using an encapsulated sensor. Methods for manufacturing the sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an antigen including (1) a cell having antibodies which are expressed on the surface of the cell and are specific for the antigen to be detected, where binding of the antigen to the antibodies results in an increase in calcium concentration in the cytosol of the cell, the cell further having a emitter molecule which, in response to the increased calcium concentration in the cytosol, emits a photon; (2) a liquid medium for receiving the antigen and in which the cell is immersed; and (3) an optical detector arranged for receiving the photon emitted from the cell.

Abstract: A method for detecting local shear stress values using molecular rotors that allows for an extremely sensitive determination of a shear stress field or a flow field, even at very low flow rates. In one embodiment, molecular rotors may be adhered to a fiber optic probe or other solid surface, and the fluorescence emission of those molecular rotors may be probed at a location of the fiber optic probe tip or other solid surface. In another preferred embodiment, rotors may be adhered to another solid surface, such as any glass or polymer substrate that may be pre-functionalized (e.g., quartz, polystyrene or silicate glass) to create a probe that may then be used for in vivo as well as in vitro viscosity measurements. In another embodiment, molecular rotors may be dissolved in a target solution, and emission intensity obtained by one of several techniques.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: A method of fluorescence measurement on analytes, marked with different fluorescent markers, which have spectrally different fluorescence emissions, in a sample is described, having the following steps: illumination of the sample in the measurement volume using a laser to excite the fluorescence emission of the at least two fluorescent markers, the illumination of the measurement volume being performed with a maximum of one single laser line, having an excitation intensity sufficiently high that the fluorescent markers are jointly excited through 2-photon absorptions, detection of the fluorescence emission using at least two detector devices which are designed for light detection in different spectral ranges in accordance with the spectral fluorescence properties of the fluorescent markers, and performance of a cross-correlation and/or coincidence analysis of detector signals of the detector devices. A measurement device for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the concentration of an assay substance, such as oxygen in tissue. The sensor comprises an optical fibre (2) which passes through, a gas isolation collar (11) into a cavity (15) defined by a needle tube (13) attached to the gas isolation collar. Both the optical fibre (2) and the needle tube (13) are bonded to the gas isolation collar (11) in gas-tight fashion. The cleaved end (8) of the optical fibre within the cavity is provided with an optically active substance (9) having optical properties, such as fluorescence, dependent on the concentration of the assay substance. The cavity (15) is filled with a polymer (16) which is permeable to the assay substance. Lateral flow passages (18) are provided for the assay substance to pass into the permeable polymer (16) and to the fluorophor (9). Light is supplied to the fluorophor via the optical fibre, and functions of its fluorescence are measured to calculate the concentration of the assay substance.

Abstract: Array scanning methods that focus on the far side and devices configured for use in the same are provided. In reading arrays according to the subject methods, an array is placed in a reading position of a scanning device so that the nominal focal plane of the scanning device is present within the array substrate at a predetermined fixed substrate thickness fraction distance from the far-side of the array, and the array is then read by the device. As such, the subject scanner devices of the present invention are configured to hold an array substrate in a reading position of the device in which the device's nominal focal plane is present within the array substrate. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including both genomic and proteomic applications.

Abstract: The present relates in general to upconversion luminescence (“UCL”) materials and methods of making and using same and more particularly, but not meant to be limiting, to Mn2+ doped semiconductor nanoparticles for use as UCL materials. The present invention also relates in general to upconversion luminescence including two-photon absorption upconversion, and potential applications using UCL materials, including light emitting diodes, upconversion lasers, infrared detectors, chemical sensors, temperature sensors and biological labels, all of which incorporate a UCL material.

Abstract: Zn(II) is selectively detected in a sample by contacting the sample with a tripodal ligand with a piperidine or quinuclidine scaffold, one of which acts as a zinc sensor, in which the rigidity of the ligand scaffold is increased. The rigidity of the ligand scaffold can be increased by adding aromatic groups or cyclic hydrocarbon groups. Examples of aromatic groups include naphthalene and the like. Examples of cyclic groups include nitrogen-substituted cyclohexane and cyclohexene such as piperidine.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test plate and methods for adjusting fluorescence imaging systems involving using a plate with fluorescent microbeads bound to a surface.

Abstract: A photoelectrocatalytic method for detecting current that illuminates a photoelectrochemical electrode to generate a photocurrent and to magnify the current. Thereby, accuracy of the detection is increased. A photoelectrochemical detector used in the method has a base (10), a cover (20) pivotally mounted on the base (10) and a locking device attached between the base (10) and the cover (20). The base (10) has a top and a recess (12) defined in the top to accommodate a working electrode (50) with a photoelectrochemical inner lead (52). A spacer is clamped between the base (10) and the cover (20) to form a space over the inner lead (52). Multiple channels and a light hole (22) are defined through the cover (20) to communicate with the space. Therefore, the inner lead is illuminated through the light hole (22) to perform the photoelectrochemical method.

Abstract: The biosensor comprises a modular biorecognition element and a modular flexible arm element. The biorecognition element and the flexible arm element are each labeled with a signaling element. The flexible arm contains an analog of an analyte of interest that binds with the biorecognition element, bringing the two signaling elements in close proximity, which establishes a baseline fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). When an analyte of interest is provided to the biosensor, the analyte will displace the analyte analog, and with it, the signaling module of the modular flexible arm, causing a measurable change in the FRET signal in a analyte concentration dependent manner. The modularity of different portions of the biosensor allows functional flexibility. The biosensor-operates without additional development reagents, requiring only the presence of analyte or target for function.

Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting the organophosphonis compounds, such as a pesticides or a nerve agents is provided. The devices function by selectively binding an organophosphorous compound to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthamide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated for the chemical functionality.

Abstract: A multichannel fluorosensor includes an optical module and an electronic module combined in a watertight housing with an underwater connector. The fluorosensor has an integral calibrator for periodical sensitivity validation of the fluorosensor. The optical module has one or several excitation channels and one or several emission channels that use a mutual focusing system. To increase efficiency, the excitation and emission channels each have a micro-collimator made with one or more ball lenses. Each excitation channel has a light emitting diode and an optical filter. Each emission channel has a photodiode with a preamplifier and an optical filter. The electronic module connects directly to the optical module and includes a lock-in amplifier, a power supply and a controller with an A/D converter and a connector. The calibrator provides a response proportional to the excitation intensity, and matches with spectral parameter of fluorescence for the analyzed fluorescent substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for locating and for measuring variations in temperature and/or in degree of fouling over the internal suface of equipment.

Abstract: A sensor device is formed from a metal film having a plurality of openings, a sensor material positioned within each of the openings, a light source that emits light having a first wavelength, and a light detector that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through or reflected from the openings. The plurality of openings are arranged periodically in a first direction in the metal film, and both a size of each of the plurality of openings and an interval thereof in the first direction are equal to or less than the wavelength of the light.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.

Abstract: A bead dispensing system is provided for delivering small amounts of substances onto substrates. The system can include, for example, a movable support structure having an array of spaced-apart projections depending from its lower side. An attraction source, such as a vacuum, magnetic, and/or electrostatic force, is operable at each projection end region to attract and retain one bead. The projection array can be aligned with an array of bead-receiving regions of a substrate, e.g., an array of spaced-apart wells of a micro-plate or card. In one embodiment, a plurality of reagent-carrying beads are picked up, retained at respective projection end regions, and moved to a location over a multi-well plate. The beads are then released in a fashion permitting each bead to land in a respective well. The system of the invention is particularly useful for fabricating arrays of reagents.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to generate surface plasmon enhanced radiation comprises a metal film having first and second surfaces, and one or more resonance configurations formed in the metal film. An exemplary resonance configuration includes an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces of the metal film, and at least one feature that forms a non-periodic structure together with the aperture. The feature causes a variation in a dielectric function along the first surface of the metal film proximate to the aperture, and the aperture and the feature are configured so as to cooperatively facilitate a resonance condition for surface plasmon enhanced radiation generated by the apparatus, based on incident radiation that irradiates the first surface of the metal film.

Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and measurement of trace species in a gas or liquid sample. A sensor of a ring down cell formed from an optical fiber is exposed to the sample gas or liquid. A coherent source emits radiation into the optical fiber loop, which in turn is received at an output coupler. The fiber optic ring is coupled to a sensor which has a portion thereof, between the input and output, exposed to the sample gas or sample liquid. The sensor has an enhanced evanescent region. A processor is coupled to the receiver and determines the level of trace species in the gas or liquid sample based on the rate of decay of the radiation within the fiber optic ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of stably obtaining fluorescent images of two or more fluorescent samples includes disposing the samples onto compartments defined on a substrate. The compartments are sequentially irradiated with an exciting light where the intensity varies. A value of fluorescence as generated from each of the samples is determined, and a fluorescent image is obtained based on the value of fluorescence.

Abstract: A sensor, such as a lateral flow sensor, which includes a chemical layer and a detector on a flexible substrate. An optical signal is produced in response to an analyte placed on the chemical layer. The detector detects the signal, to thereby detect the presence, absence or concentration of the analyte. The detector is on the substrate. The chemical layer and the substrate are laminated together, to thereby form an integrated sensor. The sensor can include a light source. The light source can be on the substrate, or on an opposite side of the chemical layer than the detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to biosensors, methods for obtaining them and their use fro detecting, assaying or locating, in direct immunofluorescence, a ligand such as an antigen or hapten, in a heterogeneous population. The biosensor includes (i) at least one fragment of a receptor which is protein in nature, capable of binding to a ligand via an active site, where at least one amino acid residues of the fragment located in the proximity of said active site is naturally present in the form of a cystein Cys residue, or is substituted with a Cys residue, and (ii) a fluorophore coupled to the Cys residue.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting changes in the refractive index of a fluid in a small test volume. A change in the refractive index can indicate a change in the chemical composition of the fluid. The test volume has a depth comparable to or less than the wavelength of incident light. In one embodiment, an internal surface of the volume is coated with a binding partner selected to bind with a targeted molecule. When the targeted molecule binds to the binding partner, the optical properties of the system change. The refractive index is determined by illuminating the test volume with laser light and measuring transmitted or reflected light.

Abstract: A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing adapted for incorporation within the photometric diagnostic instrument, and an elongated sample table operatively engaged with the housing. The sample table is configured to support elongated reagent sample media of the type having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas being configured to react with a sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample. A light source is provided to illuminate the sample table. An imager having an elongated field of view is coupled to the housing, the elongated field of view including at least a portion of the sample table. A scanning mechanism is configured to move the field of view relative to the sample table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for quickly and easily measuring and monitoring the pH of aquatic environments, such as lakes, streams, drinking waters, fisheries, aquariums, pools, hot-tubs, and spas. The current invention includes devices that are reusable and capable of monitoring the pH in a reversible fashion, thereby allowing continuous pH sensing without a need for the user to physically perform pH tests. Operation of the invention involves placing the device into the aquatic environment and optically detecting a color change in the membrane, for example, by looking at the device, when a pH measurement is desired. In addition, the device is both inexpensive and reusable, allowing the user to monitor the pH of various aquatic environment at minimal costs.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: An test cell is adapted for both making and testing samples. The cell includes a bottom plate and a top plate having concentric apertures defining a central test cavity. A post attached to the bottom plate closes off the bottom of the test cavity. A slide closes off the top of the test cavity. The top of the post is spaced slightly from the underside of the slide to define a test cavity of substantially uniform thickness. The test cavity is filled with phosphor suspended in uncured resin, closed, and the resin is cured. Once cured, the sample is stable, although delicate, and can be re-measured several times with reproducible results. The measurement takes place in the cell, using a thin film of oil for wetting surfaces.

Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.

Abstract: A fluorescent image is obtained by emitting the light with a wavelength which excites a labelling fluorescent substance, a mask is created by a foreign matter area image extracted from an image of foreign matter adhering to the measurement object obtained by emitting light with a wavelength which does not excite the fluorescent substance, and logical multiplication of the mask and the fluorescent image is executed, thereby obtaining a fluorescent image that a foreign matter area is eliminated from the fluorescent image.

Abstract: The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the detection of lithium ions in a biological fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel compound and a optical sensor which incorporates said compound for the detection of lithium ions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of detecting lithium ions which comprises placing the novel optical sensor into communication with a biological fluid. Once the novel compound of the present invention encounters a lithium ion(s), a fluorescence is generated, the intensity of which is measured and allows for the determination of lithium ion concentration. The present invention provides a medical professional with the ability to selectively determine lithium ion concentration in a biological fluid thereby facilitating the treatment of various diseases, such as manic-depressive illness.

Abstract: A variable rate particle counter for adjusting the volumetric delivery rate of fluid to a flow cell based upon an initial particle count rate in order to effectively “tune” the final dilution of sample sheath flow to the particle concentration of the sample. A sheath fluid syringe pump and a test sample syringe pump are driven by motors which are adjusted by a data analyzer. The data analyzer compares a particle count rate measured by a detection assembly to a predetermined reference value and determines if the count rate is too high or to low. Accordingly, one of several pump profiles is initiated to adjust the flow rate of the sheath fluid or test sample or both. Advantageously, the low cell count precision is improved and the upper limit cell count is expanded.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: A multichannel fluorosensor includes an optical module and an electronic module combined in a watertight housing with an underwater connector. The fluorosensor has an integral calibrator for periodical sensitivity validation of the fluorosensor. The optical module has one or several excitation channels and one or several emission channels that use a mutual focusing system. To increase efficiency, the excitation and emission channels each have a micro-collimator made with one or more ball lenses. Each excitation channel has a light emitting diode and an optical filter. Each emission channel has a photodiode with a preamplifier and an optical filter. The electronic module connects directly to the optical module and includes a lock-in amplifier, a power supply and a controller with an A/D converter and a connector. The calibrator provides a response proportional to the excitation intensity, and matches with spectral parameter of fluorescence for the analyzed fluorescent substance.

Abstract: An enclosed chamber is used in a system for screening of a liquid specimen through binding assays. The enclosed chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete reactant containing wells communicated by a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A transparent member or coverslip defines on an inside thereof the plurality of wells. Each well has a bottom for receiving an allergent/antigen/reactant, which emits light upon reacting. The coverslip can optionally define at least one lens at each well. A bottom encloses the plurality of wells and defines between the inlet and the outlet a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. This bottom defines for each of the plurality of wells a flow-diverting member. An opaque partition is disclosed for surrounding the individual lenses and generally isolating the light path from each well.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: A biochemical sensor apparatus having an optical radiation source, a sensor array, and a photodetector array is disclosed. Each sensor of the sensor array includes fluorophores for fluorescence (generating response radiation) when mixed with analytes of interest and exposed to stimulus radiation. An array of photodetectors, such as a CMOS imaging array is used to detect the response radiation. The detected response radiation is converted to digital values and the digital values used to analyze various properties of the analytes present in the sensors.

Abstract: This invention provides modified phycobilisomes and phycobilisome complexes that are supramolecular complexes with diverse spectral properties, and which may optionally be immobilized on a manufactured solid support. The invention provides a versatile set of highly sensitive signal-generating systems and conjugates that may be used as highly detectable tracers and labels, or in biotransducers comprising phycobilisomes or phycobilisome complexes, and also provides methods for performing specific binding assays using signal-generating systems comprising phycobilisomes as detectable labels. The embodiments of the invention provide the art with an extremely sensitive, nonisotopic detection means for assaying analytes and for sensing molecular events and environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.