Abstract: A fluorescence validation microplate for testing the validity of a fluorometer is provided which can efficiently and cost-effectively test fluorometers to determine linearity, alignment, reproducibility, filter integrity, and cross-talk, each of which is important to proper functioning of the fluorometer.

Abstract: Improved water monitoring systems comprise a test unit having an analytical device and a control system in communication with the test unit such that water supply data generated at the test unit can be communicated to the control system. In some embodiments, the analytical device can be a fluorometer that can monitor the fluorescence induction pattern of algae located in the water, which can indicate, when the induction pattern is compared against known baseline induction patterns, the potential presence of toxic chemicals located in the water supply. In other embodiments, the analytical device can comprise, for example, a pH meter, an infrared spectroscopy (IR) device or the like. In some embodiments, the test unit can provide continuous intake, analysis, and can communicate water supply data to the control system via a wireless communication device, fiber optic cable or the like.

Abstract: A system and method that enables early detection of hazardous materials, such as explosives and biological materials, in the early phases of mail handling or processing, is disclosed. The early detection of such hazardous material utilizing the system and method of this invention can be performed while the mail is being processed. The system includes at least two primary elements: an activation sub-system and a sense and analyze sub-system.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.

Abstract: An analysis for determining a characteristic cycle time of a sample. Active elements in the sample are excited with sufficient intensity and duration larger than the characteristic cycle time that at least some of the active elements are re-excited to an excited state substantially immediately following relaxation to a ground state, detecting quanta emitted by the active elements in the sample to obtain a detected signal, and analyzing the detected signal to derive the characteristic cycle time. The number of active elements in the sample and the intensity of the excitation are such that quanta are detected in a stream in which individual quanta are distinguishable from each other.

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: Bioelectronic devices for the detection of estrogen include a collection of eukaryotic cells which harbor a recombinant lux gene from a high temperature microorganism wherein the gene is operably linked with a heterologous promoter gene. A detectable light-emitting lux gene product is expressed in the presence of the estrogen and detected by the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde in an exhaust stream from turbines, internal combustion engines and the like, which apparatus includes a portable housing having a sample gas inlet through which a sample gas for analysis is introduced into the portable housing and an analysis system disposed in the portable housing suitable for analyzing the sample gas for the presence of formaldehyde in the sample gas.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for the detection of certain organic halogen-containing agents or toxicants such as sarin, chloropicrin, mustard gas, mustard chlorohydrin, phosgene, chlorine, soman, lewisite, diphosgene and others by, in one embodiment, first reacting the agents with superoxide free radical anion (.O{overscore (2)}) to produce light pulses which can be detected by a standard photon counter. The superoxide may be available from a dimethyl sulfoxide superoxide (.O{overscore (2)}) liquid solution, from lecithin coated beads charged with superoxide (.O{overscore (2)}) in a reaction vessel or from a quarternary ammonium ion exchange resin charged with superoxide anion (.O{overscore (2)}) in a reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical ion sensors, including fluorescence optical ion sensors for use in liquid media in the fields of biology, biotechnology, chemistry, medicine, etc. The present invention provides for optical ion sensors that may be attached to dry hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces so as to allow continuous sensing. The optical sensors of the present invention may be sterilized and stored for extended periods of time before use.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 ?m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition. The photoactive substance is activated and the effect of the activating on the optical properties of the combination is detected.

Abstract: A more efficient method for combustion or oxidation of samples containing nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur to their corresponding oxides is disclosed, where method uses multi-staged addition of an oxidizing agent to enhance oxidation and liberation of nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur oxides for subsequent detection. The method of the present invention allows for the injection of larger samples or the introduction of a greater amount of sample per unit of time which results in a larger amount of analyte being delivered to the detector per unit of time, thereby improving detection limits and detection efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for substances for detection, an apparatus for processing same, a method of processing same, an apparatus for making same, and a method of making same. The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and high quality technology that can perform a series of processes, consistently, automatically and easily. A support for substances for detection of the present invention is constructed so as to comprise a flexible base member formed to be slender like a thread, string or tape, a variety of substances for detection having predetermined chemical structures and being fixed side by side along the length of the base member, and a supporting member for supporting the base member in a manner that enables expansion, wherein a fixed location of each substance for detection corresponds with the chemical structure thereof.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting device is configured so that a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate includes a photodiode and a signal detecting circuit for detecting charges obtained as a result of photoelectric conversion by the photodiode, and a fluorescence reaction vessel where a fluorescence reaction occurs is arranged above the foregoing photodiode. Furthermore, in the device, an excitation-light-entry preventing layer is provided at one or more of a surface portion of the photodiode and a position between the photodiode and the fluorescence reaction vessel.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the trapping, including optical trapping; analysis; and selective manipulation of particles on an optical array. A multi-channel device parcels a light source into many points of light transmitted through an optical array of fibers or conduits, preferably where the individual points of light are individually controllable through a light controlling device. Optical properties of the particles may be determined by interrogation with light focused through the optical array. The particles may be manipulated by immobilizing or releasing specific particles, separating types of particles, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining expression levels of one or a multiplicity of target proteins in a tissue or cell sample.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: Ion imprinted polymer materials are synthesized containing metal ion recognition sites. These particles are synthesized by copolymerizing with functional and cross linking monomers in presence of at least one imprint metal ion in the form of ternary complex. The polymerization was carried out by ?-irradiation (in the absence of initiator) or photochemical and thermal polymerization (in presence of initiator, AIBN). These materials were ground and sieved after drying to obtain erbium ion imprinted polymer particles. The erbium ion was removed from the polymer particles by leaching with mineral acid which leaves cavities/binding sites in the polymer particles. The resultant polymer particles can be used as solid phase extractants for selective enrichment of erbium ions from dilute aqueous solutions.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, incident radiation (e.g., from a laser or LED source) for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In one embodiment, incident radiation at one or more wavelengths is directed via at least one optic fiber that extends axially along the separation medium to the proximity of the detection zone. Emitted radiation from the detection zone passes through the boundary walls about the detection zone for off-column detection, and/or is directed axially along the separation medium for on-column detection. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, emitted radiation signals representative of sample analytes are collected from the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone or the separation column. In one embodiment, emitted signals are collected via an optic fiber that extends from the proximity of the detection zone along the detection collar. According to another embodiment, a single dual purpose (excitation and emission) fiber or dual fibers (one for excitation radiation and the other for emitted radiation detection) are incorporated into detection collar. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and system for sensing of one or more analytes. A host molecule, which serves as an adapter/carrier, is used to facilitate interaction between the analyte and the sensor element. A detectable signal is produced reflecting the identity and concentration of analyte present.

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: Disclosed are monolithic bioelectronic devices comprising a bioreporter and an OASIC. These bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuit are useful in detecting substances such as pollutants, explosives, and heavy-metals residing in inhospitable areas such as groundwater, industrial process vessels, and battlefields. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for detection of particular analytes, including ammonia and estrogen compounds.

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: The invention relates to a method for producing a detection system for detecting different analytes in a sample, characterised by the following steps: providing a planar or essentially planar substrate which has sensors for chemically, optically or electrically detecting the analytes; applying an already microstructured layer to the substrate or applying a continuous layer to the substrate and microstructuring said layer, the layer being applied in such a way in either case that the areas of the substrate that are separated from each other are not covered by the layer, the layer and substrate being sealingly interconnected at least around the uncovered areas; bringing at least some of the uncovered areas into contact with at least one liquid containing catcher molecules, in such a way that said catcher molecules are able to adhere or bond to the surface of the substrate and/or on the surface of the sensors; removing the non-adhering constituents of the liquid and removing the microstructured layer or parts th

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for processing a sample for chemical and/or biological analysis, and detecting one or more target substances. A first system of microfabricated components includes at least a reservoir and a channel, and a second system of detection components including at least a lens. The lens is focused on a sensing platform of the first system. The sensing platform is coupled to the reservoir by the channel. Various types of detection systems can be utilized with the present invention including fluorescence detection systems with a laser that is positioned to illuminate a sample in the sensing platform. The microfabricated components include one or more pumps, valves, mixers, and filters. A thermoelectric cooler can be positioned to control the temperature of at least one of the microfabricated components. A variety of component configurations can be implemented, and a variety of different processes can be performed, depending on the configuration of components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a sample of biologic fluid quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a light source, a positioner, a mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field, and an image dissector. The light source is operable to illuminate a sample field of known, or ascertainable, area. The positioner is operable to selectively change the position of any or any or all of the chamber, the light source, or the image dissector, thereby enabling selective illumination of all regions of the sample. The mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field can determine the volume of a sample field illuminated by the light source. The image dissector is operable to convert an image of light passing through or emanating from the sample field into an electronic data format.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biologic fluid quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a light source, a positioner, a mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field, and an image dissector. The light source is operable to illuminate a sample field of known, or ascertainable, area. The positioner is operable to selectively change the position of one of the chamber or the light source relative to the other, thereby permitting selective illumination of all regions of the sample. The mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field can determine the volume of a sample field illuminated by the light source. The image dissector is operable to convert an image of light passing through or emanating from the sample field into an electronic data format.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: A method for measuring low levels of a substance in a sample includes the formation of a rotor from paramagnetic particles in a substantially uniform magnetic field. The rotor is rotated by rotating the substantially uniform magnetic field. A portion of the substance in a sample is bound to the paramagnetic particles, and a signal having a time-varying component is detected. The signal is then processed using a lock-in amplifier with a reference signal having a frequency twice that of the rotation of the magnetic field. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the time-varying component of the signal.

Abstract: The adsorption rate of proteins from solutions on surfaces in the region of interface layers is often so large that a depletion of the protein in the interface layer results. Due to this, the total reaction becomes transport-dependent, sensitively disrupting the determination of the rate constants. In known TIRF-analysis chambers or bio-sensor systems with a liquid interface layer of ˜10 ?m thickness and mass transport coefficients of 10?6-10?5 m/s it has up limitation. With the help of a TIRF-flow-through shear analyzer in which a certain volume unit of an immiscible fluid, for example an air bubble, is fed into the buffer flow, an ultra-thin liquid layer arises on the surface with a thickness of 100-200 nm, wherein interface surfaces below 10 nm thickness are technically possible.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting device is configured so that a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate includes a photodiode and a signal detecting circuit for detecting charges obtained as a result of photoelectric conversion by the photodiode, and a fluorescence reaction vessel where a fluorescence reaction occurs is arranged above the foregoing photodiode. Furthermore, in the device, an excitation-light-entry preventing layer is provided at one or more of a surface portion of the photodiode and a position between the photodiode and the fluorescence reaction vessel.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: An optical-chemical sensor which is suitable for the continuous and discontinuous determination by luminescence optics of the concentration of chloride in an aqueous sample and which comprises a luminescence indicator (I) and a polymer (H) carrying the luminescence indicator (I) is characterized in that the luminescence indicator (I) is a non-lipophile acridine or bisacridine compound and the polymer (H) is a linear-chain hydrophile polymer soluble in an organic solvent, whereby it is possible to excite the sensor by commercially available LEDs, to manufacture very large numbers thereof at a moderate cost and in a reproducible way and, preferably, to use it for the determination of physiological chloride concentrations and the sensor furthermore has a wide dynamic measuring range for the determination of chloride; a high sensitivity, stability and reproducibility; a high selectivity for chloride; and a low pH cross-sensitivity.

Abstract: A device and method for determining analyte concentrations within a material sample are provided. A modulating temperature gradient is induced in the sample and resultant, emitted infrared radiation is measured at selected analyte absorbance peaks and reference wavelengths. The modulating temperature gradient is controlled by a surface temperature modulation. A transfer function relating the surface temperature modulation to a modulation of the measured infrared radiation is provided. Phase and magnitude differences in the transfer function are detected. These phase and magnitude differences, having a relationship to analyte concentration, are measured, correlated and processed to determine analyte concentration in the material sample. A method for adjusting an analyte measurement is provided. The method provides a hydration correction process for calibration and correction whereby analyte concentrations within the material sample may be determined.

Abstract: A multiwell plate scanner comprises a detector for measuring an attribute of a sample which is scanned continuously over wells of a multiwell plate. A signal obtained during the scan may be sampled and digitized based on detector position over the multiwell plate. The scanner is also disclosed for scanning microarrays, bio-chips and areas of samples not having physical separations. The scanner may be used in a high throughput screening system comprising a storage and retrieval module, a sample distribution module, a reagent distribution module, and a detector which incorporates the scanner. The screening system may further comprise a transport module and a data processing and integration module for transporting samples between the components of the system and for controlling system operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to produce a biochip and to a biochip, said biochip being composed particularly of biological probes grafted onto a conductive polymer. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) structuring of a substrate so as to obtain on said substrate microtroughs comprising in their base a layer of a material capable of initiating and promoting the adhesion onto said layer of a film of a pyrrole and functionalised pyrrole copolymer by electropolymerisation, b) collective electropolymerisation, so as to form an electropolymerised film of a pyrrole and functionalised pyrrole copolymer on the base of said microtroughs, c) direct or indirect fixation of functionalised oligonucleotides by microdeposition or a liquid jet printing technique.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a large number of binding interactions and obtaining data related to the interactions. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes an IR sensor, a sliding separator, and IR-transmitting fibers that are optically coupled, at a first end thereof, to the sensor. The sliding separator adjusts the spacing between fibers as is required for interfacing the second end of the fibers with any of a variety of sample carriers. The second end of the fibers capture chemical entities form the sample carriers. The chemical entities at the end of the fibers are then contacted with a binding compound. If binding activity occurs, a thermal signal indicative thereof will be transmitted through the fiber to the sensor.

Abstract: A molecular sieve particle-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which populations of encoded molecular sieve particles carrying different chemical functionalities are distributed into wells etched in an optical fiber bundle. The chemical functionalities are encoded on separate shaped molecular sieve particles using luminescent dyes and/or molecular sieve particle shapes and thus, a single sensor array may carry thousands of chemistries. Such encoded molecular sieve particles can provide at least a five-fold enhancement in tunable parameters for increasing the encoding possibilities of high throughput screening assays relative to the present dye-modified polymeric microsphere standard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening an array of test compounds for bioactivity by contacting an array of test compounds with a detector layer capable of detecting bioactivity, and detecting a detector layer response. The detector layer is comprised of physiologically viable cells. The method and apparatus allow a large number of test compounds to be simultaneously assayed in parallel without the need for complex fluidic devices.

Abstract: A dissolution system provides remote flow cells integrated into a manifold device. The manifold device communicates with liquid input and output lines associated with each flow cell, as well as fiber-optic input and output lines associated with each flow cell. Liquid samples are respectively drawn from dissolution vessels, optically-related measurements are taken, and the samples are thereafter returned their respective vessels. The manifold device can be adapted to receive probe-type instruments that incorporate the fiber-optics, wherein each probe-type instrument is associated with each flow cell. Alternatively, each corresponding pair of fiber-optic input and output lines are disposed in opposing, optically-aligned relation and probe-type instruments are not used. The gap between the ends of the opposing fiber-optic lines provides a light path across the corresponding flow cell.

Abstract: Fluorescent biosensor molecules, fluorescent biosensors and systems, as well as methods of making and using these biosensor molecules and systems are described. Embodiments of these biosensor molecules exhibit fluorescence emission at wavelengths greater than about 650 nm. Typical biosensor molecules include a fluorophore that includes an iminium ion, a linker moiety that includes a group that is an anilinic type of relationship to the fluorophore and a boronate substrate recognition/binding moiety, which binds glucose. The fluorescence molecules modulated by the presence or absence of polyhydroxylated analytes such as glucose. This property of these molecules of the invention, as well as their ability to emit fluorescent light at greater than about 650 nm, renders these biosensor molecules particularly well-suited for detecting and measuring in-vivo glucose concentrations.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated sensor (50) useful for indicating the presence of a sample analyte is disclosed. The sensor (50) has a platform (52) with an upper surface (53) and a detector (62), light source (60), waveguide (58), and reflective fixtures (60, 62) embedded in the platform (52). The light source (60) is preferably a light emitting diode and sits in a cup-shaped dimple (68) that directs light from the light source (60) toward one of the reflective fixtures (64) to uniformly distribute light across the waveguide (58). The waveguide (58) is coupled to an upper surface (53) of the sensor platform (52) and is coated with a thin film of indicator chemistry (70) which interacts with the sample analyte to produce optic signal changes that are measurable by the detector (62). A lead frame (51) in the platform (52) has pins (54, 55, 56) which provide the interface to the outside world.

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.

Abstract: An immunoassay, e.g. ELISA, method and kit for determining (preferably quantitatively) an analyte adsorbed at a surface or present in a liquid sample, comprising binding the analyte to a solid phase, attaching a marker to the analyte, and detecting marker attached to the solid-phase. The invention proposes to use a combination of marker and detection (e.g. an enzyme-substrate combination) which is capable of producing a precipitate on a solid phase which carries the marker and to detect the binding of analyte to the solid phase by in-situ determining the change in surface mass of the solid phase due to the formation of the precipitate. Ellipsometry is an example of a technique suitable for determining the change of surface mass of the solid phase, which could be made of a silicon- or chromium-sputtered glass slide The invention shortens the assay time and/or improves the assay sensitivity, and allows to measure extremely low surface concentrations of analytes of interest.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 &mgr;m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: A light emitting method of an acridinium ester, comprising reacting said acridinium ester and a superoxide anion, and a method of detecting a substance to be examined, comprising detecting a light emitted by reacting a superoxide anion with an acridinium ester used as a label am described. It is possible to carry out the reaction not under strongly alkaline conditions but around the neutral point and to generate strong luminescence which is stable over a long period of time.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for use in the detection of quantitative measurement of an analyte in subcutaneous fluid, the sensor being biodegradable or hydrolysable in vivo. The sensor incorporates an assay for the analyte, the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal which can, when the sensor is in operation in a subcutaneous location, be interrogated transcutaneously by external optical means.