Abstract: The present invention provides formulae for fluorescent compounds that have a number of properties which make them uniquely suited for use in sensors of analytes such as saccharides. The advantageous fluorescent properties include favorable excitation wavelengths, emission wavelengths, fluorescence lifetimes, and photostability. Additional advantageous properties include enhanced aqueous solubility, as well as temperature and pH sensitivity. The compound comprises an aryl or a substituted phenyl botonic acid that acts as a substrate recognition component, a fluorescence switch component, and a fluorophore. Fluorescent compounds are described that are excited at wavelengths greater than 400 nm and emit at wavelengths greater than 450 nm, which is advantageous for optical transmission through skin. The fluorophore is typically selected from transition metal-ligand complexes and thiazine, oxazine, oxazone, or oxazine-one as well as anthracene compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.

Abstract: Sensing elements, sensor systems and methods for determining the concentration of oxygen and oxygen-related analytes in a medium are provided. The sensing element comprises a solid polymeric matrix material that is permeable to oxygen or an oxygen related analyte and an indicator that is covalently bonded to the solid polymeric matrix material. The indicator is a luminescent platinum group metal polyaromatic chelate complex capable of having its luminescence quenched by the presence of oxygen. The polyaromatic complex comprises three ligands, at least one of which is a bidentate diphenylphenanthroline. The polyaromatic complex is distributed substantially homogenously throughout the matrix material and is covalently bonded to the matrix material via a linker arm. The linker arm is attached to a phenyl group of a diphenylphenanthroline ligand and to the backbone of the polymeric matrix material.

Abstract: An optical sensor for determining an analyte, specifically oxygen, has a sensor matrix that is made up substantially of a fluoropolymer. The sensor matrix contains a luminescent indicator with a metal complex of ruthenium, rhenium, rhodium or iridium, and with at least one at least partially fluorinated ligand.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for contacting at least two chemical species by immobilizing an immobilized chemical species on a fiber, placing the fiber on a support having a channel, and disposing a mobile chemical species into the channel such that the immobilized chemical species contacts the fiber. The invention also provides methods for analyzing the contact between at least two chemical species, detecting the binding of two chemical species, making a microchip, and synthesizing a chemical species on a fiber.

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: This invention provides an online polymer monitoring apparatus for rapid determination of molecular weight and/or size, and/or other properties of importance to the polymer quality. The apparatus uses fast sample extraction, preparation and delivery techniques to convert complex polymer sample solution into the diluted polymer analyte solution. This analyte solution is then passed through the flow-through detectors for measurement of the polymer molecular weight, the polymer concentration and/or the identification and concentrations of the selected species of importance to the polymer quality. The continuous stream of the above measurement data, thus, allows accurate determination the status of the polymer for many polymer containing process streams, such as an ongoing polymerization reaction mixture, polymer resin fluid, melt or solid polymer flow.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for use in the detection or 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.

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 method for measurement of a target substance in a sample by means of fluorescence, which comprises the step of carrying out the measurement in the presence of (1) a specific fluorescent probe which specifically reacts with the target substance to generate fluorescence, and (2) a donor which, per se, has long-lived fluorescence and is capable of inducing fluorescence resonance energy transfer to the specific fluorescent probe that acts as an acceptor, provided that the donor forms no binding to the specific fluorescent probe by means of a chemical bond; and the step of converting fluorescence, wherein said fluorescence is resulted from a reaction between the acceptor and the target substance, into long-lived excitation fluorescence by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer which is induced on the acceptor.

Abstract: A method and device for fluorimetric determination of a biological, chemical or physical parameter of a sample utilize at least two different luminescent materials, the first of which is sensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity, and the second of which is insensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity and decay time. The luminescent materials have different decay times. The time- or phase behaviour of the resulting luminescence response is used to form a reference value for determination of a parameter.

Abstract: A substrate has an oxygen sensitive dye embedded therein, this sensor is chemically stable to a high degree, has a high temperature resistance in the relevant temperature range, and is gas permeable to a high extent. The substrate consists of a fluoridated silicone polymer. The substrate is a fluoridated silicone polymer and the dye is an organometallic complex.

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: 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 fluoroionophore for the fluorescent detection of potassium ions.

Abstract: Fluoroionophores of formula (I) wherein R06 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20alkyl, R6 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30alkyl or C1-C30alkoxy, R1 is a bridging group, and F is a residue of a fluorophore. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to support materials and may be used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by short response times, a high degree of sensitivity and a long usable life.

Abstract: Sensing elements, sensor systems and methods for determining the concentration of oxygen and oxygen-related analytes in a medium are provided. The sensing element comprises a solid polymeric matrix material that is permeable to oxygen or an oxygen related analyte and an indicator that is covalently bonded to the solid polymeric matrix material. The indicator is a luminescent platinum group metal polyaromatic chelate complex capable of having its luminescence quenched by the presence of oxygen The polyaromatic complex comprises three ligands, at least one of which is a bidentate diphenylphenanthroline. The polyaromatic complex is distributed substantially homogenously throughout the matrix material and is covalently bonded to the matrix material via a linker arm. The linker arm is attached to a phenyl group of a diphenylphenanthroline ligand and to the backbone of the polymeric matrix material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of optical chemical sensors which utilize indicator molecules to detect a particular analyte in a sample, wherein the indicator molecules produce a detectable response when exposed to the particular analyte to which the indicator molecule is sensitive. Specifically, this invention relates to the use of a matrix embedded within a membrane, where the matrix enhances the scattering of light and serves as a support which provides superior mechanical strength. The invention also relates to methods of using the improved sensor in conjunction with fiber optic probes.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor including a closed chamber having as a wall substantially water-tight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane and containing two electrodes. The chamber contains a film of de-ionized water contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes. The change in conductance of the water due to absorption of carbon dioxide is measured.

Abstract: A system for measuring the concentration of an assay substance comprising a sensor having an optical fiber (10) on one end of which is coated a body (22). A fluorophor is dispersed within the body (22), the fluorescent activity of which is altered in relationship to the concentration of the assay substance. Light from a source such as an LED (40) is carried by the fiber (10) to the body (22). Light emitted by the fluorophor is carried to a detector unit (54) along the fiber (10). Concentration of the assay substance is determined by measurement of the characteristics of the growth in emitted light following activation of the LED (40).

Abstract: A highly-sensitive, rapid response fluorescent probe is based on the affinity of a polymer matrix for an analyte of interest. The probe includes a polymer matrix and a dye immobilized in the matrix. The polymer matrix has an affinity for an analyte of interest and the dye has little or no sensitivity to the analyte of interest when excited by an excitation source in a free state but has significant sensitivity to the analyte of interest when excited by the excitation source when immobilized in the matrix. Sensors incorporating the polymer/fluorophore probes of the present invention have the sensitivity and rapid response needed for detection of chemical agent and biological materials. Sensors using the probes provide sensitivity to Sarin at several hundred parts per trillion in one second or less. That is a notable advance over state-of-the-art detectors that require preconcentration steps, which in turn restrict response times to one minute or more.

Abstract: A chemical sensor is provided which includes an optical resonator including a nanostructured surface comprising a plurality of nanoparticles bound to one or more surfaces of the resonator. The nanoparticles provide optical absorption and the sensor further comprises a detector for detecting the optical absorption of the nanoparticles or their environment. In particular, a selective chemical interaction is provided which modifies the optical absorption of the nanoparticles or their environment, and an analyte is detected based on the modified optical absorption. A light pulse is generated which enters the resonator to interrogate the modified optical absorption and the exiting light pulse is detected by the detector.

Abstract: An optical sensor for determining an analyte, specifically oxygen, has a sensor matrix that is made up substantially of a fluoropolymer. The sensor matrix contains a luminescent indicator with a metal complex of ruthenium, rhenium, rhodium or iridium, and with at least one at least partially fluorinated ligand.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting at least one narcotic, such as heroin and cocaine, in a fluid is provided. The device functions by selectively binding vapors of a narcotic or a narcotic present in a liquid, e.g., blood, to a luminescent molecularly imprinted polymer. The polymer possesses a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated with a narcotic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for detecting an analyte using a fiber optic electrochemical sensor that includes a fiber optic layer, an electrically conductive translucent metallic layer and a light energy absorbing dye layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosensors, apparatus and methods for selectively detecting at least one complementary oligonucleotide target specie in a fluid sample containing a mixture of different oligonucleotide fragments. One preferred embodiment of the biosensor is as a unitary fiber optic array having species of single stranded nucleic acid disposed as individual deposits in aligned organization upon multiple strand end faces at differing spatial positions on the distal array end surface.

Abstract: This invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus for analysis. Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through a plurality of metallic islands on a transparent substrate. A resultant optical property of the plurality of metallic islands is measured. Thereafter a chemical substance is adsorbed onto the plurality of metallic islands so as to produce a chemical substance-metallic islands moiety.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection system includes a photonic band gap structure. An internal surface of the photonic band gap structure defines a core region, and is coated with a film formed of conjugated polymer molecules. The core region is filled with a sample fluid or gas having a plurality of either chemical or biological analytes dispersed therein. An optical source generates excitation light directed to the sample fluid. In response, a binding event between a bacterium or chemical species in the fluid or gas and one or more of the conjugated polymer molecules generates a fluorescent signal whose wavelength falls within the photonic band gap. The fluorescent signal is guided through said core region by resonant reflections, and is guided onto a detector. A plurality of photonic band gap structures may be combined so as to form a biosensor array.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor consisting of a polymer matrix and a luminescent colorant material contained therein, whose emission power may be modified by the substances to be detected after being excited with electro-magnetic radiation. The polymer matrix is formed by at least one polymer, wherein no plasticizers have been added, which polymer contains phenyl groups in the main chain and may also be sterilized. the invention also relates to a method for producing the disclosed optochemical sensor, wherein a solution of a polymer is prepared, wherein 0.01 to 100 mMol luminescent colorant material per polymer is added to the solution and the mixture is solidified to obtain a homogenous membrane.

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: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal.

Abstract: Fluoroionophores that are functionalised with reactive groups and correspond to the formula I—R1—F—R2—G, wherein I is a monovalen residue of an ionophore, wherein F is a divalent residue of a fluorophore, wherein G is a functional group and R1 and R2 are each independently of the other a direct bond or a bridging group. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to carrier materials and are used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by a long usable life and a high degree of sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosensors, apparatus and methods for selectively detecting at least one complementary oligonucleotide target specie in a fluid sample containing a mixture of different oligonucleotide fragments. One preferred embodiment of the biosensor is as a unitary fiber optic array having an in-situ hybridization zone comprising not less than one specie of single stranded oligonucleotide disposed as individual deposits in aligned organization upon multiple strand end faces at differing spatial positions on the distal array end surface. In this manner, a collective of deployed, single specie, multiple fixed probes are presented for selective in-situ hybridization on-demand with at least one mobile complementary target specie ultimately bearing a joined identifying label. The biosensor provides for optical detection of in-situ hybridization on the distal end surface via the presence of the concomitantly disposed joined identifying label at the differing spatial positions.

Abstract: A sensor and sensing array are disclosed. These devices include one or more fluorescent polymers selected to register one or more analytes. These analytes may include various metal ions or volatile organic compounds. The sensor and sensing array are responsive to excitation light to emit fluorescence responses indicative of the analytes. In particular, the sensing array may provide a pattern of responses operable as a “chemical nose” to identify one or more of the analytes. Techniques for using and making the sensor and sensing array are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample holder apparatus for a top-loading cryostat insert based on a cage assembly system which is mounted onto a vacuum flange. The vacuum flange has a group of blind bores on the vacuum side of the flange, in which are mounted hollow cage assembly rods, and a further corresponding group of four blind bores on the air side of the flange for receiving further cage assembly rods. A cage assembly system can thus be provided on the vacuum side of the flange and, if desired, extended through the vacuum flange onto the air side with optical communication between the vacuum and air sides taking place through a window at the top of the flange. Feed-throughs on the flange provide for access of optical fibers and electrical leads. The design provides a sample holder which is readily adaptable and reconfigurable to perform a variety of optical experiments in a top-loading cryostat. Examples of near-field scanning microscopy (NSOM) and confocal microscopy are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the determination of the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by visual or electronic element, using polarization based sensing techniques (14) employing fluorescent sensing (11) and reference molecules (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods for quantitatively detecting the presence of an analyte by referencing the analyte variant signal to an analyte invariant reference signal. The devices contain quantum dots as the invariant references. The reference quantum dots provide a fluorescent signal whose intensity in invariant with respect to the optical signal associated with the analyte concentration. Both the optical path for the analyte specific and invariant reference signal are substantially identical. Therefore, by measuring the intensity ratio of the analyte specific signal to the reference signal, errors associated with optical path length, absorptivity and scattering are eliminated.

Abstract: A device for analyzing simultaneously multiple analytes in a fluid of unknown composition. The device includes a plurality of sensors, a light source for providing light to shine on the sensors, light detectors, and a processor. The sensors are exposed to a sample of the fluid of unknown composition. The plurality of sensors includes groups of sensors, each group targeting a specific analyte and including one or more sensors that contain an analyte-specific chemical that interacts more specifically with one analyte than with some other analytes to be analyzed. Each sensor in each group has a different chemical interacting with the analyte to target it. The light source shines light on the sensors of the plurality of sensors to cause light interaction with the sensors. The differences in the sensors lead to differences in the light interaction. The light detectors detects the light interaction by the sensors.

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: Fluorescent energy transfer cassettes that allow through bond energy transfer and have a succinimidyl ester functionality suitable for affecting them to biomolecules or provided and are applied to high throughput DNA sequencing.

Abstract: A sensor for the optical determination by fluorescence of carbon dioxide in liquid and gaseous media, which consist essentially of a carrier and a light-sensitive layer applied thereto. In addition to a polymer as a base substance and an anionic fluorescence dye, the light-sensitive layer also contains a quaternary onium phenolate.

Abstract: Optical sensor, probe and array devices for detecting chemical biological, and physical analytes. The devices include an analyte-sensitive layer optically coupled to a thin film electroluminescent layer which activates the analyte-sensitive layer to provide an optical response. The optical response varies depending upon the presence of an analyte and is detected by a photodetector and analyzed to determine the properties of the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the temperature-compensated determination of chemical parameters, comprising: an optical temperature sensor which contains a temperature indicator that has a temperature-dependent afterglow time and/or luminous intensity and does not react with the surrounding medium; a chemical sensor which contains an indicator that is sensitive to a chemical parameter; means for stimulating the temperature indicator and the chemical indicator to luminesce; means for measuring the luminescence of the temperature indicator and of the chemical indicator; means for establishing an optical connection between indicator, excitation device and measuring equipment; means for detecting luminous radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor consisting of a polymer matrix and a luminescent colorant material contained therein, whose emission power may be modified by the substances to be detected after being excited with electro-magnetic radiation. The polymer matrix is formed by at least one polymer, wherein no plasticizers have been added, which polymer contains phenyl groups in the main chain and may also be sterilized. the invention also relates to a method for producing the disclosed optochemical sensor, wherein a solution of a polymer is prepared, wherein 0,01 to 100 mMol luminescent colorant material per polymer is added to said solution and the mixture is solidified to obtain a homogenous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automated DNA sequencing. The method of the invention includes the steps of: a) using a processive exonuclease to cleave from a single DNA strand the next available single nucleotide on the strand; b) transporting the single nucleotide away from the DNA strand; c) incorporating the single nucleotide in a fluorescence-enhancing matrix; d) irradiating the single nucleotide to cause it to fluoresce; e) detecting the fluorescence; f) identifying the single nucleotide by its fluorescence; and g) repeating steps a) to f) indefinitely (e.g., until the DNA strand is fully cleaved or until a desired length of the DNA is sequenced).

Abstract: The present sensor allows the user of any diode laser structure to be employed to provide sensitive chemical and biological detector. A diode laser electrochemical sensor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,407 “Laser Diode Sensor”. The present invention surpasses the capabilities of those sensors by measuring changes in the output power, output spectral characteristics or output signal auto-correlation function to detect the presence of chemical or biological films within the sensitive region.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: The invention is a fluorescent sensor element for detecting concentration changes of oxygen in an atmosphere suitable for high temperature applications such as automotive exhaust gases. It comprises an optical fiber, preferably silica, coated on at least a portion of its surface with a sol-gel processed porous uniform mixture of (1) matrix material of alumina, zirconia, titania, or silica or a mixture of any of them with (2) ceramic fluorescent indicator like Cu-ZSM-5 zeolite incorporated therein. In use of the sensor element in a system, a light source excites fluorescence in the indicator which is responsive to varying oxygen concentration in the contacted exhaust gas.

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: Sensors for the qualitative and quantitative determination of K+ ions in aqueous systems are described, which consist essentially of a carrier and an active layer applied to this carrier, whereby the active layer contains a polymer in which is dispersed at least one modified valinomycin, in which a radical of a fluorescence dye which emits in long waves, preferably an acridine or fluorescein, with an emission wave length of >550, is covalently bound.