Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for observing reactions in samples (2), to which a reagent (3) is added, and/or a method which is based on the use of this device. The device includes at least one first optical device (4) for observing samples (2) in the direction of a first optical axis (5) and in a first observation region (6) penetrated by the first optical axis; a first device (7) for receiving receptacles (8) containing samples (2) and for aligning samples in these receptacles in relation to the first optical axis (5); and an injection device (10) for adding liquids (3) to samples (2) and an illumination device (17) for irradiating the samples (2) with excitation light of a first wavelength.

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: 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: A fluid analysis element includes: a semi transmissive/semi reflective first reflector; a transmissive apertured member, having a plurality of apertures, with diameters sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of measuring light, formed therein for holding a fluid sample; and a second reflector, which is fully reflective or semi transmissive/semi reflective. The first reflector, the transmissive apertured member, and the second reflector are provided in this order from the side of the element into which the measuring light enters. Emitted light is emitted from the first reflector or the second reflector. The element displays absorption properties that absorb light of specific wavelengths according to the mean complex refractive indices of the first and second reflectors, and the mean complex refractive index and the thickness of the transmissive apertured member.

Abstract: A device and method of use for measurement of in-situ bioluminescence generally comprising an acoustical pulse generator, a detector chamber, a lens assembly and a photomultiplier tube. The generator comprises transducers which can generate acoustical energy in the object field of the device. The acoustical energy provides a stimulus of aquatic organisms within the object field (typically an aqueous volume) to produce the bioluminescence. The generator is positioned outside of the detector chamber and the photomultiplier tube and lens assembly are mounted within the chamber. The lens assembly restricts light to the photomultiplier tube of that bioluminescence light originating only from the volume. The photomultiplier tube detects the bioluminescence generated by any aquatic organisms in a captured volume or if a changing measurement occurs by water flow in the volume. The output of the photomultiplier tube is provided to a controller to be analyzed.

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 method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid including placing a quantity of fluid in a container; inducing flow in the fluid wherein the flow is substantially streamlined in at least a measuring region of the container by constricting flow, and wherein the fluid is recirculated through the measuring region. A mixing region can be created separate from the measuring region sufficient to substantially mix the fluid. Free stream particulates in the fluid can be measured in the streamlined region. The invention is of particular interest in the assessment of blood platelet function. The method provides specific localized regions of thorough mixing that enable reproducible platelet aggregation, and also provides specific localized regions of streamlined flow that enable certain modalities of assessing aggregation. Both of these regions of flow are induced such that damage to platelet aggregates and other blood components as well as undesirable agglomeration on device surfaces is minimized.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapid method of determining the concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. The present invention is also a simple, low cost, device of determining the in-situ concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. In particular, the present invention provides a useful method for simultaneously determining the concentrations of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate in aqueous kraft pulping liquors through use of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) tunnel flow cell or optical probe capable of producing a ultraviolet absorbency spectrum over a wavelength of 190 to 300 nm. In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for manual sampling and dilution previously required to generate analyzable samples.

Abstract: Gas focusing flow cytometers are fabricatable employing simple and inexpensive manufacturing techniques. When such cytometers or conventional cytometers are combined with fiber optical light paths and laser diode and semiconductor photodetectors, light weight and handheld, optionally disposable devices which maintain high performance are possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor the enantiomeric excess of chiral molecules participating in a chemical reaction. The method includes real time monitoring of the chemical reaction by obtaining a VCD spectra and an IR spectra of the chemical compounds in the reaction, and manipulating the spectra to obtain a % EE value. Using such real time information, the reaction parameters can be changed to shift the reaction to produce more of one chiral molecule than another.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometric measurement of the concentration of a chemical substance in a solution, wherein a cuvette is provided containing the solution The cuvette is transmissive at least in predetermined regions for electromagnetic radiation, wherein a transmitting unit is provided, which produces electromagnetic radiation in at least two wavelength regions and which radiates into the cuvette The electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength region serves for measurement purposes and the electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength region is used for reference purposes The electromagnetic radiation in the two wavelength regions takes the same path through the cuvette and through the solution At least one detector unit is provided, which is so arranged that it receives the electromagnetic radiation in the at least two wavelength regions following passage through the solution, and wherein a control/evaluation unit is provided, which determines the concentration of at least one chemical substance in t

Abstract: A system and method for identifying explosive or other target materials includes the steps of irradiating a first location and a second location spaced apart from the first location from a sample suspected of including explosives with ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, measuring reflected light emanated from the first sample location (R1) and reflected light emanated from the second sample location (R2), and calculating a normalized difference in reflectivity (?R/ R), wherein R=(R1+R2)/2 is an average reflectivity. A differential reflection spectrum (DRS) is then generated for the sample where ?R=R2?R1 is the difference of the reflectivities of the first and the second sample location. One or more explosives if present are identified in the sample based on comparing the DRS for said sample to at least one reference DRS.

Abstract: Method for detecting biological or chemical components in liquid or gas is based on measuring changes of the sensor layer thickness due to binding reactions. A plate or a gap with two surfaces of a solid optical material is used as the sensor layer. The surfaces are located at a distance of more than 10 ?m, which allows pumping liquids through the gap at moderate pressure drops and investigating large biological objects (e.g., cells), or employment of affordable plates that are rigid enough without any substrate. The indicated thickness of the plate or the gap permits using of ultra bright superluminescent diodes as light sources, because it allows recording within their narrow spectrum a sufficient number of interference maxima and minima for precise registration of molecular binding reactions, which lead to much higher sensitivity of the method as compared with thin-film methods.

Abstract: A liquid homogenizing unit comprising a feed flow channel (56), a discharge flow channel (57), a first intermediate flow channel (58) communicating with the feed flow channel (56), and a second intermediate flow channel (55) communicating will the first intermediate flow channel (58) and discharge flow channel (57). The first intermediate flow channel (58) extends in a direction which crosses the second intermediate flow channel (55).

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a dye or chromophore chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The dye or chromophore is of a type which produces an electrical signal upon illumination. The particular dye or chromophore chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-induced charge movements (PICM) produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-induced charge movements produce signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the PICM of the target sample versus the PICM of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: A B-lymphocyte classifying method includes the steps of (1) preparing a measurement sample by mixing a blood sample with a lysing reagent to lyse erythrocytes and to shrink the B-lymphocytes in the blood sample, (2) letting the measurement sample flow through a flow cell of a flow cytometer, (3) radiating a light beam onto a cell in the measurement sample that is flowing through the flow cell, (4) detecting at least two scattered light emitted from the irradiated cell, (5) specifying a region of a B-lymphocyte cluster in accordance with the detected scattered light, and (6) counting the number of B-lymphocytes in the specified region.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.

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 method for discriminating and quantifying platelets within an analyzed blood sample involves initially diluting the blood sample with a ghosting reagent that causes a change in the index of refraction of the red blood cells. Owing to the change in the index of refraction, light scattered from the ghosted red blood cells will be substantially reduced relative to light scattered from platelets. This results in locations of platelets within a scatterplot of the analyzed blood sample to fall within a region distinguishable from those containing normal red blood cells, fragmented red blood cells, and microcytic red blood cells.

Abstract: The present method uses a spectrophotometric and/or ionisation detection device in which the gas to be analyzed and illuminated by a light source emitting in a range of wavelengths distinct from the one used for spectrophotometry so as to carry out a nephelometric and/or turbidimetric detection, the results of this detection being used to carry out an adjustment of the device for counting the particles and/or for determining the composition of these particles.

Abstract: A method for in-situ monitoring of an emission product includes transmitting a light, tuning the light to a first wavelength, receiving the light at a second location, varying the light from the first wavelength to a second wavelength during a first period, measuring a first absorption line and a first non-absorbing baseline signal during the first period, switching the light to a third wavelength, varying the light from the third wavelength to a fourth wavelength over a second period, and measuring a second absorption line and a second non-absorbing baseline signal during the second period. The light is transmitted from a first location by a tunable light source and received at a second location. The light passes along an optical path through the emission product between the first and second locations. The first wavelength corresponds to the first absorption line of the emission product. The third wavelength is different from the first and second wavelengths.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer using a reaction vessels of disposable type is provided which is compact in construction and with high accuracy of measurement. The analyzer is comprised with a reaction container which is capable of having a plurality of cuvettes of disposable type set therein, an extracting and injecting unit for injecting a first reagent, a specimen and a second reagent into a disposable cuvette, a light measuring unit for emitting light to the cuvette, and for measuring absorbance thereof and a CPU for producing a calculated value based on outputs of the light measuring unit. The light measuring unit measures absorbance of the first reagent, specimen and second reagent injected into and reacted with each other in a disposable cuvette, and also measures an air blank value representing absorbance of an empty disposable cuvette and a first reagent blank value representing absorbance of a disposable cuvette having first reagent in the cuvette (S104, S106).

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 simple and convenient sensor and measuring apparatus utilizing the optical interference effect of an optical thin film capable of measuring the binding between biochemical substances at a high throughput and having alkali resistance. An optical thin film of silicon nitride is disposed on the first surface and the rear surface of a silicon substrate, and the thickness of the silicon nitride film is modified in a direction parallel to the film. A portion of the thin film with increased thickness is used as a sensor upon which a probe is disposed, and over which a sample-containing solution is caused to flow. The binding between the probe and biochemical sample is detected based upon the change of the intensity of reflected light.

Abstract: An integrated photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) cell is fabricated using microelectromechanical (MEMS) techniques. The multi-layer structure includes an inner layer with a patterned resonant cavity disposed between top and bottom outer layers and a microphone acoustically coupled to the resonant cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the microphone is a piezoelectric thin-film membrane formed on one of the outer layers. The inner layer is additionally patterned to include buffer cavities on either side of the resonant cavity, and one or both of the top and bottom outer layers are also patterned to include buffer cavities aligned with the buffer cavities in the inner layer on either side of the resonant cavity. The preferred fabrication method involves joining an inner silicon substrate to a pair of outer silicon substrates, thereby encapsulating the resonant cavity, and depositing a piezoelectric thin film onto one of the outer substrates which is then patterned to create an acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.

Abstract: A method of illumination and illumination apparatus are provided in a biochip reader. Illumination is provided by a non-collimated laser source or a light emitting diode (LED). The light is directed to opposing sides of a glass substrate by a pair of optical fiber bundles. The glass substrate carries a bioarray. Each of the optical fiber bundles are splayed out to make a fan, the fan being one fiber thick and defining a line of optical fiber faces. This process randomizes any non-uniformity in the illumination source, creating a more uniform illumination source. A respective divergent diffuser engages each row of optical fiber faces coupling and diffusing light substantially evenly through the opposing sides of the glass substrate to illuminate the bioarray supported by the glass substrate. The glass substrate functions as a secondary light guide. The divergent diffusers separate the optical fiber faces from the edges of the glass substrate, protecting the optical fibers from mechanical damage.

Abstract: A verification method of a sample solution amount includes the steps of: detecting at least one of a transmitted light component, a scattered light component and a reflected light component of a light by a photosensor while irradiating a sample solution, which is being injected into a sample cell, with the light; and verifying that a predetermined amount of the sample solution is held in the sample cell based on a change in an output signal from the photosensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent liquid inspection apparatus capable of identifying a boundary between a transparent liquid applied on a base material which provides a multi-piece product and the base material, and automatically inspecting an applied condition of the transparent liquid without influence of a background of the base material. A projected image of an illumination source (2) is reflected on a surface of the transparent liquid as a mirror, the projected image is picked up by cameras (41 to 44), and the image is analyzed by an image processing unit (8), thereby inspecting an amount of displacement of the transparent liquid from a predetermined application position and expansion of the surface of the transparent liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining a new anticoagulant therapy factor (nATF) for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy to help prevent excessive bleeding or deleterious blood clots that might otherwise occur before, during or after surgery. In one embodiment, the new anticoagulant therapy factor is based upon a determination of a new fibrinogen transformation rate (nFTR) which, in turn, is dependent on a maximum acceleration point (MAP) for fibrinogen (FBG) conversion. The new anticoagulant therapy factor quantity is also based upon the time to maximum acceleration from the time of reagent injection (TX) into a plasma sample, but does not require the difficulty of obtaining prior art International Normalized Ratio (INR) and International Sensitivity Index (ISI) parameters. Other embodiments provide methods and apparatus for determining an anticoagulant therapy factor without requiring use of a mean normal prothrombin time determination or ISI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing a cell-containing liquid. The system includes a microfabricated substrate having an enrichment channel to prepare an enriched cell sample from the cell-containing liquid. A flow through member is in liquid communication with the enrichment zone. The flow through member substantially prevents cells of the cell-containing fluid from exiting the enrichment zone while allowing liquid of the cell-containing liquid to exit the enrichment zone. A gas actuator associated with the enrichment zone provides a gas pressure sufficient to move the enriched cell sample from the enrichment zone.

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: A microstructure-based chemical sensor that can be interrogated by a remote observer. The device acts as an electromagnetic wave filter in the optical region of the spectrum, filtering one or more wavelength bands where the band spectral notch location shifts in response to the accumulation of material on the surface of the microstructure sensor. The apparatus has a substrate having a surface relief structure containing dielectric bodies with one or more physical dimensions smaller than the wavelength of the filtered electromagnetic waves, such structures repeated in an array covering at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. A retro-reflecting structure allows interrogation of the sensor over a wide field of view. The device is particularly useful as a water monitoring device in hard to reach locations, and as a chemical warfare or explosives detector that can be read from a safe distance.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid including placing a quantity of fluid in a container; inducing flow in the fluid wherein the flow is substantially streamlined in at least a measuring region of the container, and wherein the fluid is recirculated through the measuring region; creating a mixing region separate from the measuring region sufficient to substantially mix the fluid; and measuring a property of the fluid in the streamlined region. The invention is of particular interest in the assessment of blood platelet function. The method provides specific localized regions of thorough mixing that enable reproducible platelet aggregation, and also provides specific localized regions of streamlined flow that enable certain modalities of assessing aggregation. Both of these regions of flow are induced such that damage to platelet aggregates and other blood components is minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring an infrared spectrum of a sample having or suspected to have an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof. A representative method includes providing a sample; providing an internal reflecting element (IRE) with a functionalized tip; contacting the sample with the IRE to form a sample-IRE interface; directing a beam of infrared (IR) radiation through the IRE under conditions such that the IR radiation interacts with the sample-IRE interface once; recording a reflectance profile over a range of preselected frequencies, whereby an infrared spectrum of the of a sample having or suspected of having an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof, disposed in an aqueous solution is acquired.

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 NIR spectroscopy fluid analyzing system using a series of LED's, each having its own preselected center wavelength, as illumination sources. These wavelengths have overlapping spectral widths, such that the measurement covers a broad spectrum. The LED's illuminate the fluid sample sequentially, and subsequently the transmission absorbance through the sample and the reflectance or scattering from the sample is measured for the wavelength range of each LED. The measurements are performed using photodetectors. The concentrations of component parts of the fluid are expressed in the form of a polynomial, which is a function of the measured transmitted and/or reflected intensities, and of empirical coefficients, which are extracted by prior statistical analysis on measured intensities obtained from a large number of test samples having known concentrations of the component. A novel sample chamber, capable of performing optical absorption measurements on a flowing sample of fluid, is described.

Abstract: An optical illumination and monitoring subsystem controls the operation of a flow cytometer having a carrier fluid that flows along a channel coupled to a droplet generator, which controls a point at which droplets break off from the carrier fluid, and a droplet sorter that is operative to cause selected droplets to be sorted along one or more droplet travel paths. The subsystem is operative to illuminate a respective droplet monitoring location along each of one or more droplet travel paths with a respective beam of light, such as that sourced from a common laser. In response to backscatter reflection from a droplet passing through the respective beam of light at a respective droplet monitoring location, the amplitude of the beam of light is increased. Then the droplet is monitored for the presence of a particle therein exhibiting detectable fluorescence as a result of the increase in the amplitude of the respective beam of light.

Abstract: A compound linked to a solid support (R) through a divalent linker moiety (X) and which is represented by the following formula: is disclosed. In particular, the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is directly linked to the support under mild conditions (i.e., in aqueous or organic solvents at neutral pH and at room temperature). The polymer bound 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid can be used for the derivatization of amines as well as for single step amino group modification of proteins, peptides, and amines via acylation or sulfonylation reactions. A flow through device and method for the single step amino group modifications of proteins, peptides, and amines is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flow through device for the detection of amines in a sample. Additionally, a device and method for the detection of amines in a sample using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to detect the presence of amines in a spoiled meat product.

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: The present invention relates to a chemical sensor arrangement having an analyte sensitive indicator wherein the analyte sensitive indicator has at least one nanoparticle. The invention further relates to a method for providing nanoparticles of defined and different sizes, especially for a chemical sensor arrangement, wherein a nanoparticle solution, having nanoparticles of a broad size distribution, is applied to chromatography beads, whereby the nanoparticles are adsorbed onto said beads and classified by size, and beads of a specific layer, having nanoparticles of essentially the same size, are separated from the beads within other layers and are held in suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur content of a sample. The apparatus has a reaction chamber (12) and means (14) for introducing a reducing agent that can selectively convert the reduced inorganic sulfur of a sample in the reaction chamber (12) to hydrogen sulfide. The reducing agent can be chromous chloride. The apparatus also includes means for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulfide evolved by reaction of the reducing agent with the sample and a detector for detecting when evolution of the hydrogen sulfide has reduced or ceased. The term “reduced inorganic sulfur” refers to sulfur in a form that can undergo oxidation and includes mineral sulphides and elemental sulfur.