Abstract: An optics module for determining at least one physical or chemical, process variable, especially concentration of at least one component of a medium, comprising: at least one light source; at least one data memory, wherein at least one characteristic of the light source is stored in the data memory; at least one interface, wherein the interface is designed for data transmission and/or energy transmission; and a platform. The light source, the data memory and the interface are arranged on/in the platform.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells; 4) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the one or more lacunae; and 5) determining the hematocrit of the sample using the selected optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells and the lacunae.

Abstract: A biochip having an image sensor with a back side illumination photodiode structure includes: a biochip layer; and an image sensor layer attached to one surface of the biochip layer and configured to sense light with biochemical reaction information, which is emitted from the biochip layer, wherein the image sensor layer includes a plurality of light sensing parts which receive the light directed toward a back side of a wafer.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for an automated sample introduction system, utilizing a demountable direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (d-DIHEN) is provided which incorporates an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the measurement of the phosphorus content in acid-digested nucleotides and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). An external pulse-free peristaltic pump provides samples from a container via a probe, and the pump is stopped when the probe is removed from the container.

Abstract: A sample adequacy measurement system having sample tubes and a housing having a receptacle to receive the sample tubes. The housing has sample adequacy measurement stations that each have a light source and a sample detector. The light source generates an illumination beam directed into one of the sample tubes. The sample detector is positioned along the tube, and receives at least a portion of the illumination beam scattered by turbidity in the sample tube. The detector is positioned at the end of an emitted beam path that extends in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sample tube unit. This reduce the likelihood that the emitted beam will pass through a damaged portion of the respective one of the sample tubes by passing the light through a protected portion of the tube.

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a photo-voltage active material chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The photo-voltage active material is of a type which produces an interfacial photo-voltage electrical signal upon illumination. The particular photo-voltage active material 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-voltage produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-voltage produces signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the photo-voltage of the target sample versus the photo-voltage of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection chip using light, which is able to provide an irradiation of light at a high precision. The present invention further provides an inspection chip capable of carrying out the inspection of a sample in a simple manner by using a plurality of lights. The inspection chip of the present invention comprises a light amplifier element and a sample holding section for holding a sample, in which the light amplifier element is oriented so as to face to the sample holding section, so that the light emitted from the light amplifier element can irradiate the sample held in the sample holding section.

Abstract: A method of analyzing microparticle compositions and a microparticle composition analyzing device are capable of quantitatively analyzing the mass concentration of air microparticles online for each chemical composition. The particle ray of microparticles in an air sample is converged, and is irradiated onto a narrow domain of a capture body which includes a mesh-shaped structure for capturing the microparticles in the particle ray while removing surplus gas phase components, and the microparticles are captured. Then, the narrow region is subjected to concentrated irradiation of energy rays, and the microparticles that are captured by the capture body are vaporized, sublimated or reacted to yield a desorbed component, which is analyzed.

Abstract: Diffraction gratings comprising a substrate with protrusions extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the protrusions are made of a porous material, for example porous silicon with a porosity of greater than about 10%. The diffraction grating may also be constructed from multiple layers of porous material, for example porous silicon with a porosity of greater than about 10%, with protrusion of attached thereto. In some embodiments the protrusions may be made from photoresist or another polymeric material. The gratings are the basis for sensitive sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are functionalized with selective binding species, to produce sensors that specifically bind to target molecules, for example chemical or biological species of interest.

Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

Abstract: Measuring the concentration of an analyte in an aqueous solution by obtaining an aqueous solution containing an analyte, providing a cyanine indicator, placing the aqueous solution in fluid communication with the cyanine indicator, measuring a detectable property change of the cyanine indicator, and comparing the detectable property change of the cyanine indicator with a calibration curve of the detectable property change of samples containing known concentrations of the analyte. The concentration of the analyte is determined using the detectable property change that is proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing binding assays. In particular, the invention relates to a centrifugal device for performing such assays. The invention also relates to a method of performing binding assays involving antigen-antibody binding, nucleic acid hybridization, or receptor-ligand interaction.

Abstract: A sensor that generates an output signal in response to a stimulus, where the output signal is generated with a predetermined relationship to one or more properties of the stimulus such that the one or more properties of the stimulus can be determined as a function of the output signal. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a component, a sensor processor, and a transmitter. The component deteriorates, thereby causing predictable fluctuations in the predetermined relationship between the output signal and the one or more properties of the stimulus. The sensor processor provides information related to the deterioration of the component. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the information provided by the processor.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing urine is described. The reagent comprises a fungus membrane damaging agent for damaging a cellular membrane of yeast-like fungus in urine; a first dye for staining yeast-like fungus so that a fluorescent intensity of damaged yeast-like fungus becomes more intense than that of erythrocyte in urine; and a second dye for staining sperm in urine so that a fluorescent intensity of sperm becomes more intense than that of the damaged yeast-like fungus.

Abstract: Provided herein are explosives detection substrates which include an electrospun (electro)sprayed and/or dry spun aromatic polymer, such as polystyrene, and a small molecule fluorophore. Methods for detecting an explosive material using such substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.

Abstract: An example method for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid includes the steps of exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermoelastic expansion in the analyte, and detecting a photoacoustic signal in the sample that results from the thermoelastic expansion.

Abstract: This invention has two synergistic elements for simultaneous use in point-of-care or field analyses of diverse substances important to clinical medicine and other applications. The first element is a sample holder in which are stored the several reagents need for quantification of target molecules. The onboard storage of reagents in a water soluble plastic obviates the need for purchase, storage, measuring and mixing of the required reagents prior to analyses. The second part of the invention is a compact hand-held analyzer made of modern miniature optical components, into which the holder is inserted right after it is loaded with a sample by capillary action. The combination of the holder and analyzer permits analyses that are ten times faster than those done with current analyzers, and equally accurate. Analyses can be performed by diverse people, who require only a few minutes of training in the use of the entire invention.

Abstract: A system (100) is described for characterizing and/or manipulating molecules. The system may especially be suitable for biological molecules, although the invention is not limited thereto. The system (100) comprises a substrate (110) comprising a nanostructure (120) being suitable for translocation of molecules through the nanostructure (120). It furthermore comprises a means (210) for translocating molecules through the nanostructure (120) and a plasmonic force field generating means (130) adapted for influencing the translocation speed of the particle by applying a plasmonic force field at the nanostructure (120). A corresponding method also is described.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, methods, and uses for measuring redox potential. For example, provided herein are fiber optic redox sensors and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

Abstract: An analyte treatment apparatus comprising liquid chemical tanks storing liquid chemicals; and a treatment unit carrying out a treatment by supplying the liquid chemicals, so as to facilitate observation. The liquid chemical tanks are made of resin and housed inside a housing unit. Openings are formed in the housing unit. Light projecting means is provided outside of the treatment unit and projects light into each liquid chemical tank through the opening of the housing unit. A colored transparent door is provided to the housing unit and located at the other side with respect to a specific side of the liquid chemical tanks from which light diffusely reflected at the one side and the opposite side of the liquid chemical tank or in the liquid chemical tank can be visually checked, so as to visually check the reflected light. A control unit controls ON-OFF switching of the light projecting means.

Abstract: A device for generating a born encrypted optical file includes a photovoltaic matrix for converting an optical image into a digital file. The digital file is a collection of digital data that has not been processed by any image processing logic and thus cannot be used to directly generate a reproduced image of the object. An encryption logic converts the digital file into an encrypted digital file that can be exported from the device to an authorized device to create a decrypted digital file. This decrypted digital file is capable of being used by a display logic to display an image of the object.

Abstract: There is provided a portable measuring system having a biophotonic sensor. The portable measuring system also includes a tunable light source, an output intensity detector and an output wavelength detector, which are mounted therein. The portable measuring system can precisely measure a variation in the reflectivity spectrum and/or the transmittance spectrum of the biophotonic sensor before and after an antigen-antibody reaction by varying the wavelength of the tunable light source. Thus, the concentration of the antigen is precisely measured.

Abstract: When the concentration of glycated hemoglobin is measured, a plurality of wavelengths are selected as measurement wavelengths from the wavelength range of 400 to 450 nm. Preferably, by use of a liquid chromatography, at least the light of different peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 415 to 430 nm are continuously or intermittently received to obtain a three dimensional chromatogram having as variables the wavelength, the elution time and the amount of detection. The concentration of glycated hemoglobin is calculated based on this three dimensional chromatogram.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored (RBC) units comprises: a hemolysis unit; an optical analysis unit; and a computation unit. This apparatus is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions.

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

Abstract: An integrated bio-chip includes a substrate and one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides disposed in the substrate. The substrate includes one or more reaction regions on which samples are disposed. An end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at an upper surface thereof, another end portion of each of the one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides is exposed from the substrate at a lower surface thereof, and the one or more reaction regions are disposed at a upper surface of the substrate. The one or more excitation light absorbing waveguides absorbs excitation light incident to the samples, and transmits fluorescent light emitted from the samples.

Abstract: The invention describes a detection device that comprise nanostructures and which detection mechanism is based on the quantum confinement effects. The analyte species are sensed by measuring charge or/and energy transfer between the species and the nanostructures, which will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states distribution in the nanostructures and the density of states distribution in the targeted analyte species.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The method comprises: a hemolysis step; an optical analysis step; and a computation step. The method is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions. A vital aspect of this testing method is the accumulation of copious output and other associated data and the mathematical analyses thereof to optimize algorithms by which to characterize each subsequent test output as meaningfully as possible.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device comprises a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer. The device also comprises first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements. Each of the stiffening elements defines a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition. Each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external text apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a simple and effective way of synthesizing robust organic-inorganic hybrid gels and ultra-thin films using vaporization of a gel precursor. The gels are synthesized at relatively low temperature allowing the activity of the immobilized species to be maintained. The disclosure provides robust, synthetic, selective, active and/or passive transport systems in the form of functional biologically active species and mechanisms for forming them. These systems allow selective and passive or active transport of ionic, molecular and biological species through the incorporation of functional biological molecules and biomolecular assemblies in a rigid matrix.

Abstract: A practical measuring device and a measuring method that allow simply measuring average postprandial blood glucose from urinary glucose. The blood glucose measuring device includes a measuring unit that measures postprandial urinary glucose from subject's urine at a predetermined time after meal, a processing unit that calculates average postprandial blood glucose through a period up to the predetermined time after meal, based on the postprandial urinary glucose, a storage unit that stores calibration data including the postprandial urinary glucose and the average postprandial blood glucose in association, and an output unit that outputs data indicating the calculated average postprandial blood glucose. The processing unit calculates the average postprandial blood glucose, based on the postprandial urinary glucose from the urine of the subject who has intaken a desired amount of water or perspired in the period up to the predetermined time after meal, and the calibration data.

Abstract: A method of measuring a pH of a solution includes: emitting light beams of two wavelengths from one side of a measuring region of a solution into which an indicator is mixed, while pulsating the solution in the measuring region; receiving at least one of transmitted light beams and reflected light beams of the emitted light beams on the other side of the measuring region, while pulsating the solution in the measuring region; obtaining absorbances of the two wavelengths based on the received at least one of the transmitted light beams and the reflected light beams; obtaining an absorbance ratio from the obtained absorbances ; and calculating a pH value of the solution based on the obtained absorbance ratio and an absorbance ratio/pH value correspondence database which is previously stored.

Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light.

Abstract: A blood analysis apparatus is provided. The blood analysis apparatus includes: a chip holding portion having an aperture which allows light to pass therethrough and holding a ?-TAS chip for holding a measurement liquid; a rotary body on which the chip holding portion is mounted; a light source; and a light-receiving unit. A measurement position of the rotary body at which the measurement liquid is to be measured with the light from the light source is set by: rotating the rotary body to obtain a light value of light which is emitted from the light source and received by the light-receiving unit through the aperture; and setting a rotational position of the rotary body where the light value is a threshold value or more, as the measurement position.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement device. The measurement device includes a sensor, a wavelength-tunable light source, an additional light source, a coupler, and an optical power measurer. The sensor accepts a sample. The wavelength-tunable light source irradiates wavelength-tunable light to detect a reaction of the sensor. The additional light source irradiates wavelength-fixed light to detect an initial time of the reaction. The coupler combines the wavelength-tunable light source and the additional light source and irradiates the combined input light on the sensor. The optical power measurer detects the reaction of the sensor from an output light transmitted through or reflected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of tracing an aqueous liquid, particularly an aqueous urea used for addition to a selective catalytic reduction system to remove NOx from diesel exhaust, includes adding a tracer comprising a pre-determined amount of a phenol to the liquid. The liquid can subsequently be identified by reacting a sample with a reagent containing a predetermined amount of 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of an initiating compound such that the reaction between the reagent and a phenol in the liquid produces a chromophore and measuring the absorbance of the resulting solution of the chromophore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems. In some embodiments, the optical elements comprise triangular grooves formed on or in a surface of the device. The draft angle of the triangular grooves may be chosen such that incident light normal to the surface of the device is redirected at an angle dependent upon the indices of refraction of the external medium (e.g., air) and the device material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer comprises a light source, a spectroscope, a photo detection unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and a calculation unit. The storage unit stores photo detector identifiers related to photo detectors and wavelength band identifiers in association with each other. The selection unit selects a specific photo detector from photo detectors. The specific photo detector corresponds to a specific photo detector identifier associated with a wavelength band identifier of a wavelength band according to a measurement item of a sample. The calculation unit calculates an absorbance related to the measurement item based on a signal from the selected specific photo detector.