Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis system for the photometric determination of an analyte in a body fluid, having an analysis device and a test carrier. The test carrier has an evaluation zone in which a photometrically detectable change takes place as the result of a reaction of a sample of the body fluid which contacts the test carrier with a reagent contained in the test carrier. The analysis device comprises an optical emitter for emitting light onto the evaluation zone, an optical receiver for receiving light from the evaluation zone and for generating a measurement signal corresponding to the received light, and a measurement and evaluation device with a measuring unit and an evaluating unit. The measurement signal is amplified and digitalized in the measuring unit. In the evaluating unit, the concentration value is determined from the digitalized measurement signal.

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.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and an apparatus to determine and replicate unknown ratios of original target liquid blends, such as hydrocarbon fuel blends or contaminants, by using an in-process fluorescence-monitored procedure. The method relies on trial-and-error mixing of the liquid ingredients into a single container. At the end of the trial-and-error procedure the formed blend becomes an exact replica of the target blend. The method can also be used to build calibration curves without employing sets of previously prepared standard solutions.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dipyrromethene-boron hydrophilic fluorescent compounds The invention concerns fluorescent and hydrophilic compounds meeting following formula (I): wherein: S1 is a group of formula —C?C-L?-A where L? is a linkage group and A is a polar functional group; S2 is a —C?C-L?-A group the same or different from S1; —F; —H; or a hydrocarbon chain optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, and use thereof, in particular in aqueous or hydrophilic media.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: A binding partner, especially an antibody fragment that specifically recognizes an antigen-antibody immune complex between anti-THC and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is disclosed. The binding partner facilitates a non-competitive homogenous immunoassay for detection of cannabis use. A test kit comprising the binding partner is also described. Preferably the immunoassay is applied for roadside testing of saliva from suspected drivers.

Abstract: The present technology provides a cell based assay for identifying compounds that modulate store-operated ionic calcium levels using itpr mutant cell lines, such as itpr-ku cells, which have abnormal ionic calcium levels.

Abstract: Described herein is a time-gated, two-step FRET relay effective to provide temporal transference of a prompt FRET pathway, or provide spectro-temporal encoding analytical signals and other information. A FRET relay assembly includes a long lifetime FRET donor (for example, a lanthanide complex), a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) configured as an intermediate acceptor/donor in FRET, and a fluorescent dye configured as a terminal FRET acceptor, wherein the long lifetime FRET donor has an excited state lifetime of at least one microsecond and the QD and fluorescent dye each have excited state lifetimes of less than 100 nanoseconds.

Abstract: A method for identifying a ligand or compound which binds to albumin comprises the steps of contacting a reaction mixture comprising a site-specific probe and albumin in the presence and the absence of the ligand or compound and measuring either dissociation constant KD, inhibitor concentration IC50 or fluorescence displacement; whereby a change in KD, IC50 and/or fluorescence in the presence of the ligand or compound is indicative of the ligand or compound binds to albumin.

Abstract: An interchangeable disposable measuring cassette for insertion into a measuring apparatus for detecting target molecules in a liquid sample by measuring fluorescence emission has a flow measurement cell in which an excitation radiation provided by the measuring apparatus produces an evanescent field in the liquid sample beyond a boundary layer for the liquid sample and the measurement cell. To be better able to ensure that no sample liquid can cross from the measurement cell into the measuring apparatus, the measuring cassette includes a body including an optically transparent material and a base in contact with the underside of the body. The measurement cell is formed by a cutout provided in the body, the base, or both. The areas on which the body and the base are on top of one another around this cutout are connected to one another directly and in fluid-tight fashion by laser welding.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include image-based systems and methods for detection of one or more analytes. A surface has identifiable analyte-specific capture particle(s) immobilised thereto at any point of an assay, to which different analytes attach due to the affinity of analyte-specific capture molecule(s) linked to the surface of the capture particle(s) for the analyte. Analyte-specific detector molecules with conjugated detection moieties are then attached to the analyte, and a computer assisted, image-based detection system captures images of the capture particles with or without attached analytes and detector molecules. By using different subsets of analyte-specific capture molecules, each subset having a characteristic identifiable feature; it is now possible to perform capture particle-based, rapid multiplex assays of biological and non-biological analytes without flow.

Abstract: Small Molecule Metabolite Reporters (SMMRs) for use as in vivo glucose biosensors, sensor compositions, and methods of use, are described. The SMMRs include boronic acid-containing xanthene, coumarin, carbostyril and phenalene-based small molecules which are used for monitoring glucose in vivo, advantageously on the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid bilayer coated beads and methods of using those beads in delivery systems, in immunoassays, in analytical assays and the like.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe comprising a compound represented as (Fluorophore A)-S-(Fluorophore B) (Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B are fluorophores which emit fluorescence when they are irradiated with an excitation light of a wavelength of 600 to 950 nm, Fluorophore A has a property that it shows change of fluorescence characteristic before and after a specific reaction with an substance to be measured, and S represents a spacer which connects Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B), which compound shows substantial change in efficiency of fluorescence resonance energy transfer between Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B before and after the specific reaction with the objective substance, wherein Fluorophore A is represented by the following formula (AI): which uses and shows an excitation light wavelength/fluorescence wavelength in the near infrared region, lights of which region show superior biological tissue permeability, and enables measurement of an substance to be measured by the ratio method.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides biosensors for detecting molecules of interest. The biosensors include a polypeptide capable of selectively-binding glucose, wherein the polypeptide molecule is selected from: an unnatural analogue of wild type glucose binding protein; a fragment of wild type glucose binding protein; and an unnatural analogue fragment of wild type glucose binding protein.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a sorting flow cytometer include an objective lens having an optical axis coaxially aligned with the flow path at the focal point. A controllable energy source selectively alters an analyte according to a determination of whether the analyte is in a desired sub-population. In various embodiments, one or both of the emission from the controllable energy source and/or the emission from an illumination energy source passes through the objective lens. In some embodiments in which the emission from the controllable energy source passes through the objective lens, the objective lens may focus the emission from the controllable energy source at a different point than the focal point of a signal detected from the analyte and, in particular, at a point closer to the objective lens.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for determining antioxidant activity of a test sample in intact cells. The method includes determining the antioxidant capacity of a test sample in intact red blood cells, wherein the test sample is added to intact red blood cells and oxidative damage is measured by alteration of fluorescence intensity of an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) including a photometry mechanism (6) for photometrically analyzing a reagent pad of an analytical tool to which a sample is applied, and a table (4) including a placing portion (41) at which the analytical tool is to be placed. The light emitting surface (68) or the light incident surface (68) of the light from the light emitting elements (66) of the photometry mechanism (6) is cleaned, with a cleaning tool (22) placed at the table (4). The present invention further provides a cleaning tool (22) for cleaning the photometry mechanism (6) of the analyzer (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique of measuring a protein based on a degree of coloring in a liquid sample mixed with a protein measurement indicator. In the present invention, information reflecting creatinine concentration in the liquid sample is obtained, and then an influence quantity caused by creatinine to the protein concentration measurement is eliminated based on the information.

Abstract: A surface grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) is formed by coupling a CPE by a coupling moiety to the surface of a substrate. The substrate can be of any shape and size, and for many uses of the surface grafted CPE, it is advantageous that the substrate is a nanoparticle or microparticle. Surface grafted CPEs are presented that use silica particles as the substrate, where a modified silane coupling agent connects the surface to the CPE by a series of covalent bonds. Two methods of preparing the surface grafted CPEs are presented. One method involves the inclusion of the surface being modified by the coupling agent and condensed with monomers that form the CPE in a grafted state to the substrate. A second method involves the formation of a CPE with terminal groups that are complimentary to functionality that has been placed on the surface of the substrate by reaction with a coupling agent. The surface grafted CPEs are also described for use as biosensors and biocides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay device and a method for using such for the quantitative determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains a test site having immobilized thereon a ligand capable of reacting with the analyte and binding such to the test site, and two standard band sites having immobilized thereon known high and low concentrations of a calibrator agent capable of reacting with a label conjugate and binding such to the standard sites, wherein the upstream membrane has a site for the application of a sample to be analyzed, and has a site downstream from the sample application site for depositing label conjugates capable of reacting with the analyte and label conjugates capable of reacting with the

Abstract: A method of monitoring water-soluble treatment chemicals in a fluid that is immiscible with water and which may or may not contain some aqueous fluid, the method using at least one reagent that produces an optically detectable product, the detection step can take place without separation of the aqueous phase containing the treatment chemicals from the fluid immiscible with water.

Abstract: A method of determining beryllium or a beryllium compound thereof in a sample is disclosed by measuring fluorescence. This method discloses improved sample preparation methods, particularly for refractory beryllium materials. The method also discloses methods to improve the detection limit of beryllium including use of optical filters with specific characteristics for selecting the emission wavelengths of the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).

Abstract: A portable chemical analytical apparatus to analyze a test swipe includes a heater to warm the test swipe to a predetermined temperature; a clamp to secure the test swipe to the heater; one or more pumps to dispense one or more chemicals onto the test swipe from a disposable cartridge; a fan to remove chemical vapors rising a predetermined distance from the test swipe; and a camera to capture an image of the test swipe for automated analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.

Abstract: Provide is a method for detecting a target substance, which method can visualize the expression of the target substance at any time point while reducing influences on the functions of the target substance, can use fluorescent dyes having various excitation/emission wavelengths, and can achieve easy staining process. Also provided are a tag, a DNA, a vector, a probe and a detection kit suitable for use in the above-described detection method. Specifically, the method for detecting a target substance, comprises the steps of bringing into contact with each other (a) a tag comprising a polypeptide forming an ?-helix structure, the tag bound to the target substance, and (b) a probe comprising a compound bound to a fluorescent dye; and measuring the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent dye. The binding of the tag ?-helix structure to the probe compound induces a spectral change in the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent dye.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans, for example, rapid fluorescent labeling of N-glycans. In one aspect, the present invention provides fluorescent carbamate or thiocarbamate compounds. Upon contacting with N-glycans, the compounds undergo facile reactions with N-glycans to form fluorescent-labeled N-glycans.

Abstract: In an analyte evaluation method for evaluating an analyte, AC voltage is applied between a substrate electrode on a substrate and a counter electrode, and signals obtained from a marker provided on an analyte bound to the substrate electrode are observed, wherein the frequency of the AC voltage is changed and the behavior of the average value of the marker signals is observed. A novel, highly-selective, low-noise method of evaluating a object of evaluation is thus achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analysing carbohydrates. The invention is in particular useful in detecting a terminal monosaccharide which may be released from a glycosylated substrate for example using an exoglucosidase. After relase from the glycosylated substrate the terminal monosaccharide may be captured on a solid support, incubated with a boronate detection agent and detected by aid of the boronate detection agent. The methods of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes including sequencing of carbohydrates, wherein exoglycosidases with predetermined specificity are employed for the release.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining composition and completion of an experiment are provided. One-computer-implemented method for determining composition and completion of an experiment includes determining one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and determining if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. One system configured to determine composition and completion of an experiment includes a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and to determine if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. Another system configured to perform an experiment includes a measurement subsystem configured to acquire data during the experiment and a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of the data during the experiment and to determine the composition of the experiment and if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A preliminary diagnostic system comprising a reading station and at least one card comprising an integrated circuit and adapted to be read by the reading station, the integrated circuit of the card comprising a hydraulic circuit and a detection circuit, the card containing a reagent which is adapted to react to the presence of a marker of a disease, the hydraulic circuit being adapted to receive a sample of a biological liquid and to introduce the reagent in the sample, the detection circuit being adapted to detect the presence of the marker in the sample, the absence of the marker of the disease indicating the absence of the disease in the sample.

Abstract: The nitrogen oxide analyzer obtains the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics that show the relationship between the ozone concentration and the light intensity by chemiluminescent response obtained by varying the ozone concentration alone in a steady state, and sets the relationship of the parameter that determines an average period of the sample gas passing the reactor so that the luminescence response is generated in the reactor alone even though the ozone concentration of the ozone-containing gas changes within a predetermined range based on the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the surface plasmon-enhancement of long lived luminescent compounds, thereby providing for methods and systems having enhanced and controllable rates of the radiative emission of such relaxation of long lived luminescent compounds. The present invention achieves acceleration of the radiative processes by the interaction of the long lived luminescent compounds with surface plasmons of the metal surfaces.

Abstract: A senor uses a transduction mechanism of attenuating electroluminescence. Luminescence from a light emitting diode is attenuated as a consequence of direct interaction of an analyte and a electroluminescent material, An electroluminescent diode sensor (EDS) is fabricated in a way that allows the electroluminescent material in the diode to be exposed to gaseous, liquid or solid sample(s) which may affect the luminescence intensity of the diode.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to labeling reagents useful for labeling biomolecules. In particular, the invention provides activated labeling reagents having the formula L-Ph, wherein L is an activated labeling molecule and Ph is a phenol. The invention further provides methods of preparing the labeling reagents, methods of using the labeling reagents for synthesizing a labeled biomolecule, kits that include reagents for labeling a biomolecule and kits containing labeled biomolecules.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles comprising an encapsulated fluorescent core comprising an ionically bound fluorescent dye and a metal oxide shell. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a core containing indocyanine green (ICG) with a silica shell that displays excellent photostability for generation of a near infrared fluorescence signal. The fluorescent core-shell nanoparticle can be further modified to act as an MRI, x-ray, or PAT contrast agent. The ICG nanoparticles can also be used as photodynamic therapeutic agent. Other embodiments of the invention directed to methods of making the novel core-shell nanoparticles and to the use of the core-shell nanoparticles for in vitro or in vivo imaging.

Abstract: Provided is method for detecting an analyte, wherein the analyte is labelled with one or more labels relatable to the analyte which are suitable for optical detection, which method comprises: a) applying an oscillating voltage having a first frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; b) applying an oscillating voltage having a second frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; c) determining the identity and/or quantity of the analyte from the data obtained in step (a) and step (b).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for measuring the removal of analyte from a cell. One or more cells are provided, comprising at least 10 picograms of an analyte within a volume defined by the area of an x-ray excitation beam and a depth of a depth of five times the 1/e attenuation depth for at least one characteristic x-ray signal of the analyte as attenuated by water. At least a of portion of the analyte is removed from the cells; and the analyte is measured using x-ray fluorescence.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.

Abstract: A reagent for detecting an analyte by a redox reaction and a fluorimetric determination is disclosed. The reagent comprises a compound of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from R, (CH2CH2O)mR, COR, COOR, and OCOR; each R3 is independently selected from NO2, CN, R, OR, OCOR, COOR, SR, and halogen; R is H or C1-C4 alkyl, where alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more functional group independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, OR, SR, NR2, COOR, CONR2, SO3R and salts thereof, and PO(OR)3 and salts thereof; m is an integer from 1 to 20; and n is 1, 2, or 3. The reagent may further comprise an enzyme or a coenzyme for reducing or oxidizing an analyte.

Abstract: Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for determination of a medical condition, the system including a disposable cartridge adapted to receive a volume of a body fluid, the cartridge comprising a plurality of sections, at least one of the sections adapted to react at least one reactant with the bodily fluid to form a pretreated sample; and an optics unit comprising at least one excitation illumination adapted to convey radiation to the pre-treated sample, at least one multi-spectral emission detector and at least one of a photon counter and an integrator, wherein the at least one excitation illumination and the at least one multi-spectral emission detector are disposed on the same side of the cartridge; and wherein the optics unit is adapted to detect a plurality of spectrally distinct signals generated by interaction of the radiation and the pre-treated sample in the cartridge, thereby determining said medical condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved hydrogen peroxide assays, as well as droplet actuators for conducting such assays. The droplet actuators of the invention may be used to conduct droplet-based hydrogen peroxide assays. They may also be associated with detectors for analyzing the results of the hydrogen peroxide assays of the invention. They may be provided as components of systems which control droplet operations and/or detection for conducting the hydrogen peroxide assays. Measurement by the detector may be used to quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, hybridization chambers containing probes that each have a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a fluorophore and a quencher configured such that the fluorophore emits a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light and the quencher quenches the fluorescence signal when the probe is not hybridized, but fails to quench the fluorescence signal from the probe-target hybrid, and, a calibration chamber with no fluorophore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and utilizes “shield effect” to detect the dopamine under physiological condition, providing the reagent and method for dopamine detection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.