Abstract: Soluble or colloidal nanoparticles of molecularly imprinted polymer are produced reliably and consistently in a photoreactor with a reaction vessel (18) containing a solid phase (14) bearing immobilised template. Parameters such as temperature, fluid flows and irradiation time are controlled by a computer (52).

Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid through a pipeline that includes a riser pipe with a choke valve comprises receiving multiple signals dependent on fluid flow properties from a plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe, analysing the signals to establish a vector of measurement weights, the product of the vector of measurement weights and a corresponding vector of the signal values of a given time being dependent on the severity of a slug flow forming in the system. Further signals dependent on fluid flow properties are received from the plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe. A set position for the choke valve is then determined from the product of the vector of measurement weights and further values of signals to restrict characteristics of the flow in the topside from moving towards a severely slugging flow regime.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a collimator and a detector, the collimator having a material for blocking radiation and a region that is a sector of an annulus or multiple regions in a configuration in the shape of a sector of an annulus for allowing transmission of the radiation. The detector is spaced a distance from the collimator such that when a radiation source and sample crystal material are positioned at suitable positions, the radiation is collimated by the collimator and contacts the sample a predetermined distance from the detector at multiple of locations corresponding to the region or regions of the collimator. The Bragg diffracted radiation from the crystal material at two or more and preferably all of the locations overlap at the detector.

Abstract: A polymerization process, preferably a living radical polymerisation process, is carried out in the presence of a template substance, to produce s molecularly imprinted polymers (“MIPs”). It is controlled so that the products are quite small (500-106 Daltons) so that they are soluble or form colloidal suspensions. The template substances are immobilized templates, which can be re-used. Immobilized templates are also useful for purification of MIP solutions/suspensions by affinity chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for synthesis of relatively low molecular weight imprinted polymers using living polymerization, and their application in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, medicine and the food industry. Specifically the low-molecular weight polymers are synthesized by the polymerization of functional monomers in the presence of a template, such as a biological receptor, enzyme, nucleic acid, cell, virus, microorganism, tissue sample or drug using living initiator. The conditions of living polymerization ensure a relatively small size of synthesized molecules. Synthesized in this way molecules (dimers, oligomers, polymers, or their mixture) have a higher affinity to the template than the original monomers and can rebind it in vitro and/or in vivo.

Abstract: A coating and a method of forming the same on a substrate is provided. The coating is provided with at least one ceramic material layer and at least one metal material layer. At least one of the materials used is a shape memory alloy so as to provide elasticity in the coating so as to allow any deformation of the same to be substantially recovered.

Abstract: A computer aided rational molecular design method that includes establishing a virtual library of functional monomers each having a portion that is capable of polymerizing and a functional group that is capable of interacting with a template molecule with the aid of a computer, designing a molecular model of a biological template molecule by a computer facilitated molecular mechanical method and screening said virtual library of functional monomers and selecting those monomers which have the highest binding score to the template molecule by their functional group.

Abstract: A bio-mass farming system comprises a plurality of repositories (3) for growing bio-mass and configured to be located offshore, and harvesting apparatus (1) configured to be located offshore and, at any one time, to harvest bio-mass from at least one but not all of the repositories. A method of bio-mass farming comprises the steps of providing a plurality of offshore repositories (3) for growing bio-mass; providing offshore harvesting apparatus (1); and harvesting bio-mass from at least one of the repositories while simultaneously leaving other repositories unharvested.

Abstract: A repository (3) for the water-based fanning of bio-mass, wherein the repository is configured to be attachable to at least one other repository at six regularly-spaced locations (7) on its periphery.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a parameter of a sample has an optical sensor in the form of a monofibre waveguide having a distal end coated with a film that is placed in a sample. The waveguide has an input channel connected to a radiation light source and an output channel connected to a photodiode and amplifier to receive signals representative of the interference patterns created at the interface between the film and the sample. A computer receives the signals via an analogue to digital converter for processing the information and providing a measurement of the parameter. The measurement of the parameter may be used to control a process or system.

Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid through a pipeline that includes a riser pipe with a choke valve comprises receiving multiple signals dependent on fluid flow properties from a plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe, analysing the signals to establish a vector of measurement weights, the product of the vector of measurement weights and a corresponding vector of the signal values of a given time being dependent on the severity of a slug flow forming in the system. Further signals dependent on fluid flow properties are received from the plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe. A set position for the choke valve is then determined from the product of the vector of measurement weights and further values of signals to restrict characteristics of the flow in the topside from moving towards a severely slugging flow regime.

Abstract: A mixture of dyes each having an optical property (e.g. fluorescence intensity) which is sensitive to an external factor is caused to interact with a system that is to be monitored, such that the system provides the external factor and therefore influences the optical properties of the dyes. The optical properties of the individual dyes are individually measurable (e.g. being spectral intensities at different wavelengths). Their values are subjected to pattern analysis, e.g. using an artificial neural network analysis, leading to an output that characterises the system or its state.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a collimator and a detector, the collimator having a material for blocking radiation and a region that is a sector of an annulus or multiple regions in a configuration in the shape of a sector of an annulus for allowing transmission of the radiation. The detector is spaced a distance from the collimator such that when a radiation source and sample crystal material are positioned at suitable positions, the radiation is collimated by the collimator and contacts the sample a predetermined distance from the detector at multiple of locations corresponding to the region or regions of the collimator. The Bragg diffracted radiation from the crystal material at two or more and preferably all of the locations overlap at the detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensor and in particular to a sensor for the detection of biologically important species. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detecting an analyte in the presence of at least one interferent in a sample. The method comprises the steps of providing a sensor having a transducer and a receptor layer in communication with the transducer, in which the receptor layer comprises a material for absorbing the analyte; exposing the receptor layer to the sample; treating the receptor layer to remove selectively the at least one interferent; and measuring the signal from the transducer. The treatment step is performed by applying a change in potential, a change in pH or a change in temperature to the receptor layer, by washing the receptor layer, by irradiating the receptor layer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A template (a molecule preferably of molecular size >500 Da, or a larger entity such as a cell, virus or tissue sample) is dissolved or suspended in a fluid. The fluid is frozen, and the template is removed (e.g. by dissolution or electrophoresis, or mechanically) to leave an “imprinted” frozen fluid. This is capable of selectively adsorbing the template substance. It is usable as a separation medium, a recognition element in sensors and assays, and as a catalyst.

Abstract: A polymer able to bind a target compound selectively is designed by producing a virtual library of polymerisable monomers, and molecular models of the target compound and one or more potential interferents. The library is screened to identify monomers with substantial differences in strengths of binding to (a) target and (b) interferent. Monomers favouring the target may be used to produce polymers for selectively binding the target, for use in separation or analytical processes.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a parameter of a sample has an optical sensor in the form of a monofibre waveguide having a distal end coated with a film that is placed in a sample. The waveguide has an input channel connected to a radiation light source and an output channel connected to a photodiode and amplifier to receive signals representative of the interference patterns created at the interface between the film and the sample. A computer receives the signals via an analogue to digital converter for processing the information and providing a measurement of the parameter. The measurement of the parameter may be used to control a process or system.

Abstract: A monomer having a pair of hydroxy groups held in a fixed relationship (e.g. a dihydroxybenzene) is diesterified with a compound having a polymerisable group, e.g. to form a diacrylate. After polymerisation with a crosslinker, the polymer is hydrolysed. The dihydroxy-monomer is removed, leaving a polymer with pair of carboxyl groups held in spatial relationships determined by the dihydroxy monomer. Thus a range of subtly different polymers can be prepared by using different dihydroxy-monomer templates. The polymers are desirably swellable. They can be used as selective binding materials, e.g. in chromatography or analysis.

Abstract: Monomers (e.g. thinphenes) are caused to polymerise by mixing them with an oxidising agent (and generally a solvent comprising water) and irradiating the mixture with light (visible or UV). Polymer properties can be varied by doping or chemical modification. Uses include sensor elements for assays and electrical components such as electrodes.

Abstract: A substrate in contact with a solution of polymerisable monomer(s) is subjected to patterned localised heating by means of a scannable laser, causing local polymerisation with generation of a pattern of polymer. The resulting patterned polymer array can be used e.g. in assay devices.