Abstract: The present disclosure provides an instrument and methods for detecting an analyte, comprising a light source capable of generating excitation light for exciting a plurality of luminescence labels, an excitation beam path extending between said light source and said analyte, a detector capable of detecting light emitted from said luminescence label, an emission beam path extending between said analyte and said detector, a filter carrier carrying two or more pairs of filter portions, each pair being related to one luminescence label and comprising a first filter portion for transmitting excitation light and a second filter portion for transmitting emitted light, wherein said first filter portion of one pair is said second filter portion of another pair, and wherein said filter portions are arranged in a manner that a respective one of said pairs can be brought in an operative condition in which said first filter portion is in said excitation beam path and said second filter portion is in said emission beam pat

Abstract: The invention combines recent advances in barcode technology with portable wireless communication devices to engineer a simple and low-cost chip-based multiplex wireless detection system. The system can analyze multiple targets of interest simultaneously in minutes and is applicable to detection of pathogens or contaminants in a wide range of fields including medicine, agriculture and the environment.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor fiber including an electrically insulating material having a fiber length. At least one transduction element is disposed along at least a portion of the fiber length and is arranged for exposure to an intake species. A photoconducting element is in optical communication with the transduction element. At least one pair of electrically conducting electrodes are in electrical connection with the photoconducting element. The pair of electrodes extend the fiber length.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus that includes a fluidic structure and optical components. The fluidic structure includes a transparent channel through which objects in an analyte fluid can travel along respective paths during operation of the apparatus. The optical components are configured to provide measurement light to the objects traveling through the transparent channel. The fluidic structure is configured to reversibly engage with a host structure. The host structure includes a source of the measurement light and electronics to receive and process output light emanating from the objects traveling in the channel. The fluidic structure makes an air-tight seal when engaged with the host structure.

Abstract: We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A diabetes test system for measuring blood glucose levels is provided, which includes a glucose meter, at least one diabetic test strip, and a container or pouch for storing the diabetes test strips and protecting them during transport. Methods of packaging diabetes test strips are also provided. The glucose meter includes software for detecting the validity of the at least one diabetic test strip, and a communication device that transmits data relating to the blood glucose level of the user to an external device. A secure packaging system for diabetes test strips which eliminates gray market sales of such test strips is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for extracting isoprene using minimum capital investment, operating cost, and relatively corrosion free environment are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the invention are directed to producing pure isoprene and gasoline quality raffinate (free or sulfur and acetylenes) which are of value in manufacturing rubbers and other polymers.

Abstract: Biosensor including a device base having a sensor array of light sensors and a guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions that are configured to receive excitation light and light emissions generated by biological or chemical substances. The light guides extend into the device base toward corresponding light sensors and have a filter material. The device base includes device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors and configured to transmit data signals. The biosensor also includes a shield layer having apertures that are positioned relative to the input regions of corresponding light guides such that the light emissions propagate through the apertures into the corresponding input regions. The shield layer extends between adjacent apertures and is configured to block the excitation light and the light emissions incident on the shield layer between the adjacent apertures.

Abstract: The invention describes a detection system (1) for analytical separation processes, particularly for electrophoresis, characterized by an optoelectronic sensor layer (5) made from organic semiconductor materials extending along the carrier layer (2) for the sample to be tested, for detecting the separated sample.

Abstract: A method for characterizing an interaction between a first particle and a second particle is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing an optical trap system including a photonics-based trap, a light source, and a camera; (ii) optically trapping, using the photonics-based trap, the first particle; (iii) obtaining a first measurement of a trap stiffness of the photonics-based trap; (iv) introducing the second particle to the optically trapped particle; (v) incubating the first and second particles under conditions suitable for an interaction between the first and second particles; (vi) obtaining a second measurement of the trap stiffness of the photonics-based trap after the incubation; and (vii) determining, using the first measurement of trap stiffness and the second measurement of trap stiffness, a property of the interaction between the first particle and the second particle.

Abstract: A biopsy tissue sample transport device and method of using thereof including a tissue storage assembly having a sample container, having a holding structure to hold a tissue sample, the holding structure having a sample access opening formed in a sidewall; a housing that receives the tissue storage assembly, the housing comprising an assembly insertion opening through which the tissue storage assembly is inserted into the housing; a sealing member configured to engage and substantially seal the sample access opening of the holding structure of the sample container of the tissue storage assembly; and a lid to engage and substantially seal the assembly insertion opening of the housing.

Abstract: A biochip device comprising a substrate constituted by at least one plate of material forming a multimode planar waveguide and carrying chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to excitation by guided waves having an evanescent portion, the device being characterized in that it includes coupling means for coupling excitation light with the waveguide in the form of guided waves, the coupling means being substantially non-directional.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microplate reader and a respective method, wherein the microplate reader comprises at least one measuring device and a holding device for accommodating at least one microplate and for positioning the samples-containing wells of this(these) microplate(s) in relation to the at least one measuring device. The at least one measuring device is used for detecting light which is emitted by samples in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader and/or which is influenced by samples transilluminated by light in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader. The microplate reader comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of a gas atmosphere surrounding the wells containing the samples of microplates used in this microplate reader.

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities, the device comprising a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3), and further comprising an optical coupler (41) having a predetermined length for coupling coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide (2) such that a parallel beam of coherent light propagates through the planar waveguide (2) with an evanescent field (11) of the coherent light propagating along an outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2). The outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2) comprises binding sites thereon capable of binding target samples to the binding sites such that light of the evanescent field (11) is diffracted by target samples bound to the binding sites. The binding sites are arranged along a plurality of predetermined straight lines (7) running parallel to one another with a constant distance between adjacent straight lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing station for automatically processing a biological sample, a system for automated real-time inventory control of consumables within a biological sample handling or assay instrument, a high throughput random access automated instrument for processing biological samples, an automated instrument for processing or analysis of a sample, and processes for automated mucoid detection and elimination. Methods of using the disclosed instruments, mucoid detection processes, and systems to process and/or analyze samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic nose device based on chemically sensitive field effect transistors. In particular, the sensors of the electronic nose device are composed of non-oxidized, functionalized silicon nanowires which can detect volatile organic compounds with very high sensitivity. Methods of use in diagnosing diseases including various types of cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: Described in one aspect is a multi-cell or multi-chambered container for sealing various materials such as therapeutic or diagnostic agents, animal or human tissue, tissue samples, specimens, blood, genetic material, or any other material. The container includes seals formed by folding the wall of the elongate body transverse to the interior of the elongate body and maintaining the folded wall portions adjacent one another or joining them together. In another aspect, the container disclosed may be made according to a method involving creating multiple seals at various locations along the elongate body thus creating sealed voids or cells between the seals within the elongate body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having an integrated optical bio-sensor, and an associated method of fabrication. In some embodiments, the integrated optical bio-sensor has a sensing device arranged within a semiconductor substrate. An optical waveguide structure is located over a first side of the semiconductor substrate at a position over the sensing device. A dielectric structure is disposed onto the optical waveguide structure at a position that separates the optical waveguide structure from a sample retention area configured to receive a sample solution.

Abstract: Provided is a pore water extraction kit for extracting pore water in a seabed sediment. More specifically, provided is a pore water extraction kit of a seabed sediment for more easily extracting pore water separated from a sediment through a centrifugal separator tube.

Abstract: A process for producing coke that may include: heating a coker feedstock to a coking temperature to produce a heated coker feedstock; feeding the heated coker feedstock to a coking drum; feeding a coking additive, such as at least one hydroconversion or hydrocracking catalyst, to the coking drum; and subjecting the heated coker feedstock to thermal cracking in the coking drum to crack a portion of the coker feedstock to produce a cracked vapor product and produce a coke product.