Abstract: Potable drinking water is a scarce resource in many parts of developing countries, especially rural areas. Due to limited financial means of these countries, low cost point-of-use systems are thought to be appropriate technology to treat water. Systems using solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation could be successful since many vulnerable countries are located where solar radiation is intense and abundant throughout the year. The goal of this disclosure is to develop a simple and low cost point-of-use solar UV reactor to disinfect water. In this disclosure wavelength-dependent microbial dose-response behavior was investigated using surrogates to pathogenic microbes. A solar radiation prediction method based on the SMARTS model was used to predict solar UV intensity as function of geographic location and time. A numerical modeling procedure using the discrete ordinate (DO) model and CFD software (FLUENT) was used to simulate UV dose (distribution) delivery to microorganisms.

Abstract: Potable drinking water is a scarce resource in many parts of developing countries, especially rural areas. Due to limited financial means of these countries, low cost point-of-use systems are thought to be appropriate technology to treat water. Systems using solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation could be successful since many vulnerable countries are located where solar radiation is intense and abundant throughout the year. The goal of this disclosure is to develop a simple and low cost point-of-use solar UV reactor to disinfect water. In this disclosure wavelength-dependent microbial dose-response behavior was investigated using surrogates to pathogenic microbes. A solar radiation prediction method based on the SMARTS model was used to predict solar UV intensity as function of geographic location and time. A numerical modeling procedure using the discrete ordinate (DO) model and CFD software (FLUENT) was used to simulate UV dose (distribution) delivery to microorganisms.

Abstract: A system for detecting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biomarkers. The system is configured to monitor and control standard parameters (temperature, pH, free chlorine, redox potential, TDS, turbidity), via an array of sensors. The system is configured to perform automated microbiological testing using a DNA hybridization based optical detection sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to provide automated sample collection, primer and buffer addition, thermocycling and fluorescence detection via laser excitation and a linear CCD.

Abstract: Monolithic bioelectronic devices for the detection of ammonia includes a microorganism that metabolizes ammonia and which harbors a lux gene fused with a heterologous promoter gene stably incorporated into the chromosome of the microorganism and an Optical Application Specific Integrated Circuit (OASIC). The microorganism is generally a bacterium.

Abstract: An integrated microluminometer includes an integrated circuit chip having at least one n-well/p-substrate junction photodetector for converting light received into a photocurrent, and a detector on the chip for processing the photocurrent. A distributed electrode configuration including a plurality of spaced apart electrodes disposed on an active region of the photodetector is preferably used to raise efficiency.

Abstract: A method for cell-based combinatorial logic includes the steps of providing at least one genetically engineered cell, the genetically engineered cell having at least one transcriptional unit. The transcriptional unit includes a gene and a promoter, wherein application of a stimulus to the promoter results in the expression of a gene product. An energetic or chemical stimulus is applied to activate the promoter, wherein the detection of an output signal corresponds to the presence of a gene product. The cell can include a plurality of transcriptional units configured to form logic gates. The logic gates of a plurality of cells can be operably interconnected by release of output signals, such as chemical stimuli.

Abstract: Bioelectronic devices for the detection of estrogen inlcude a collection of eukaryotic cells which harbor a recombinant lux gene from a high temperature microorganism wherein the gene is operably linked with a heterologous promoter gene. A detectable light-emitting lux gene product is expressed in the presence of the estrogen and detected by the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of bacteria based on recognition and infection of one or more selected strains of bacteria with bacteriophage genetically modified to cause production of an inducer molecule in the bacterium following phage infection. The inducer molecule is released from the infected bacterium and is detected by genetically modified bacterial bioreporter cells designed to emit bioluminescence upon stimulation by the inducer. Autoamplification of the bioluminescent signal permits detection of low levels of bacteria without sample enrichment. Also disclosed are methods of detection for select bacteria, and kits for detection of select bacteria based on the described technology.

Abstract: An in-vivo cellular logic device includes a substrate and a structure for providing a stimulus to a plurality of discrete portions of the substrate. At least one whole cell is disposed on the substrate, the cell having at least one transcriptional unit, the transcriptional unit comprising a gene and a promoter. Upon application of a stimulus to the promoter, a gene product is expressed. A detector is provided to detect the presence of the gene product, the gene product preferably conferring a bioluminescent output. The cell can be genetically engineered. A method for processing data includes the steps of providing at least one genetically engineered cell, the genetically engineered cell having at least one transcriptional unit. The transcriptional unit includes a gene and a promoter, wherein application of a stimulus to the promoter results in the expression of a gene product.