Abstract: Methods for monitoring catalytic chemical reactions are provided. Such a method may comprise (a) exposing a solid surface to conditions to induce a chemical reaction of reactants at an interface formed between the solid surface and a liquid crystal, wherein the solid surface catalyzes the chemical reaction and the liquid crystal is characterized by an anchoring orientation that changes during the chemical reaction; and (b) measuring the anchoring orientation of the liquid crystal at one or more time points and at one or more locations on the solid surface during step (a). Systems for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Liquid crystal-based devices for detecting a target contaminant in air, including hydrogen, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, ammonia or carbon monoxide, and methods of using such devices to detect the target contaminant are disclosed. Such devices have a substrate surface that includes one or more metals or metal alloys that is in contact with a liquid crystal composition. When the device is contacted with a sample that contains the target contaminant, an observed change in the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal signals the presence of the target contaminant. In the absence of the target contaminant, no change in orientational ordering occurs.

Abstract: An inhaler device includes a sealed elongated body having air inlet and mouthpiece ends, a first end-seal sealing the air inlet end, a second end-seal sealing the mouthpiece end, and passive evaporation support material pre-loaded with methoxyflurane liquid. As the methoxyflurane liquid forms a vapor, the elongated body forms a vapor chamber such that the stored vapor is available for direct administration upon opening the first and second end-seals. The first end-seal is a resealable, adjustable end cap with an air inlet groove or hole that forms an air inlet opening when opened such that the air inlet's size is adjustable. The second end-seal is a resealable, adjustable end cap including a mouthpiece chamber configured such that when closed the vapor chamber is sealed from the mouthpiece chamber and when open vapor flows radially inward into the mouthpiece chamber through vents located in a side wall of the mouthpiece chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new inhaler device for the storage and administration of inhalable liquids to a patient, such as halogenated volatile liquids, particularly methoxyflurane for use as an analgesic, the device having one or more advantages or improvements over known inhalers.