Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymers as contrast agents for ultrasounds. The idea is to have a molecular imprint in the polymer that is specific for a given molecule or analyte. When that molecule binds to the polymer it induces a conformational change that results in an increase in the ultrasound signal, referred to as a target-bound state. The method can also be used for example for quantitative measurements of analytes.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered new methods and apparatuses for determining the fractional composition of a component in a multi-component mixture using multivariate statistical analysis of the ultrasonic frequency profile. Applicants show the use of ultrasonic spectrophonometry to determine the fractional composition of a component in a 3-component solvent mixture comprising water, ethanol and methanol as well as determination of the fractional composition of certain contaminants in water. Applicants provide a method of determining a fractional composition of a component in a multi-component mixture comprising pulsing a mixture with a source of ultrasounds, detecting “non-linear” ultrasonic spectral data propagating through the mixture and computing the fractional composition of the component.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to new methods and apparatuses for the determination of pH of a fluid. Applicants have discovered that ultrasonic spectrophonometry (the study and measurement of acoustic spectra) can be used to distinguish conformational changes of albumin and red blood cells in response to pH. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of determining the pH of a fluid based on a pH-dependent conformation of at least one fluid constituent comprising subjecting the fluid to an ultrasonic pulse; detecting ultrasonic spectral data of the fluid constituent resulting from the ultrasonic pulse; wherein the spectral data varies with pH; and then calculating pH from the spectral data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymers as contrast agents for ultrasounds. The idea is to have a molecular imprint in the polymer that is specific for a given molecule or analyte. When that molecule binds to the polymer it induces a conformational change that results in an increase in the ultrasound signal, referred to as a target-bound state. The method can also be used for example for quantitative measurements of analytes.