Abstract: The present invention relates to detection systems for detecting an opioid compound by use of pyrolysis, as well as methods thereof. In particular, the systems are configured to detect the presence of a backbone fragment indicative of a class of opioid compounds, including opioid analogues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection systems for detecting an opioid compound by use of pyrolysis, as well as methods thereof. In particular, the systems are configured to detect the presence of a backbone fragment indicative of a class of opioid compounds, including opioid analogues.

Abstract: The present application relates to pulsed discharge ionization detectors (PDIDs) and non-radioactive ionization sources, including miniaturized forms thereof. In some examples, the PDID includes annular electrodes, where each electrode is disposed between annular insulators. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such PDIDs, such as for detecting one or more volatile organic compounds, as well as non-radioactive ionization sources.

Abstract: The present application relates to pulsed discharge ionization detectors (PDIDs) and non-radioactive ionization sources, including miniaturized forms thereof. In some examples, the PDID includes annular electrodes, where each electrode is disposed between annular insulators. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such PDIDs, such as for detecting one or more volatile organic compounds, as well as non-radioactive ionization sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microneedles, as well as arrays and methods thereof. In particular, the microneedle is hollow and extends from a flexible substrate. Methods for making such microneedles include depositing electroplating materials within a cavity of a mold and removing an electroplated layer from that mold. In some instances, the mold is formed from an elastomer, which can be removed and reused to produce additional microneedles.

Abstract: The present application relates to pulsed discharge ionization detectors (PDIDs) and non-radioactive ionization sources, including miniaturized forms thereof. In some examples, the PDID includes annular electrodes, where each electrode is disposed between annular insulators. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such PDIDs, such as for detecting one or more volatile organic compounds, as well as non-radioactive ionization sources.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microsampler for hermetically sealing a sample. In particular, such microsamplers can be useful for encapsulation of chemical, biological, and explosive samples for the purposes of archival sample storage. Methods of making and using such microsamplers are also described herein.

Abstract: The present application relates to microfabricated columns having a sealed flow channel. In particular, the channel is sealed during dicing, thereby preventing debris from accumulating within channels. In use, the seal is ruptured mechanically to connect one or more fluidic connections, which deliver analytes to the flow channel. Additional details are provided for making and using sealed columns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for detecting one or more markers in a sample. In particular, such devices integrate a plurality of hollow needles configured to extract or obtain a fluid sample from a subject, as well as transducers to detect a marker of interest (e.g., an electrolyte). In some embodiments, the needles are provided as a disposable cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive-based microvalves, as well as assemblies and cartridges having such microvalves. In particular examples, substantially planar layers of adhesive materials are used to construct both normally-open and normally-closed microvalves for fluid control within microfluidic laminate cartridges. Such microvalves and cartridges can be useful for medical, chemical, and biological investigations.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a varactor element and an integrated micro-discharge source is disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one np junction and at least one voltage source that is configured to apply voltage across the np junction. The apparatus further includes an aperture that extends through the np junction. When the voltage is applied across the np junction, gas in the aperture is ionized, forming a plasma, in turn causing a micro-discharge (of light, charge particles, and space charge) to occur. The light (charge particles, and space charge) impinges upon the surface of the np junction exposed in the aperture, thereby altering capacitance of the np junction. When used within an oscillator circuit, the effect of the plasma on the np-junction extends the capacitance changes of the np-junction and extends the oscillator frequency range in ways not possible by a conventional voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).

Abstract: A microfabricated capacitive chemical sensor can be used as an autonomous chemical sensor or as an analyte-sensitive chemical preconcentrator in a larger microanalytical system. The capacitive chemical sensor detects changes in sensing film dielectric properties, such as the dielectric constant, conductivity, or dimensionality. These changes result from the interaction of a target analyte with the sensing film. This capability provides a low-power, self-heating chemical sensor suitable for remote and unattended sensing applications. The capacitive chemical sensor also enables a smart, analyte-sensitive chemical preconcentrator. After sorption of the sample by the sensing film, the film can be rapidly heated to release the sample for further analysis. Therefore, the capacitive chemical sensor can optimize the sample collection time prior to release to enable the rapid and accurate analysis of analytes by a microanalytical system.

Abstract: A microfabricated field calibration assembly for use in calibrating analytical instruments and sensor systems. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising one or more resistively heatable microbridge elements, an interface device that enables addressable heating of the microbridge elements, and, in some embodiments, a means for positioning the circuit board within an inlet structure of an analytical instrument or sensor system.

Abstract: A microfabricated fuel heating value monitoring device comprises a microfabricated gas chromatography column in combination with a catalytic microcalorimeter. The microcalorimeter can comprise a reference thermal conductivity sensor to provide diagnostics and surety. Using microfabrication techniques, the device can be manufactured in production quantities at a low per-unit cost. The microfabricated fuel heating value monitoring device enables continuous calorimetric determination of the heating value of natural gas with a 1 minute analysis time and 1.5 minute cycle time using air as a carrier gas. This device has applications in remote natural gas mining stations, pipeline switching and metering stations, turbine generators, and other industrial user sites. For gas pipelines, the device can improve gas quality during transfer and blending, and provide accurate financial accounting.