Abstract: In order to avoid problems caused by baseline drift, it is expedient in a method of an embodiment of the present application not to measure a signal rise in a detection space, but to allow a certain time period to elapse in order to enrich a detectable product (enrichment phase), then to measure a first detection signal, and to measure the baseline signal as second detection signal only after rinsing out the detection space and removing the enriched product. In at least one embodiment, the enriched product is not detected from a signal rise with reference to a baseline, but from a signal difference of first and second detection signals.

Abstract: A PCR process for DNA amplification with thermocyclisation of the corresponding reagents is disclosed, in which total integration of all substances and process steps is achieved in a closed, single-use unit (so-called cartridge) in which the reagents are stored in a storage-stable form at room temperature. According to the process, the water-soluble reagents are covered by a water-insoluble medium, then the DNA to be amplified is supplied and the water-insoluble medium is eliminated, so that the water-soluble reagents are dissolved and PCR can start. In the corresponding arrangement, a test unit designed as a single-use produce (a so-called cartridge) has at least one micro-channel or micro-cavity for receiving a PCR reagent. The PCR reagents in the form of a mixture which can be dried at a negligible vapour pressure and forms a storage-stable substance substance at room temperature adhere to the walls of the micro-channel or micro-cavity and form a thin film covered by an insoluble medium.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.

Abstract: A multifunctional control valve for gas measurement instruments, e.g., for respiratory gas analysis, is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional control valve includes a first inlet opening, an outlet opening, a main line, and a bypass line, wherein a measurement chamber is in the main line, wherein the measurement chamber is arranged downstream of a first multiway valve which can selectively connect the main line or the bypass line with the inlet opening, and wherein the measurement chamber is arranged upstream of a second multiway valve which can selectively connect the main line or the bypass line with the outlet opening.

Abstract: A titer plate and a method for detecting an analyte, and the use thereof are disclosed. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that a plurality of depressions and a biochip of the titer plate sposed adjacent thereto be surrounded by a wall in order to effectively prevent sample contamination when there is a high degree of spatial integration.

Abstract: An appliance is disclosed for measuring at least one gas analyte in exhaled air. In at least one embodiment, the appliance includes an inlet opening for the introduction of exhaled air (mouthpiece), at least one measuring chamber for receiving a sensor unit, and a conduit which provides a fluid connection from the opening to the measuring chamber, and wherein, depending on the gas analyte that is to be measured, a sensor unit with a suitable gas sensor can be introduced into the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that is used for detecting liquids or substances from liquids and includes a plunger that has a porous plunger layer which is pressed onto a sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is surrounded by elevations which spatially separate the sensors from each other like walls. In at least one embodiment, when the plunger layer is pressed onto the sensor array, the walls are pressed into the pores of the plunger layer. Liquid-tight connections are created between the walls and the plunger layer while liquid remains over the sensors. The liquid can be measured. In at least one embodiment, when there is direct mechanical contact between the plunger layer and the sensors, the liquid over the sensors is located in open pores on the surface of the plunger layer. No liquid flows between the pores and across the walls when pressure is applied to the plunger layer such that closed reaction chambers are created.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to an apparatus and a method for detecting liquids or substances from liquids in spatially separate reaction zones. The embodiments further relate to the use of the apparatus in a plug-in module or a chip card which can be used for rapid immunological tests, for example, with the help of a reading device. The liquids or substances from liquids are detected by means of a sensor array which includes at least two sensors and on which at least one diaphragm is arranged. Individual sensors are spatially separated from each other on a plane by means of walls. The diaphragm can be filled with liquid that is to be analyzed. Sealed reaction chambers are created when pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Pores in the diaphragm are completely closed in the zone of the walls while the pores are merely reduced in size and liquid can continue to be exchanged in zones directly above the sensors.

Abstract: Especially in order to carry out the so-called enzyme-coupled DNA hybridization test in a closed cartridge including a microfluid system, using stored dry reagents, the reagents must be dissolved in the microfluid system and transported into the measuring chamber directly before the measurement. During the dissolution of the reagents in water, air cushions that cannot reach the measuring chamber must absolutely be prevented from forming upstream of the reagent liquid. According to an embodiment of the invention, the liquid measuring sample and the liquid reagents are transported in such a way that the air cushion is directed into the waste line and the measuring sample and the reagents are then introduced into the measuring chamber without any air bubbles. In this way, measuring errors can be avoided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a sensor element, which has an immobilized probe oligonucleotide, via which the bonding of a target nucleic acid (Z) can be detected by the sensor. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: a) bringing the sensor element into contact with a control nucleic acid (K), the melting temperature Tm(K) of which is less than the melting temperature Tm(Z) of the target nucleic acid (Z); b) hybridizing the control nucleic acid (K) to the probe oligonucleotide at a temperature T[p]<Tm(K), and detecting a positive control signal; and optionally c) modifying the stringent conditions such that T[n]>Tm(K) and detecting a negative control signal at a temperature T[n]. According to a refinement of at least one embodiment of the invention, a measuring signal of the target nucleic acid (Z) is measured at a measuring temperature T [mess], where Tm(K)<T[mess]<Tm(Z). The method is suited in particular for the calibration and quality control of microarrays.

Abstract: A process concentrates nucleic acid molecules to be detected of a sample on a surface, with capture molecules that specifically bind the nucleic acid molecules. A support material has a capture probe that can specifically be linked to the nucleic acid molecules to be detected to give complexes. The support material and the nucleic acid molecules of the sample are incubated to form the complexes. The complexes are moved to the surface. At least one portion of the complexes becomes bound to the capture molecules via the capture probe.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a device for measuring nitrogen monoxide in exhaled air by a gas sensor unit with at least one gas sensor. A device and/or method for oxidation of nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide may be included. The device and/or method for oxidation of nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide includes a non-consuming catalyst for catalyzing the oxidation of nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract: An example embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for analyzing nucleic acids in a microfluidic device. The method includes the following steps: a) nucleic acids are amplified in a first chamber in the microfluidic device; b) the amplified nucleic acids are brought into contact with an additive including: i) monovalent cations and ii) an Mg2+ ion-binding agent, the additive being provided in a second chamber in the microfluidic device; and c) the amplified nucleic acids are hybridized on at least one probe oligonucleotide.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein, including a single-use cartridge, an analysis device comprising a control device, and devices for capturing and processing signals. An embodiment of the present invention relates, in particular, to the control device for carrying out a completely automatic process and evaluation of molecular diagnostic analysis via single-use cartridges (Lab-on-a-Chip). The first devices are provided for controlling an analysis process which occurs in the cartridge, subsequently the displacement and the thermostatisation of liquids, and the second devices are provided for processing the signals which are obtained during the analysis. The first and the second devices are synchronised in such a manner that the analysis process of the sample can be carried out in a totally integrated manner thus producing an immediate result.

Abstract: Especially in order to carry out the so-called enzyme-coupled DNA hybridisation test in a closed cartridge including a microfluid system, using stored dry reagents, the reagents must be dissolved in the microfluid system and transported into the measuring chamber directly before the measurement. During the dissolution of the reagents in water, air cushions that cannot reach the measuring chamber must absolutely be prevented from forming upstream of the reagent liquid. According to an embodiment of the invention, the liquid measuring sample and the liquid reagents are transported in such a way that the air cushion is directed into the waste line and the measuring sample and the reagents are then introduced into the measuring chamber without any air bubbles. In this way, measuring errors can be avoided.

Abstract: A cartridge (card) having a system of microchannels and/or microcavities is used for automated DNA or protein analysis. In at least one embodiment, the microchannels or microcavities include geometrical structures for receiving dry reagents. For the purpose of industrial production, the cartridge is produced from a flat card support, e.g., by injection moulding. The reagents are spotted into the open channels, dried and then the channels are sealed by way of a film. A finished cartridge can thus be provided with a test sample and the fully automated measuring sequence can be initiated by inserting said cartridge into a read-out device.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localized area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis involves the utilization of a DNA hybridization process as well as the use of a DNA chip. A liquid DNA sample to be analyzed is guided over a DNA chip in a defined time course. After successful hybridization, the temperature is modified in a defined manner under low stringency conditions such that scavenger/target DNA hybrids are melted, whereby the melting of the scavenger/target DNA hybrids is detected and evaluated according to the temperature. In addition to the DNA chip, at least one device is provided that controls and regulates the temperature, and another device is provided that controls a lateral flow of liquid against the surface of the DNA chip. Factors for matching hybrids and mismatching/single point mismatching hybrids can be detected and evaluated using appropriate measuring device(s).

Abstract: A PCR process for DNA amplification with thermocyclisation of the corresponding reagents is disclosed, in which total integration of all substances and process steps is achieved in a closed, single-use unit (so-called cartridge) in which the reagents are stored in a storage-stable form at room temperature. According to the process, the water-soluble reagents are covered by a water-insoluble medium, then the DNA to be amplified is supplied and the water-insoluble medium is eliminated, so that the water-soluble reagents are dissolved and PCR can start. In the corresponding arrangement, a test unit designed as a single-use produce (a so-called cartridge) has at least one micro-channel or micro-cavity for receiving a PCR reagent. The PCR reagents in the form of a mixture which can be dried at a negligible vapour pressure and forms a storage-stable substance substance at room temperature adhere to the walls of the micro-channel or micro-cavity and form a thin film covered by an insoluble medium.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.