Abstract: A method for expressing multiple types of numerical information using the features of SERS-active nanostructures is disclosed. The method includes: associating a SERS signal with numerical information; applying, to one or more positions a, b, d on a physical object e, nanotags including an aggregate of noble metal nanoparticles with an average diameter of 100 nm or less and a Raman-active chemical substance; irradiating the applied nanotag with a laser; reading the SERS signal generated by the irradiation; and acquiring the numerical information from the read SERS signal on the basis of the association. The nanotags derive from one or more types of nanotag ink A, B, D (FIG. 1). The substance is present on the surface of or in the vicinity of the aggregate and generates SERS.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface-enhanced Raman scattering agent that enables highly sensitive quantification using Raman spectroscopy and that can be used in various uses. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering agent of the present disclosure contains a viscous liquid having a viscosity of 50 mPa·s or greater at 25° C. and a shear rate of 10 (1/s), and noble metal-supporting flakes dispersed in the viscous liquid. The noble metal in a noble metal layer and noble metal particles is preferably gold, silver, or copper. The noble metal-supporting flakes are preferably structures in which surfaces of flakes bristle with nanorods and at least a part of the nanorods are formed of a noble metal layer or noble metal particles.

Abstract: Provided are an equol determination kit that selectively determines equol with high sensitivity by surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and a method for selectively determining equol with high sensitivity by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The equol determination kit of the present disclosure determines equol by the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. The method for determination of equol of the present disclosure is a method for determination of equol by the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. In the method, equol is preferably determined by analyzing a peak found in at least one wavelength region selected from the group consisting of 1530 to 1630 cm?1, 1230 to 1330 cm?1, 1140 to 1240 cm?1, and 535 to 635 cm?1.

Abstract: A medal game machine capable of improving a degree of satisfaction of a player with a medal game and enjoyment of the medal game by performing: forming of the medal tower, pushing of the medals, and feeding of medals do not affect each other and are visible to the player. A medal game machine includes a medal feeder that receives medals supplied from the outside of the medal game machine and feeds the medals into a first area; a placement surface on which medals are placed; a pusher table that moves the medals placed on the placement surface; a medal tower forming device that forms one medal tower having one or more layers at a predetermined position each time; and a transporter that transports the one medal tower formed at the predetermined position to the placement surface. When the placement surface is viewed in a plan view, the placement surface and the pusher table are in the first area and the predetermined position is in a second area outside the first area.

Abstract: A method for expressing multiple types of numerical information using the features of SERS-active nanostructures is disclosed. The method includes: associating a SERS signal with numerical information; applying, to one or more positions a, b, d on a physical object e, nanotags including an aggregate of noble metal nanoparticles with an average diameter of 100 nm or less and a Raman-active chemical substance; irradiating the applied nanotag with a laser; reading the SERS signal generated by the irradiation; and acquiring the numerical information from the read SERS signal on the basis of the association. The nanotags derive from one or more types of nanotag ink A, B, D (FIG. 1). The substance is present on the surface of or in the vicinity of the aggregate and generates SERS.

Abstract: An optical sensor according to the present invention significantly enhances the sensitivity of an optical sensor for molecular measurement using light such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy utilizing the local plasmon's excitation of a noble metal. By using a transparent substance deposition step for forming a large number of anisotropic nano-columns having a predetermined aspect ratio, with their longitudinal direction and transverse direction aligned, by depositing a transparent substance onto a substrate from an oblique position while periodically inverting the position and a noble metal deposition step for depositing a noble metal onto surfaces of the formed anisotropic nano-columns, it is possible to manufacture an optical sensor with very high sensitivity at very low cost.

Abstract: A sensor cartridge (1) for use on a sensor feeder includes a cartridge body (10) and a mold (12). The cartridge body (10) has an upper surface (10a), a front (10c) extending continuously from the upper surface, and a plurality of sensor-holding slots (11). Each of the sensor-holding slots (11) includes a first opening formed in the upper surface (10a) and a second opening formed in the front (10c) and communicating with the first opening. The mold (12) closes the first opening and second openings in case sensors are charged in the sensor-holding slots (11).

Abstract: An optical sensor according to the present invention significantly enhances the sensitivity of an optical sensor for molecular measurement using light such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy utilizing the local plasmon's excitation of a noble metal. By using a transparent substance deposition step for forming a large number of anisotropic nano-columns having a predetermined aspect ratio, with their longitudinal direction and transverse direction aligned, by depositing a transparent substance onto a substrate from an oblique position while periodically inverting the position and a noble metal deposition step for depositing a noble metal onto surfaces of the formed anisotropic nano-columns, it is possible to manufacture an optical sensor with very high sensitivity at very low cost.

Abstract: A sensor cartridge (1) for use on a sensor feeder includes a cartridge body (10) and a mold (12). The cartridge body (10) has an upper surface (10a), a front (10c) extending continuously from the upper surface, and a plurality of sensor-holding slots (11). Each of the sensor-holding slots (11) includes a first opening formed in the upper surface (10a) and a second opening formed in the front (10c) and communicating with the first opening. The mold (12) closes the first opening and second openings in case sensors are charged in the sensor-holding slots (11).

Abstract: A sensor cartridge (1) for use on a sensor feeder includes a cartridge body (10) and a mold (12). The cartridge body (10) has an upper surface (10a), a front (10c) extending continously from the upper surface, and a plurality of sensor-holding slots (11). Each of the sensor-holding slots (11) includes a first opening formed in the upper surface (10a) and a second opening formed in the front (10c) and communicating with the first opening. The mold (12) closes the first opening and second openings in case sensors are charged in the sensor-holding slots (11).

Abstract: A method for analyzing a substance, comprising: a step of obtaining a dispersion complex by co-existing fine particles having a dispersion property higher than that of lyophobic fine particles in a dispersion phase of the lyophobic fine particles at a concentration sufficient for covering a periphery of a lyophobic fine particle group; a step of contacting the dispersion complex and a fluid containing an analyte; and a step of analyzing the analyte using an optical measuring means, wherein the lyophobic fine particles exist in the dispersion phase in a group for providing the surface enhancing effect. The method is effective for analysis of a slight amount substance or a low concentration substance.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a substance, comprising: a step of obtaining a dispersion complex by co-existing fine particles having a dispersion property higher than that of lyophobic fine particles in a dispersion phase of the lyophobic fine particles at a concentration sufficient for covering a periphery of a lyophobic fine particle group; a step of contacting the dispersion complex and a fluid containing an analyte; and a step of analyzing the analyte using an optical measuring means, wherein the lyophobic fine particles exist in the dispersion phase in a group for providing the surface enhancing effect. The method is effective for analysis of a slight amount substance or a low concentration substance.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a substance, comprising: a step of obtaining a dispersion complex by co-existing fine particles having a dispersion property higher than that of lyophobic fine particles in a dispersion phase of the lyophobic fine particles at a concentration sufficient for covering a periphery of a lyophobic fine particle group; a step of contacting the dispersion complex and a fluid containing an analyte; and a step of analyzing the analyte using an optical measuring means, wherein the lyophobic fine particles exist in the dispersion phase in a group for providing the surface enhancing effect. The method is effective for analysis of a slight amount substance or a low concentration substance.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A biosensor is constituted by disposing an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode on a substrate, forming an inorganic particulate-containing layer containing inorganic particulates thereon, and forming a reagent layer containing a reagent thereon. The inorganic particulates make it possible to prevent impurities in a sample from being in contact with the electrode system and being adsorbed therein, so that measurement is performed with high precision. The inorganic particulate-containing layer can be formed by applying a dispersion system of inorganic particulates and drying them, and it is preferable that the inorganic particulates are contained in the form of aggregates.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a substance, comprising: a step of obtaining a dispersion complex by co-existing fine particles having a dispersion property higher than that of lyophobic fine particles in a dispersion phase of the lyophobic fine particles at a concentration sufficient for covering a periphery of a lyophobic fine particle group; a step of contacting the dispersion complex and a fluid containing an analyte; and a step of analyzing the analyte using an optical measuring means, wherein the lyophobic fine particles exist in the dispersion phase in a group for providing the surface enhancing effect. The method is effective for analysis of a slight amount substance or a low concentration substance.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.