Abstract: A bio-spectral imaging system and methods for in situ diagnosis of a disease state in biological tissue or cells of a living organism are provided. In one form, a method includes applying to the tissue or cells in situ a biological stain composition that includes at least one metachromatic dye; performing a spectral analysis to obtain at least one spectrum of the stained tissue or cells; comparing the spectrum with spectra from a library of spectra of similarly stained reference tissue or cells that have been categorized as diseased or non-diseased; and correlating the spectrum to a disease state. The system and methods may be used to diagnose, for example, pre-cancer and/or cancer, as well as diseases caused by various microorganisms. Methods for creating a library of spectra, methods for monitoring the efficiency of photodynamic therapy of diseased biological tissue or cells in vivo, as well as methods for improving the efficiency of photodynamic therapy are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed where one or more biological stains are applied to living tissue displaying, or suspected of having cells, or parts of the tissue which are diseased, metaplasic, or otherwise abnormal, including but not limited to lesions which may be thought pre-cancerous or cancerous. The stained tissue is then analyzed, in situ, by reflectance spectroscopy, the results of which are then compared to a digital library of reflectance spectrums of such tissue that have been previously diagnosed by conventional histochemical techniques. The method is further disclosed as a means to monitor the progress of photodynamic therapy using the same biological stains as specific photosensitizers.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a predetermined reactant in a fluid suspected of containing the same which comprises a pyroelectric film having a first and a second surface, a first electrode in contact with a portion of the first surface of said pyroelectric film, a second electrode in contact with a portion of the first surface of said pyroelectric film, said first and said second electrodes being proximate to but electrically insulated from each other, an infra-red transparent third electrode having a first and second surface, said first surface being in contact with the second surface of said film, methods of making such a device and methods of utilizing same.