Abstract: A non-invasive gas analyte sensing and monitoring system and method is provided that is particularly applicable to transcutaneous monitoring of arterial blood gases in a mammal. The system and method relies on diffusion of the analyte to be measured into a diffusion chamber and remote sensing of the analyte in the diffusion chamber using optical chemical sensors and associated optoelectronics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an in vivo concentration of a small molecule substance of interest is provided that takes advantage of the semi-permeable nature of skin, which allows small molecules to passively diffuse through the skin and onto the skin surface. The systems and methods of the present invention allow for the collection of these small molecules that have passively diffused through the skin without skin disruption or breaking of the skin. The systems and methods of the present invention are noninvasive, painless and safe even for delicate newborns, and are particularly suited for the determination of blood glucose in newborns and infants in a noninvasive manner.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system is provided that utilizes reliable, small, inexpensive and low power-consuming sensor nodes for monitoring environmental parameters that can communicate through wireless transmitters to a base station. The sensor nodes preferably incorporate anti-biofouling protection, so as to withstand continuous field deployment in streams and/or riparian areas.

Abstract: A noninvasive remote parameter sensor and sensing method is provided that is particularly suited for the remote monitoring of skin temperature. The sensor and sensing method utilize luminescence-based sensors that are non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. The sensor preferably utilizes one or more types of fluorophores that are embedded in a soft hydrogel. The sensor is illuminated with excitation light, and temperature is monitored by detecting and analyzing the emission light from the fluorophores. Because a soft hydrogel is used, the sensor can be gently wiped off the skin at the conclusion of temperature measurements.

Abstract: A remote parameter sensing system is provide that includes a gel sensor, a light source, a detector and a controller 140. The gel sensor is in contact with a surface where the parameter is to be measured, and is preferably a gel that is embedded with a chemical that emits light 160 (via, for example, fluorescence) when it is excited by excitation light from the light source at an appropriate excitation frequency. The chemical properties of the gel sensor are such that at least one characteristic of the emission light (such as, for example, emission intensity) varies as a function of variations in the parameter being measured. The system is particularly suited for use as remote body temperature sensing system in incubators and radiant warmers for infant and neonatal care.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.

Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system is provided that utilizes reliable, small, inexpensive and low power-consuming sensor nodes for monitoring environmental parameters that can communicate through wireless transmitters to a base station. The sensor nodes preferably incorporate anti-biofouling protection, so as to withstand continuous field deployment in streams and/or riparian areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for electrically directly detecting biomolecular binding in a semiconductor. The semiconductor can be based on electrical percolation of nanomaterial formed in the gate region. In one embodiment of an apparatus, a semiconductor includes first and second electrodes with a gate region there between. The gate region includes a multilayered matrix of electrically conductive material with capture molecules for binding target molecules, such as antibody, receptors, DNA, RNA, peptides and aptamer. The molecular interactions between the capture molecules and the target molecules disrupts the matrix's continuity resulting in a change in electrical resistance, capacitance or impedance. The increase in resistance, capacitance or impedance can be directly measured electronically, without the need for optical sensors or labels.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and controlling oxygen in a culture vessel utilizes a non-invasive oxygen sensor and an agitator. A controller controls the agitator based on feedback supplied by the oxygen sensor. The agitator is used to increase oxygen transport into the liquid phase thereby raising the level of oxygen in the culture medium. The agitator driven equilibration results in precise control of the culture medium oxygen.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor system that provides improved signal-to-noise over prior systems is provided. The system includes a fluorescence based sensing medium that is contained a recessed cavity with reflective sides that allow for more uniform excitation of the fluorescence based sensing medium by the excitation light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of various analytes in a sample using native fluorescence is described. A first light source for producing a first light having a first wavelength is directed at the sample to produce a first emission from the sample, a second light source for producing a second light having a second wavelength is directed at the sample to produce a second emission from the sample. A detecting device for detecting the first and second emissions emitted from the sample, and a controlling device responsive to the detecting device for alternately switching between the first and second light source so that only one light source is directing light at the sample at any one time are employed to excite emissions from the sample to be analyzed. An analyzing device that is responsive to the controlling device for producing a duty ratio is used to determine the analytic concentration of the specific analyte present in the sample.