Abstract: A microfluidic device for biochemical processing and analysis, the microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer supported on the substrate, the MST layer having an inlet for receiving biochemical liquid, and, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing all reagents necessary for the biochemical processing, wherein, each of the reagent reservoirs have an outlet with a surface tension valve for retaining the reagent in the reservoir with a reagent meniscus until contact with the biochemical liquid removes the reagent meniscus.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, an excitation light for generating the excitation light, and, a lens positioned in the outer casing for directing light from the excitation light to simultaneously illuminate the probes.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, an excitation light for generating the excitation light, and, prisms positioned in the outer casing for redirecting light from the excitation light to simultaneously illuminate the probes.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes adjacent each of the electrode pairs respectively, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the ECL probes are not anchored to a surface and form a suspension in the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences during detection.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, at least one positive control probe that has one of the ECL luminophores but not the functional moiety for quenching photon emission, at least one negative control probe that does not have one of the ECL luminophores, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probes each having a fluorophore such that the probe-target hybrids emit a fluorescence signal in response to exposure to an excitation light, wherein, the fluorophore is a lanthanide metal-ligand complex.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, at least one positive control probe for detecting a nucleic acid sequence known to be always present in the fluid, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, wherein, the sample inlet draws the sample along a fluid flow-path leading to the probes by capillary action.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, wherein, the electrodes have an anode and a cathode, each having fingers configured for mutual interdigitation.

Abstract: A LOC device having a supporting substrate, a primer-linked, stem-and-loop probe incorporating a nucleic acid sequence that matches a target nucleic acid sequence, and a primer for elongating against the target nucleic acid sequence to form a complementary sequence such that during use the probe nucleic acid sequence matching the target nucleic acid sequence anneals to the complementary sequence to change a fluorescence emission from the probe in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry having operative control of the excitation light.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the microfluidic device having reagent reservoirs for adding reagents to the sample prior to detection of the target nucleic acid sequences, probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing with an inlet for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, such that the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes, wherein, the ECL luminophore has a transition metal-ligand complex.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, hybridization chambers containing the probes for detection of the targets, and a pair of the electrodes, and, at least one negative control chamber containing negative control probes that are incapable of hybridization with any nucleic acid sequences in the fluid.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, hybridization chambers containing the probes for detection of the targets, and a pair of the electrodes, and, at least one negative control chamber without the ECL probes.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, an excitation light for generating the excitation light, and, mirrors positioned in the outer casing for redirecting light from the excitation light to simultaneously illuminate the probes.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, control circuitry having a photosensor for generating an output signal in response to the fluorescence signal, wherein, the control circuitry is configured to initiate a time delay upon deactivation of the excitation light before activating the photosensor.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting hybridization of target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL), resonant energy transfer, primer-linked, stem-and-loop probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, each of the probes having a loop portion containing the target nucleic acid sequence, a primer for extension along the target nucleic acid sequence to form a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target, an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, forming the complementary nucleic acid sequence causes the loop portion to open such the target nucleic acid sequence therein hybridizes to the complementary nucleic acid sequence and the ECL luminophore is moved away from the functional moiety.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent for addition to the fluid prior to detection of the target nucleic acid sequences, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns, and, the reagent reservoir has a volume less than 1000,000,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, hybridization chambers containing the probes for detection of the targets, and a pair of the electrodes, and, at least one positive control chamber containing positive control probes that have the ECL luminophore but not the functional moiety for quenching photon emission.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, control circuitry having a photosensor for generating an output signal in response to the fluorescence signal, wherein, the control circuitry is configured to initiate a time delay upon deactivation of the excitation light before activating the photosensor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the microfluidic device having a hybridization chamber containing electrodes and probes for hybridization with target molecules to form probe-target complexes and generate an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal in response to an electrical current between the electrodes, and, a photodiode with an active area and an optical axis extending normal to the active area and through the hybridization chamber, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a floor surface positioned parallel to the active area of the photodiode, the floor surface having a centroid and the active area being encompassed within a cone having the centroid at its vertex, and a vertex angle less than 174°.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a probe for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, a photodiode having an active area for detecting fluorescence emissions generated by the probe-target hybrid in response to an excitation light, and, a shunt transistor between the photodiode anode and a voltage source, the shunt transistor being configured to remove carriers generated by absorption of photons of the excitation light in the photodiode, wherein, the shunt transistor is encompassed by the active area.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, a photosensor for sensing the photons emitted from the ECL luminophore.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a sample, the microfluidic device having probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, the probe-target complexes being configured to emit photons when excited, photodiodes for detecting photons emitted by the probe-target complexes and a calibration photodiode for exposure to a calibration source to generate a calibration signal, wherein during use, output from the photodiodes for detecting photons emitted by the probe-target complexes is calibrated by the calibration signal.

Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.

Abstract: An analytic method uses a labeled antigen, labeled antibody, tracer, etc. in which a radio isotope, fluorescent dye, luminescent dye, enzyme, etc. is bonded to an antibody or an antigen bonded to a protein as an object of analysis for performing an assay of a trace amount of a substance such as a hormone, tumor marker, infective pathogen marker, infective antibody, etc., for blood, serum, plasma, or body fluid as a sample or specimen. The analysis is enabled at high sensitivity, with less generation of noises and at low background. When an assay is performed based on the antigen-antibody reaction for a sample in an analytic method by fluorometry or luminometry, detection or measurement of non-specific fluorescence or luminescence such as interference light is eliminated or removed effectively irrespective of the property of the sample or the level of the concentration of substances contained in the sample.

Abstract: A method for detecting optical signals, a microfluidic mixing chip having light emitting compound and a system thereof are provided. The microfluidic mixing system comprises the microfluidic mixing chip, an electrode pairs and a power supplier. The microfluidic mixing chip comprises a first side cavity, a second side cavity and a mixing cavity. The mixing cavity is disposed between the first side cavity and the second side cavity. The mixing cavity further contains the light emitting compound, a catalyst and a redox reagent. The electrode pair is respectively disposed to the first side cavity and the second cavity. The power supplier supplies a power source with high frequency alternating current electric field. By utilizing the power source with alternating current electric field, the light emitting compound, the redox reagent and the catalyst are mixed in the mixing cavity to generate a chemiluminescence or bioluminescence optical signal to detect.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A real-time in-situ sensor system is provided for measurement of bioluminescence and determination of bioluminescence surface signature. The system measures bioluminescence in the wake of a submerged moving object as well as ambient light levels outside of the wake. Along with measurements of depth and water-quality parameters including turbidity, temperature and salinity, the surface signature of the induced underwater bioluminescence can be calculated by considering light transmission and attenuation through water. With this real-time information, the operator of the submerged moving object can employ tactical maneuvers to affect the resultant surface signature.

Abstract: A chemochromic H2 sensor includes supports including a plurality of metal oxide particles exclusive of titania, and a platinum group metal (PGM) compound on the supports. The PGM compound is an oxide, hydroxide hydrated oxide, PGM salt or a PGM complex. When the PGM compound is a PGM salt or a PGM complex, the supports can include titania particles.

Abstract: We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A particle counter for analyzing blood has features which provide for automatic operation and preferably, also provide for portable use in a low resource setting. In a preferred embodiment, preferred embodiment, the device is used to obtain CD4 counts for AIDS diagnosis.

Abstract: An oxygen permeability measuring apparatus for measuring an oxygen permeation rate of oxygen barrier film in a dark room is provided. A container is charged with inert gas, and sealed hermetically by use of the oxygen barrier film at least partially. A chemiluminescent compound is contained in the container, for emitting light by oxidation with the oxygen. A photon detector detects photons emitted by the chemiluminescent compound so as to determine an amount of the oxygen permeated through the oxygen barrier film. Preferably, the container includes a container body. An opening is formed in the container body, and closed hermetically by the oxygen barrier film attached thereto. The photon detector is disposed inside or outside the container. The oxygen permeation rate is equal to or less than 10?2 cc/m2·day·atm. The chemiluminescent compound includes tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene.

Abstract: A flow cell for chemiluminescence analysis. The flow cell has a flat, thin, opaque plate, with a groove machined into one side of the plate. An inlet port at the center, and an outlet port at the outside end of the groove pass through the plate, which is sandwiched between a flat sapphire window and a cell cap of a housing. The groove side faces the sapphire window, forming a flow channel with one wall being the sapphire window. A light detector is inserted into the housing until it butts up against that part of the housing holding the sapphire window, placing it very close to the generated light. The other side of the plate mates with inlet and outlet ports of the housing cap.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method whereby residual detergent (surfactant) can be conveniently and accurately detected in the step of washing or rinsing dishes or clothes, and a test device usable in examining the rinsed conditions. Namely, a method characterized by comprising bringing a test substance with a composition (test agent) comprising an oxalic acid ester, a fluorescent substance, hydrogen peroxide and a strong acid and thus easily detecting the residual detergent sticking to the surface of the test subject from the chemiluminescence thus caused; and a test device which is most suitable for storing the test agent as described above.

Abstract: A nano-pH sensor can include a nanoparticle having an outer surface functionalized by a carboxy functional group. The nanoparticle is reversibly aggregated as a function of pH and is generally non-toxic. A fluorometer can be oriented to expose the nanoparticles to a light source at a given wavelength. Further, the fluorometer can be configured to detect changes in fluorescence of the gold nanoparticle with changes in pH.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to estimate the concentration of a non-fluorescent substance (e.g. haemoglobin) in a fluorescent assay by separately estimating the non time dependent alteration attributed to inherent filter effects from the time dependent alteration caused by the assay chemistry. Such a method obviates the requirement for a separate photometric or other measurement thereby simplifying the methodology and associated instrumentation.

Abstract: A detection method and indicator are disclosed that includes quantum dots that fluoresce under illumination of a first light having a first wavelength to indicate the presence of a predetermined condition, and in particular, a corrosion condition. The quantum dots are surrounded by a shell material that under normal conditions reflect the first light and reacts in the presence of the predetermined condition to permit the first light to illuminate the quantum dot to excite the quantum dot to emit a second light having a second wavelength, which when detected, indicates the presence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.

Abstract: A component of a system configured to monitor one or more gaseous analytes. In one embodiment, the component comprises a conduit and a gas sensitive film. The conduit is formed to enable a flow of gas therethrough. The gas sensitive film is disposed in communication with the flow of gas, and is sensitive to one or more gaseous analytes within the flow of gas. In some instances, the film comprises a dye and a polymer matrix. The dye is sensitive to the one or more gaseous analytes. The polymer matrix carries the dye, is porous, and is formed such that the film has (i) a dynamic range of at least from about 20% to about 90% concentration of the one or more gaseous analytes, and (ii) a response time over at least a portion of the dynamic range of less than about 80 milliseconds.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: In the present invention, it is demonstrated for the first time, the influence of electrical current on the ability of surface plasmons to amplify fluorescence signatures. An applied direct current across silver island films (SiFs) of low electrical resistance perturbs the fluorescence enhancement of close-proximity fluorophores. For a given applied current, surface plasmons in “just-continuous” low resistance films are sparsely available for fluorophore dipole coupling and hence the enhanced fluorescence is gated as a function of the applied current.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method whereby residual detergent (surfactant) can be conveniently and accurately detected in the step of washing or rinsing dishes or clothes, and a test device usable in examining the rinsed conditions. Namely, a method characterized by comprising bringing a test substance with a composition (test agent) comprising an oxalic acid ester, a fluorescent substance, hydrogen peroxide and a strong acid and thus easily detecting the residual detergent sticking to the surface of the test subject from the chemiluminescence thus caused; and a test device which is most suitable for storing the test agent as described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple screening test for neoplasia, a precancerous condition, or cancer of the breast. A method is described whereby a breast cancer marker is detected in breast fluid. In a particular embodiment, the method involves treating samples of breast fluids with an aldehyde detecting reagent without any prewashing. The appearance in breast fluids of a marker that is detected by an aldehyde detecting reagent, such as a Schiff's reagent, correlates very well with the disease status of the breast cancer subjects from which the fluids were obtained. Screening test kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a system for guiding chemiluminescence and a system for preventing a variation in dark currents. The apparatus includes a first light shielding BOX having a sample container holder and a shutter unit therein, the shutter unit including a top plate which is partly formed by a movement of a plate member, and a second light shielding BOX having a photodetector therein. While a measurement is not implemented, the shutter unit is closed to block entrance of stray light to the photodetector, and while a measurement is implemented, the plate member is moved to open the shutter unit, and the tip of the photodetector is inserted into a through hole formed in the top plate, so that the distance between the bottom of the sample container and a sensitive area of the photodetector is reduced to several millimeters or less.