Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: An integrated optical chip device for molecular diagnostics comprising a tunable laser cavity sensor chip using heterodyned detection at the juncture of a sensor laser and a reference laser, the sensor laser including exposed evanescent field material.

Abstract: A dissolution system provides remote flow cells integrated into a manifold device. The manifold device communicates with liquid input and output lines associated with each flow cell, as well as fiber-optic input and output lines associated with each flow cell. Liquid samples are respectively drawn from dissolution vessels, optically-related measurements are taken, and the samples are thereafter returned their respective vessels. The manifold device can be adapted to receive probe-type instruments that incorporate the fiber-optics, wherein each probe-type instrument is associated with each flow cell. Alternatively, each corresponding pair of fiber-optic input and output lines are disposed in opposing, optically-aligned relation and probe-type instruments are not used. The gap between the ends of the opposing fiber-optic lines provides a light path across the corresponding flow cell.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement chip for a surface plasmon resonance biosensor, which comprises a transparent substrate, a metal membrane located on the transparent substrate and an organic silicon membrane immobilized on the metal membrane and in which the organic silicon membrane is immobilized on the metal membrane via a functional group capable of binding with atoms on the surface of a metal. The measurement chip for a biosensor of the present invention can easily be produced. Using the measurement chip of the present invention, a target substance can be measured with good sensitivity, even if only a small amount of physiologically active substance is immobilized.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Multiplexed assays using the surface detector array device of the present invention are disclosed, as are automated methods for making the surface detector array device that enable formation of arrays wherein the composition of the individual, addressable bilayer regions is unrestricted.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical sensor, sensing system and sensing method which provides for a multi-sensor, cross-reactive, sensor array having a rapid response time, dynamic modulation of sampling parameters, and real-time feedback control of sampling and detection conditions. The device and method provide for smart detection and discrimination of analytes in fluids through intelligent sampling, detection, and control algorithms. The invention further provides for a sensor array having discrete sensor elements dispersed on fluid-permeable, high surface area, porous, textured substrates. The innovative device and method exhibit high sensitivity, discrimination and detection capability for target analytes at ppb and sub ppm concentrations.

Abstract: This invention provides an online polymer monitoring apparatus for rapid determination of molecular weight and/or size, and/or other properties of importance to the polymer quality. The apparatus uses fast sample extraction, preparation and delivery techniques to convert complex polymer sample solution into the diluted polymer analyte solution. This analyte solution is then passed through the flow-through detectors for measurement of the polymer molecular weight, the polymer concentration and/or the identification and concentrations of the selected species of importance to the polymer quality. The continuous stream of the above measurement data, thus, allows accurate determination the status of the polymer for many polymer containing process streams, such as an ongoing polymerization reaction mixture, polymer resin fluid, melt or solid polymer flow.

Abstract: An optical-chemical sensor which is suitable for the continuous and discontinuous determination by luminescence optics of the concentration of chloride in an aqueous sample and which comprises a luminescence indicator (I) and a polymer (H) carrying the luminescence indicator (I) is characterized in that the luminescence indicator (I) is a non-lipophile acridine or bisacridine compound and the polymer (H) is a linear-chain hydrophile polymer soluble in an organic solvent, whereby it is possible to excite the sensor by commercially available LEDs, to manufacture very large numbers thereof at a moderate cost and in a reproducible way and, preferably, to use it for the determination of physiological chloride concentrations and the sensor furthermore has a wide dynamic measuring range for the determination of chloride; a high sensitivity, stability and reproducibility; a high selectivity for chloride; and a low pH cross-sensitivity.

Abstract: A substrate has an oxygen sensitive dye embedded therein, this sensor is chemically stable to a high degree, has a high temperature resistance in the relevant temperature range, and is gas permeable to a high extent. The substrate consists of a fluoridated silicone polymer. The substrate is a fluoridated silicone polymer and the dye is an organometallic complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microstructures which a fabricated from a cast or molded polymer material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The invention describes and claims methods and compositions from which a variety of microstructures may be prepared. The microstructures are particularly useful for use in assays and reactions in the relating to biological assays, including applications in medical diagnostics. Such assays and reactions included, but are by no means limited to, polynucleotide sequencing and polynucleotides analysis, including analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for polynucleotide amplification such as PCR. The microstructures of the invention may contain many features that are useful for such applications. For example, the microstructures may comprise wells or channels for biological fluids and/or reagents, as well as pumps and valves for directing such fluids, e.g., in a biological assay.

Abstract: A fluoroionophore for the fluorescent detection of potassium ions.

Abstract: Fluoroionophores of formula (I) wherein R06 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20alkyl, R6 is H or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30alkyl or C1-C30alkoxy, R1 is a bridging group, and F is a residue of a fluorophore. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to support materials and may be used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by short response times, a high degree of sensitivity and a long usable life.

Abstract: Sensing elements, sensor systems and methods for determining the concentration of oxygen and oxygen-related analytes in a medium are provided. The sensing element comprises a solid polymeric matrix material that is permeable to oxygen or an oxygen related analyte and an indicator that is covalently bonded to the solid polymeric matrix material. The indicator is a luminescent platinum group metal polyaromatic chelate complex capable of having its luminescence quenched by the presence of oxygen The polyaromatic complex comprises three ligands, at least one of which is a bidentate diphenylphenanthroline. The polyaromatic complex is distributed substantially homogenously throughout the matrix material and is covalently bonded to the matrix material via a linker arm. The linker arm is attached to a phenyl group of a diphenylphenanthroline ligand and to the backbone of the polymeric matrix material.

Abstract: A test strip for simultaneously measuring a plurality of analytes in blood or other fluids comprising a plurality of reagent pads containing reagents specific to particular analytes located on a support. Each reagent pad is covered and in close contact with a sample distributing layer and an optional blood filtering layer. Color produced by analytes in the sample is viewed through apertures in the support. The colors of the pads are read simultaneously with an instrument such as a reflectance meter containing individual LED's as light sources for each reagent pad. The intensity of the color of the individual pad can be used to detect semi-quantitative or quantitative concentration of analytes in a sample on site, allowing for quick communication of results to a remote site by electronic means.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A biosensor for direct analysis of nucleic acid hybridazation by use of an optical fiber functionalized with nucleic acid molecules and fluorescence transduction is disclosed. Nucleic acid probes are immobilized onto the surface of optical fibers and undergo hybridization with complementary nucleic acids introduced into the local environment of the sensor. Hybridization events are detected by the use of fluorescent compounds which bind into nucleic acid hybrids. The invention finds uses in detection and screening of genetic disorders, viruses, and pathogenic micoorganisms. Biotechnology applications include monitoring of gene cultures and gene expression and the effectiveness (e.g. dose-response) of gene therapy pharmaceuticals. The invention includes biosensor systems in which fluorescent molecules are connected to the immobilized nucleic acid molecules. The preferred method for immobilization of nucleic acids is by in situ solid phase nucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting at least one narcotic, such as heroin and cocaine, in a fluid is provided. The device functions by selectively binding vapors of a narcotic or a narcotic present in a liquid, e.g., blood, to a luminescent molecularly imprinted polymer. The polymer possesses a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated with a narcotic.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosensors, apparatus and methods for selectively detecting at least one complementary oligonucleotide target specie in a fluid sample containing a mixture of different oligonucleotide fragments. One preferred embodiment of the biosensor is as a unitary fiber optic array having species of single stranded nucleic acid disposed as individual deposits in aligned organization upon multiple strand end faces at differing spatial positions on the distal array end surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using an infrared reading to detect the misidentification of a diagnostic test strip disposed on a feed table comprising the steps of determining if the test strip possesses specified reagents, reading the infrared reflectances from the reagent positions, determining if the reflectances are within an acceptable predetermined range and aborting the test if the infrared reflectances are not within the acceptable predetermined range.

Abstract: An SPR (surface plasmon resonance) sensor cell comprising: a light-transparent core; a clad covering the core and having a through hole at a predetermined position to communicate with the core; and a predetermined thin metal film formed on an exposed surface of the core corresponding to the through hole.

Abstract: Fluoroionophores that are functionalised with reactive groups and correspond to the formula I—R1—F—R2—G, wherein I is a monovalen residue of an ionophore, wherein F is a divalent residue of a fluorophore, wherein G is a functional group and R1 and R2 are each independently of the other a direct bond or a bridging group. The fluoroionophores may be covalently bound to carrier materials and are used as active components in polymer membranes of optical sensors for the detection of ions. The sensors are distinguished by a long usable life and a high degree of sensitivity.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: A luminescent in vivo glucose measurement method and apparatus is provided. The luminescent in vivo glucose measurement method includes the steps of illuminating displaced luminescent molecules with illuminating light, the displaced luminescent molecules and associated captive glucose analogue molecules being contained within an implanted luminescent in vivo measurement apparatus implanted within the interstitial fluid of the subject, and measuring an emitted light, the emitted light being emitted in response to the illumination, wherein the emitted light is related to the glucose level in the interstitial fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods for quantitatively detecting the presence of an analyte by referencing the analyte variant signal to an analyte invariant reference signal. The devices contain quantum dots as the invariant references. The reference quantum dots provide a fluorescent signal whose intensity in invariant with respect to the optical signal associated with the analyte concentration. Both the optical path for the analyte specific and invariant reference signal are substantially identical. Therefore, by measuring the intensity ratio of the analyte specific signal to the reference signal, errors associated with optical path length, absorptivity and scattering are eliminated.

Abstract: Fluorescent energy transfer cassettes that allow through bond energy transfer and have a succinimidyl ester functionality suitable for affecting them to biomolecules or provided and are applied to high throughput DNA sequencing.

Abstract: This invention provides a fiber optic sensor and sensor devices for the reversible detection of basic gas analytes, including hydrazine, alkyl hydrazines, amines, ammonia, and related chemical species. The optical fiber sensor is formed in an optical fiber which conventionally comprises an optical fiber core and a cladding layer. Transducer molecules are immobilized in contact with an exposed surface of the fiber core to allow interaction of the immobilized species with analytes in the environment around the sensor. Preferred transducer molecules for detection of basic gases, particularly hydrazine and hydrazine derivatives, are xanthene dyes and triphenylmethane dyes, including malachite green and crystal violet. The sensors of this invention can be employed in a variety of device configurations including single-site sensors and multiple-site sensor networks.

Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing, apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.

Abstract: In a test strip measuring system including a test strip with at least one test field and a measuring device for measuring optically or by means of electrical currents detectable values of the test field, a code carrier is provided for insertion into the measuring device along with the test strip. The code carrier, by way of an electronic memory, stores information used by the measuring device in measuring the test field of the test strip. The code carrier also includes a data processing device for reading the stored information from the memory and for supplying it to the measuring device. The selection of the program for reading the stored information from its memory and other factors are so controlled by controlled information supplied from the measuring device as to make it extremely difficult for copiers to make usable copies of the code carrier by merely copying the information stored in the code carrier memory.

Abstract: A disposable high density optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic and environmental conditions is afforded.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical sensor including a matrix containing a luminescence indicator whose luminescence may be quenched by oxygen. The optical sensor contains at least one agent capable of deactivating singlet oxygen and has an enhanced stability relative to oxygen.

Abstract: The invention is a fluorescent sensor element for detecting concentration changes of oxygen in an atmosphere suitable for high temperature applications such as automotive exhaust gases. It comprises an optical fiber, preferably silica, coated on at least a portion of its surface with a sol-gel processed porous uniform mixture of (1) matrix material of alumina, zirconia, titania, or silica or a mixture of any of them with (2) ceramic fluorescent indicator like Cu-ZSM-5 zeolite incorporated therein. In use of the sensor element in a system, a light source excites fluorescence in the indicator which is responsive to varying oxygen concentration in the contacted exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an antigen including (1) a cell having antibodies which are expressed on the surface of the cell and are specific for the antigen to be detected, where binding of the antigen to the antibodies results in an increase in calcium concentration in the cytosol of the cell, the cell further having a emitter molecule which, in response to the increased calcium concentration in the cytosol, emits a photon; (2) a liquid medium for receiving the antigen and in which the cell is immersed; and (3) an optical detector arranged for receiving the photon emitted from the cell.

Abstract: Sensors for the qualitative and quantitative determination of K+ ions in aqueous systems are described, which consist essentially of a carrier and an active layer applied to this carrier, whereby the active layer contains a polymer in which is dispersed at least one modified valinomycin, in which a radical of a fluorescence dye which emits in long waves, preferably an acridine or fluorescein, with an emission wave length of >550, is covalently bound.

Abstract: A gas-sensitive sensor membrane for the determination of gas concentrations in gas mixtures is proposed. Also proposed are a method and an apparatus for determining gas concentrations based on the change in the electromagnetic radiation absorption properties and/or the optical refraction index of an indicator substance, contained in the sensor membrane, which interacts with the gas to be determined.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ethanol content of a sample wherein a membrane barrier comprising unplasticized PVC is interposed between the sample and detecting means.

Abstract: The present invention is a photodeposition methodology for fabricating a three-dimensional patterned polymer microstructure. A variety of polymeric structures can be fabricated on solid substrates using unitary fiber optic arrays for light delivery. The methodology allows micrometer-scale photopatterning for the fabricated structures using masks substantially larger than the desired dimensions of the microstructure.

Abstract: The invention described in detail herein relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules in solution. The invention specifically relates to improvements in the area of photoluminescent sensors for use in a detection scheme involving the alteration of a photoluminescent label or moiety attached to or associated with an analyte binding macromolecule. One may use the changes in photoluminescence lifetime, changes in ratios of photoluminescence intensity or changes in photoluminescence polarization (anisotropy) to determine the analyte. The photoluminescence change measured correlates to the concentration of the ion or molecule in solution.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an optically diffracting sensing device whose diffraction pattern changes upon exposure to some stimuli. The diffraction pattern may be two or three dimensional, and in one embodiment the change in diffraction patterns is recognizable to the untrained eye. The device comprises one or more gels coated onto patterned, self-assembling monolayers of alkanethiolates, carboxylic acids, hydroxamic acids, and phosphonic acids printed onto a variety of substrates, including glass, silicon, aluminum oxide, and thermoplastic films metallized with gold, or with an alloy such as nickel/gold. The present invention also comprises the method of making this device, and the use of this device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound having the general Formula I: including its salts, where Z is either the group having the general Formula II: where R1 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms or aryloxyalkyl whose alkyl group has 1-4 C atoms, R2 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R3 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2, Y is H2 or O and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula III: where n is 2 or 3, R4 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R5 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula IV: where R6 is alkyl having 1-3 C atoms or phenyl, R7 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para