Abstract: The present invention refers to a flow-through method of functionalizing an inner surface of a microfluidic device. The method can comprise transporting a silanizing solution through the microfluidic device to silanize the inner surface of the microfluidic device. The method can further comprise reacting the silanized surface with an oxidized polysaccharide to bind the oxidized polysaccharide to the silanized surface by transporting the oxidized polysaccharide through the microfluidic device. The present invention also refers to a microfluidic device which has been subjected to a flow-through method of the present invention so that at least a part of the inner surface or the entire inner surface of the microfluidic device is functionalized.

Abstract: A first reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with an analyte, and a fluorescent label site, and a second reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with the analyte, and a fluorescence recognition site for recognizing fluorescence produced by the fluorescent label site of the first reactant, are respectively fixed onto a support such that the first reactant and the second reactant have a positional relationship adapted for the binding with the analyte.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for the manipulation of a liquid sample material in which magnetic microparticles are suspended whereby the microparticles have a functionalized surface and an analyte is bound to the surface. The sample material is introduced into a device with a liquid system through an injection device (50) and in a first mobile phase the sample material is carried to an extractor (90). In a first section (97a) of the extractor (90) the microparticles are immobilized by means of a magnetic field of a controllable device (96) and separated from the remaining sample material. By switching over of a switching unit (110) a second mobile phase (75) is carried to the extractor (90) and the second mobile phase (75) detaches the adsorbed analyte from the surface of the microparticles.

Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence-quenching to produce a signal indicative of oxygen concentration.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention comprise a biosensor cartridge which optically, fluidically, and/or mechanically couples to an evanescent sensing measurement apparatus having annularizing illumination elements, said biosensor cartridge and measurement apparatus being used for detecting the presence of chemically or biologically active substances binding to said biosensor present within an aqueous media, such as and without limitation, the presence of specific proteins in blood or urine. Some embodiments comprise an integrated biosensor cartridge having a flow channel and a plurality of storage cavities, fluid flow in the cartridge controlled by valving mechanisms for directing a plurality of fluids through the cartridge, the order and amounts of such fluids passing through the cartridge being externally controlled and required for the detection and measurement of specific chemically or biologically active substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of glucose-responsive, polyviologen boronic acid quenchers that may be used in combination with fluophores to achieve real-time measurement of glucose levels in vivo.

Abstract: A method for detection of a peroxide-based compound includes directing ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source toward a location remote from the ultraviolet light source, where the ultraviolet light induces photodissociation of a peroxide-based compound located at the remote source into hydroxyl radicals and excitation of the hydroxyl radicals to fluoresce, capturing any fluorescence from the remote location that has been induced by the ultraviolet light directed from the ultraviolet light source toward the remote location, and analyzing the fluorescence that has been captured from the remote location to determine the presence of the peroxide-based compound at the remote location. A system for detection of a peroxide-based compound that performs such method steps is also described herein.

Abstract: Provided is an optical sensing membrane, including a mixture of two or more fluorescent dyes for detection of dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and temperature, immobilized on a support, a detection device including the optical sensing membrane and a detection method using the detection device.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dyes are disclosed for use in analyte detection. In particular, mono- and bis-substituted HPTS dyes and methods of making them are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of in vivo gene mutation. The method utilizes differential staining of GPI-anchor deficient erythrocyte populations to distinguish between wild-type and pig-a gene mutants. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes, and is based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of mutant erythrocytes or reticulcoytes relative to the number of total erythrocytes or reticulocytes can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous physical agent, the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose.

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 relates to a technique for analyzing the concentration of a specific component in a sample liquid, such as a method for analyzing a sample. The analyzing method includes a first detection step for irradiating light from a light source (50) onto a reaction system to detect a response from the reaction system (56) as a first detection result. The reaction system contains a sample liquid and a reagent. The method also includes a second detection step for irradiating light onto a reference board (54) to detect a response from the reference board as a second detection result. The response from the reference board under light irradiation is dependent on wavelength. The method further includes a calculation step for calculating the concentration of the specific component in the sample liquid based on the first and second detection results.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow quantitative assay method which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity. Also, the present invention relates to a strip which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity and a package in which the strip is integrated with a laser-induced surface fluorescence detector. The present invention can quantify multiple analytes with a minimum detection limit of pg/ml. Therefore, the present invention provides an advantage capable of quantifying a plurality of analytes at the same time using a simple lateral flow assay strip.

Abstract: A method of imaging phenomena that occurs on a surface of a substrate includes contacting a fluid with a top surface of the substrate, and imaging phenomena that occurs on the top surface of the substrate by observing the substrate through polarized light in the absence of a liquid crystal after the liquid has contacted the top surface of the substrate. The top surface of the substrate has an anisotropic topography, and the wavelength of the polarized light is larger than the anisotropic topography of the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A calibration method for a flow cytometer with a multichannel detector module. During calibration, the fluorescence intensity data values for the different detector channels are used to calculate normalization factors needed to adjust subsequent data collected by each of the channels. By using a multichannel detector module, the results from the different flow cells can be reliably compared, so that multiple stages of flow cells can be arranged in series along a common flow path, for example to measure the same sample at defined time intervals.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide for an alternative for analyzing fluids. To this end a device for analyzing fluids comprising magnetic particles is provided, the device comprising magnetic means for generating a magnetic field designed for exerting a magnetic force to the magnetic particles creating a movement of the fluid comprising targets and a membrane with an array for moving the fluid through or along the array.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.

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 reaction receptacles. 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 reaction receptacles 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 a fluorescence detection method: each of one or more biological specimens is irradiated with excitation light while a substrate disk is rotated, where the one or more biological specimens are labeled with a fluorescent material and fixed on the substrate disk. Fluorescence which is emitted from each of the one or more biological specimens is detected when a predetermined time elapses since the biological specimen is irradiated with the excitation light.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, a system, and an apparatus to determine a concentration of carbon nanotubes in a solution. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a photoluminescence intensity of a solution, mixing a sample of carbon nanotubes of an unknown concentration with the solution, determining a photoluminescence intensity of the mixture of the sample of carbon nanotubes and the solution, and determining a concentration of carbon nanotubes in the sample of carbon nanotubes based on the determined photoluminescence intensity of the mixture of the sample of carbon nanotubes and the solution.

Abstract: A bacteriorhodopsin based chemical sensing architecture based upon the collective response of bacteriorhodopsin and a number of its mutants; the wild type protein and a selection of genetically-engineered variants was able to respond differentially to a selection of amines. The observable response to the presence of a target chemical was manifested through a modulation of bacteriorhodopsin's photokinetic properties, which are monitored through pump-probe techniques using a custom prototype flash photolysis system. Differential responsivity exists at two levels; (1) bacteriorhodopsin proteins (wild-type and genetically-engineered variants) respond differentially upon exposure of a target chemical, and (2) the response pattern exhibited by the proteins differs from chemical to chemical. This dichotomy forms the basis for a BR-mediated chemical sensing technology that is highly sensitive and selective and may therefore discriminate between different chemicals.

Abstract: An indicator that reacts with at least one gaseous compound in such a way that the color of the indicator is changed. The indicator is a layer formed on a substrate and including metallic silver and/or metallic copper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g. a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: Upper space on the front surface side of a reaction plate, provided with at least a reaction container causing reaction in a sample and a reagent container containing a reagent used for reaction with the sample, is covered with an airtight cover. A dispensation tip (20) for transporting liquid on the reaction plate is arranged in such a way that the distal end side is located on the inside of the covered space and the proximal portion is located on the outside.

Abstract: A system for warning of corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances. The system comprises painting a surface with a paint or coating that includes an indicator material and monitoring the surface for indications of the corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances.

Abstract: A paint that warns of radiological or chemical substances comprising a paint operatively connected to the surface, an indicator material carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances, and a thermo-activation material carried by the paint. In one embodiment, a method of warning of radiological or chemical substances comprising the steps of painting a surface with an indicator material, and monitoring the surface for indications of the radiological or chemical substances. In another embodiment, a paint is operatively connected to a vehicle and an indicator material is carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances.

Abstract: Arrays of microparticle populations, each population labeled with a single fluorescent dye, are provided for use in multiplex assays. The populations form a virtual multidimensional array wherein each microparticle is identified by fluorescence intensity in two different fluorescence detection channels. The arrays are useful in a variety of assays, including multiplex, multi-analyte assays for the simultaneous detection of two or more analytes by, for example, flow cytometry, and a labeling reagents in, for example, microscopy. The use of singly-dyed microparticles to form multidimensional arrays greatly simplifies the creation of multiplex assays.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for quantifying antigen, such as the amount expressed on a cell. The method comprises formulating an equation of correlation between the amount expressed of expressed antigen and the intensity of fluorescence from fluorescent labelled antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. Various applications for the biosensors are described, including cell-based assays for assessing the effect of drug compounds on cell function. A biosensor embodiment optimized for a luminescent response at two different wavelengths is also described. Such luminescent response could be produced by fluorescence (either native or from an attached fluorophore), phosphorescence, chemi-luminescence, or other luminescence technology. Two different luminescence technologies could be combined on the same biosensor chip.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a chemical component in an industrial water system comprises irradiating a liquid sample from an industrial water system, containing at least one chemical component to be monitored, with light from an excitation light source. Room temperature phosphorescence emitted from the sample is detected after irradiation. The concentration of the chemical component to be monitored is then calculated from the detected room temperature phosphorescence. The liquid sample includes at least one room temperature phosphorescent material (RTPM) and at least one heavy atom perturber (HAP) dissolved therein. The HAP is present in the sample at a concentration sufficient to induce phosphorescence activity in the RTPM. The liquid sample is irradiated in a manner sufficient to induce the RTPM within the sample to emit room temperature phosphorescence, and the calculated concentration of the chemical component to be monitored is a function of the room temperature phosphorescence intensity or temporal metric.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of assaying circulating microparticles contained in a sample of whole blood or blood plasma from a patient to determine the patient's ability to generate thrombin or Factor Xa as blood-clotting factors, wherein the circulating microparticles are microparticles of platelets, endothelial cells, monocytes, and smooth muscle cells, which carry on their surfaces both negatively charged phospholipids as well as tissue factor. The results of the assay may be used to determine the ability of the patient to generate thrombin or Factor Xa as blood clotting factor based upon the circulating microparticles.

Abstract: A multichannel system for classifying particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles includes a plurality of flow cytometry units. Each flow cytometry unit is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing particles using a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Each flow cytometry unit has a sensor operable to generate a time-varying output signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the particles in the stream of fluid as the stream of fluid is interrogated by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform and perhaps even a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units. The common processor is programmed to receive the time-varying output signals from the flow cytometry units substantially continuously and to process the output signals.

Abstract: An embodiment generally relates to a system for analysis of an analyte. The system can include a transparent substrate. The system also includes an excitation light source configured to induce an evanescent wave excitation of a fluorescently labeled molecule near the access to the transparent substrate and a detector for detecting the fluorescently labeled molecule.

Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy.

Abstract: Provided photo-decontamination catalyst material comprising an optically active molecule embedded/incorporated/bridged in a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO). The optically active molecule is a typically a fluorophore or chromophore, more specifically, a porphyrin or phthalocyanine. The periodic mesoporous organosilica can be a template directed molecularly imprinted periodic mesoporous organosilica. The PMO material incorporating an optically active molecule is useful as a catalyst in photo-decontamination applications, as well as a detection element for stand-off point detection system.

Abstract: Provided are a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module and a PCR system including the same. The PCR module includes: a detachable PCR chip including a PCR chamber unit in which a PCR solution is accommodated; a heater unit for heating the PCR solution in the PCR chip with a preset temperature; a detecting unit for detecting a PCR signal of the PCR solution; a PCR chip installation unit for mounting/detaching the PCR chip using a one-touch method, in which the heater unit is adhered to the PCR chip with a predetermined pressure when mounting the PCR chip and the heater unit is separated from the PCR chip when detaching the PCR chip; and a housing covering at least the heater unit and the detecting unit so that they are not exposed to the outside.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress variations in measurement values when measuring a specific binding reaction between a physiologically active substance and a tested substance using a surface plasmon resonance measurement device, so that binding detection data with high reliability is obtained. The present invention provides a method for measuring a change in surface plasmon resonance, which comprises: using a surface plasmon resonance measurement device comprising a flow channel system having a cell formed on a metal film and a light-detecting means for detecting the state of surface plasmon resonance by measuring the intensity of a light beam totally reflected on the metal film; and exchanging the liquid contained in the above flow channel system, wherein a major axis of the metal film is 0.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring oxygen concentration in a package having an oxygen sensitive product disposed therein. The method includes exposing a luminescent compound that is disposed in an interior of the package to light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the luminescent compound so that the luminescent compound is promoted into an excited state. When the exposure of the light is terminated, the excited luminescent compound emits light that is detectable by a detector positioned outside of the package. The intensity of the emitted light is inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration and is used in conjunction with mathematical function that describes the luminescent intensity of the luminescent compound as a function of oxygen concentration and temperature to calculate the oxygen concentration. The method may be used to verify and track the oxygen concentration of a package as it moves through a distribution system.

Abstract: Periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO) which incorporate an optically active molecule into the material for use as an optical indicator of target binding. This material combines the stability, selectivity, and high density of binding sites characteristic of the PMO with the sensitivity and selectivity of the optically active molecule. The material undergoes a change when exposed to a sample containing a target molecule. The change can be observed by visual inspection or through the use of fluorescence spectra.

Abstract: Mitigative and remedial approaches to reduction of autofluorescence background noise are applied in analytical systems that rely upon sensitive measurement of fluorescent signals from arrays of fluorescent signal sources. Such systems are for particular use in fluorescence based sequencing by incorporation systems that rely upon small numbers or individual fluorescent molecules in detecting incorporation of nucleotides in primer extension reactions. Systems and methods for analyzing highly multiplexed sample arrays using highly multiplexed, high-density optical systems to illuminate high-density sample arrays and/or provide detection and preferably confocal detection off signals emanating from such high-density arrays. Systems and methods are applied in a variety of different analytical operations, including analysis of biological and biochemical reactions, including nucleic acid synthesis and derivation of sequence information from such synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic device and a microfluidic analysis equipment. The microfluidic device includes guides disposed along both edges, a lower plate including a flow path defined between the guides, and a movable upper plate moved along the guides on the lower plate and having a length less than that the flow path. A fluid flow can be simply accurately controlled by adjusting a position of the movable upper plate. As a result, the fluid can sufficiently react in the detection part and the reaction part. Therefore, effective reaction and detection can be realized using only a small amount of fluid, thereby improving sensitivity. In addition, due to the improved sensitivity, a washing process for removing materials that are not consumed in the reaction can be omitted. Also, the movable upper plate can be manually moved using a user's finger.

Abstract: Provided are a biochip and a biomaterial detection apparatus. The biochip includes a substrate, a metal layer, and a dielectric layer. The substrate includes a surface having a plurality of acute parts which are formed by first and second inclined planes. The metal layer is formed on at least one of the first and second inclined planes. The dielectric layer is formed on the metal layer, and capture molecules specifically binding to target molecules which are marked with a fluorescent substance are immobilized to a surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A system and method to test for the presence of target molecules in a biological test sample includes test molecules, a microfluidic chip, and irradiating and detection devices. The test molecules include bio-recognition molecules conjugable with the target molecules, and the corresponding conjugates. The microfluidic chip includes sample channels and flow focusing channels adjoining the sample channels. A buffer exiting from the focusing channels directs a single-file stream of the test molecules through one of the sample channels. The irradiating device delivers radiation for absorption by the test molecules in the single-file stream. After absorption, the test molecules emit fluorescence of a distinct fluorescent spectrum for each of the conjugates. The detection device monitors identifies the presence of the conjugates by monitoring for the distinct fluorescent spectrum. Thus, the test system and method identifies the presence of the target molecules in the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detecting mercury, comprising: a first polynucleotide, comprising a first region, and a second region, a second polynucleotide, a third polynucleotide, a fluorophore, and a quencher, wherein the third polynucleotide is optionally linked to the second region; the fluorophore is linked to the first polynucleotide and the quencher is linked to the second polynucleotide, or the fluorophore is linked to the second polynucleotide and the quencher is linked to the first polynucleotide; the first region and the second region hybridize to the second polynucleotide; and the second region binds to the third polynucleotide in the presence of Hg2+ ions.