Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in analyzing discrete reactions at ultra high multiplex with reduced optical noise, and increased system flexibility. Apparatus include substrates having integrated optical components that increase multiplex capability by one or more of increasing density of reaction regions, improving transmission of light to or collection of light from discrete reactions regions. Integrated optical components include reflective optical elements which re-direct illumination light and light emitted from the discrete regions to more efficiently collect emitted light. Particularly preferred applications include single molecule reaction analysis, such as polymerase mediated template dependent nucleic acid synthesis and sequence determination.

Abstract: A whispering gallery mode resonator based optical sensor assembly comprises a flow channel permeable to optical energy and first and second optical waveguides adjacent to a section of the flow channel and adapted to be in first and second evanescent field couplings respectively with the section such that the section forms a whispering gallery mode resonator. The resonator is responsive to an optical signal conveyed in the first optical waveguide and communicates a second optical signal to the second optical waveguide indicative of a resonance wavelength of the whispering gallery mode resonator. A detector optically coupled to the second optical waveguide detects the output signal. A signal processor detects a shift in the output signal responsive to an analyte fluid flowing through the flow channel. The shift is indicative of the identity of at least one constituent of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: Two-color (two-photon) excitation with two confocal excitation beams is demonstrated with a Raman shifter as excitation light source. Two-color excitation fluorescence is obtained from Coumarin 6H dye sample (peak absorption=394 nm, peak fluorescence=490 nm) that is excited using the first two Stokes outputs (683 nm, 954 nm, two-color excitation=398 nm) of a Raman shifter pumped by a 6.5 nsec pulsed 532 nm-Nd:YAG laser (Repetition rate=10 Hz). The two Stokes pulses overlap for a few nanoseconds and two-color fluorescence is generateven with focusing objectives of low numerical apertures (NA?0.4). We observed the linear dependence of the two-color fluorescence signal with the product of the average intensities of the two Stokes excitation beams. The two-color fluorescence distribution is strongly localized around the common focus of the confocal excitation beams.

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: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems. In some embodiments, the optical elements comprise triangular grooves formed on or in a surface of the device. The draft angle of the triangular grooves may be chosen such that incident light normal to the surface of the device is redirected at an angle dependent upon the indices of refraction of the external medium (e.g., air) and the device material.

Abstract: A plasmon resonance sensing system includes a light source, a waveguide component and a photon detector. The light source provides an incident light. The waveguide component has a tubular internal wall and a noble metal nanoparticle layer disposed on the tubular internal wall and contacted with a desired testing matter. The waveguide component is made of a light transmitting material for guiding the incident light to have an interaction with the noble metal nanoparticle layer. The photon detector detects an emergent light exiting the waveguide component after the interaction of the noble metal nanoparticle layer with the desired testing matter. The system further includes a first optical fiber installed between the light source and the waveguide component for transmitting the incident light to the waveguide component, a lens and a second optical fiber. The lens collects and transmits the emergent light to the photon detector through the second optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of hospital acquired infections. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential infection site or for periodic in vitro monitoring of tissue or fluid from a patient and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of a pathogen at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods utilize fluorophore pairs that optically interact with one another according to Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism. One member of the pair or a cofactor that interacts with an enzyme to form a member of the pair may be tethered to a device by a substrate that is specific for an enzyme expressed by a targeted pathogen. Upon interaction of the enzyme with the substrate, an optically detectable signal may be altered or initiated, detection of which may then provide information as to the existence of the pathogen at the site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of components in gas phase, and in particular to detection of nitric oxide exhaled as a component of breath, using a liquid crystal assay format and a device utilizing liquid crystals as part of a reporting system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect different HPV genotypes. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of HPV specific DNA probes used for the detection of different HPV genotypes.

Abstract: An optical probe for detecting luminescence emitted by a sample is disclosed. The optical probe includes a parabolic optical waveguide and an outer housing having a detachable component configured to hold a transparent sensor substrate that can be coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical probe also includes a sensing material for detection of at least one specified analyte. An excitation source is configured to excite the sensing material. The optical probe also incorporates a measuring photodetector that detects emitted luminescence.

Abstract: A microfluidically-controlled transmission mode nanoscal surface plasmonics sensor device comprises one or more arrays of aligned nanochannels in fluid communication with inflowing and outflowing fluid handling manifolds that control the flow of fluid through the array(s). Fluid comprising a sample for analysis is moved from an inlet manifold, through the nanochannel array, and out through an exit manifold. The fluid may also contain a reagent used to modify the interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and/or a reagent required for the detection of an analyte.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect the presence of respiratory tract viruses-related immunological markers in a serum sample, which can be used for the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of representative antigens used to detect the respective respiratory tract viruses-related immunological markers (antibodies) in blood for the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with areas of active receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of the active areas is defined on the substrate by an oxidizing photo-masking process.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate thyroid functions and to diagnose thyroid diseases. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies and antigens used for the detection of respective thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively measure the presence of HIV related antibodies in a serum sample for the diagnosis of HIV infection. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of HIV related antigens used for the diagnosis of HIV infection.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect the presence of infectious agent related antibodies and/or antigens in a serum sample, which can be used to screen for infectious agents in blood. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antigens and antibodies used for the screening of infectious agents in blood.

Abstract: A device for supporting chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to light excitation, the device comprising a substrate having a surface layer carrying the chromophore elements, forming a planar waveguide, and containing photoluminescent constituents which emit guided luminescence at the excitation wavelength(s) of the chromophore elements when they are excited by primary excitation light illuminating the surface layer. The invention is particularly applicable to biochip type devices.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: The present invention enables to classify and measure two or more kinds of target substances which have the same recognition site recognized by a specific capturing body. Specifically, by using a target substance detecting element for detecting two or more targets, whose kinds are different mutually, at the same time, the target substance detecting element, characterized by having a base material, two or more kinds of metal structures provided on a surface of the base material, and a target capturing body provided on each surface of the two or more kinds of metal structures, and in that the number of kinds of the metal structures are equal to or more than the number of kinds of the target substances, concentrations of the two or more kinds of target substances can be calculated by integrating and analyzing detection signals detected from the target substance detecting element.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for binding an analyte of interest in a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a substrate with an exposed surface with an compound, that is electrostatically charged or capable of forming hydrogen bonds, provided bound to the solid substrate. A recombinant single chain antibody (scFv) molecule specific for the analyte of interest, having one or more amino acids with charged or hydrogen-bond forming sidechains in a linker polypeptide portion, is bound to the layer on the solid substrate. When the analyte of interest is present in the sample the scFv binds the analyte to the solid substrate. The apparatus can be used with an immunoglobulin layer to detect Fc receptors, so as to detect microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus having protein A or protein G.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting magnetic nanoparticles include measuring a magneto-optical enhancement of the plasmon absorption in the optical response.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for real-time monitoring chemical reaction between various biomaterials. More particularly, the present invention directed to a real-time monitoring apparatus for biochemical reaction, which comprises parabolic mirror and/or an optical waveguide tube for effective irradiation of light over the whole plate with uniform intensity.

Abstract: A highly sensitive fluid composition analyzer where a fluid may be placed in contact with a very small area on a material sensitized to change color in the presence of a specific type of compound, to be impinged with light. The light reflected, transmitted and/or scattered by the material may serve as input for the analyzer electronics. The fluid may be pre-concentrated prior to being brought in contact with the material. The area on the material may be a spot having an outside dimension of less than one millimeter.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter 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: A test element analysis system for the analytical investigation of a liquid sample, comprising a test element including a carrier film having at least one flat side and a test field secured to the flat side and an evaluation instrument including a test element holder for positioning a test element in a measuring position, a measuring device for measuring the optically measurable change in the detection zone, and a housing within the measuring device is positioned. The test element is positioned in the measuring position in such a manner that a first partial section of the test element is located inside the housing and a second partial section is located outside of the housing to be easily accessible.

Abstract: The present invention discloses using SPR technology to detect MM related genomic imbalances in bone marrow samples. An efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of DNA markers used for the identification of MM related genomic imbalances in bone marrow samples is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of different sex hormones in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate different clinical situations. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies used for the detection of representative sex hormones in a serum sample.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of diabetes related immunological makers in a serum sample, which can be used to diagnose and/or early diagnose diabetes as well as to predict the onset risk of diabetes in first-degree relatives. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antigens and antibodies used for the detection of respective diabetes related immunological makers in a serum sample.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of different liver fibrosis-associated serum biomarkers in a serum sample, which can be used for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies used for the detection of liver fibrosis-associated serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate member with a pattern of active areas of receptive material and a pattern of blocking material layers. The receptive material and blocking material are attached to the substrate member with a photo-reactive crosslinking agent activated in a masking process. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: An analytical device including an optically opaque cladding, a sequencing layer including a substrate disposed below the cladding, and a waveguide assembly for receiving optical illumination and introducing illumination into the device. The illumination may be received from a top, a side edge, and a bottom of the device. The waveguide assembly may include a nanoscale aperture disposed in the substrate and extending through the cladding. The aperture defines a reaction cell for receiving a set of reactants. In various aspects, the device includes a sensor element and the illumination pathway is through the sensor element. Waveguides and illumination devices, such as plasmonic illumination devices, are also disclosed. Methods for forming and operating the devices are also disclosed.

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: An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.

Abstract: A bioassay substrate and method thereof is provide. In the bioassay substrate, a sample solution is dripped onto a spot area to which a plurality of detection substances is fixed and an interaction between the detection substance and a target substance in the sample solution is detected by fluorescent intensity. The substrate includes: a predetermined number of the spot areas placed in a well arranged on the surface of the substrate; and a fine uneven structure continuously formed on a bottom surface configuring the spot areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus includes a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide includes a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further includes a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

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

Abstract: This invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus for analysis. Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through a plurality of metallic islands on a transparent substrate. A resultant optical property of the plurality of metallic islands is measured. Thereafter a chemical substance is adsorbed onto the plurality of metallic islands so as to produce a chemical substance-metallic islands moiety. Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the chemical substance-metallic islands moiety and a resultant optical property of metallic islands in the chemical substance-metallic islands moiety is measured.

Abstract: A chip for nucleic acid analysis includes a body (2, 9), in which a detection chamber (7) is formed for accommodating nucleic acid probes (12, 12?). A waveguide (8) is integrated in the body (2, 9) is and is arranged at the bottom of the detection chamber (7) so that an evanescent wave (EW), produced at an interface (8a) of the waveguide (8) when a light radiation is conveyed within the waveguide (8), is irradiated towards the inside of the detection chamber (7). An apparatus for inspection of nucleic acid probes includes: a holder (22), on which a chip (1) for nucleic acid analysis is loaded, the chip containing nucleic acid probes (12, 12?); a light source (24) for supplying an excitation radiation to the nucleic acid probes (12, 12?); and an optical sensor (25) arranged so as to receive radiation coming from the nucleic acid probes (12, 12?).

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 one- or two-dimensional arrangement of flow cells is provided, as part of an array of sample compartments, with at least one inlet and outlet for each sample compartment, formed by a base plate and a body, with an arrangement of spatial recesses corresponding to the (geometrical) arrangement of the sample compartments, combined with the base plate. The arrangement allows for supplying to or removing from the sample compartments, which can be arranged at a high quantity on a small base area, even very small amounts of samples or reagents.

Abstract: A biosensor provided herein includes a semiconductor laser device having an optical resonator with at least one reflective surface and a light output surface, and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) unit disposed on the reflective surface of the optical resonator. The SPR unit has specific biological molecules fixed thereon for reacting with corresponding biological molecules of an analyzed object.

Abstract: The current invention provides a passive sampling device suitable for collecting and detecting the presence of target analytes. In particular, the passive sampling device is suitable for detecting nitro-aromatic compounds. The current invention further provides a passive sampling device reader suitable for determining the collection of target analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for detecting target analytes using the passive sampling device and the passive sampling device reader.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical sensor includes an optical waveguide module and a specimen area. The specimen area is provided adjacent to the optical waveguide module, and is configured to hold a specimen. The specimen area includes a sensing area and a precipitation area. An optical change occurs in the sensing area. A precipitate of the specimen is precipitated in the precipitation area. The precipitation area is placed at a different position from a position of the sensing area which is attached to the optical waveguide module.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for self-referencing a sensor that is used to detect a biomolecular binding event and/or kinetics which occur in a sample solution flowing along side a reference solution in a micron-sized deep flow channel.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can be an inexpensive biosensor capable of measuring a number of samples in a short time, and suitable for only one-time use (expendable). The biosensor according to the invention can include a light transmissive substrate, a probe fixing region provided on one face of the light transmissive substrate, a light emitting element provided on the other face of the substrate that irradiates the probe fixing region from the back side thereof, and a light receiving element provided on the other face of the substrate that detects the light intensity of the reflected light from the back side of the probe fixing region. Thereby, a biosensor formed in one substrate can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention comprises a polymeric microarray support (1) for an optical assay arrangement (2) comprising optical means (3, 4, 6) for detection of light emitted from the support. The microarray support is provided with microfeatures comprising a surface enlarging pattern (5), i.e. grooves having a selected depth (8). The depth is selected such that the sum of the depth and of the variations in the thickness (7) of the support substantially corresponds to the depth of focus of the optical means.