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: A substrate for testing a carrier liquid for biomolecules using SPR or other techniques provides a metallic island surrounded by a hydrophobic layer, the islands being a location for the attachment of probe molecules. The hydrophobic layer may also be a dielectric material providing improved sensitivity in SPR imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a qualitative characteristic of an interferometric component (eg a planar waveguide structure) or a process for determining a qualitative characteristic of a stimulus of interest to which the interferometric component (eg the planar waveguide structure) has been exposed by measuring a non-positional characteristic of the interference fringes.

Abstract: In a method for analysis biomolecules (3) attached to a solid surface of a substrate (1) are used for detecting the presence of analytes (4) in a sample by binding of the analytes to the biomolecules. The biomolecules (3) are attached directly to the surface of the substrate together with biomolecule-repellent molecules (5), which cover the surface between the biomolecules (3) to prevent nonspecific binding of analytes (4) and other biomolecules. The invention relates also to a biosensor where biomolecules (3) are attached directly to the substrate (1) together with biomolecule-repellent molecules (5), which cover the surface between the biomolecules (3) to prevent non-specific binding of analytes (4) and other biomolecules. The biomolecules (5) can be self-assembled hydrophilic polymers. One example of using the invention is immunological analysis using surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Abstract: A biosensor surface with a low density of ligand-carrying tether molecules on a base layer. Also, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices have the biosensor surface attached to a thin gold layer with backside angle-spread incident radiation for resonance excitation and reflective detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting analytes in a medium, and more particularly the present invention relates to an assay based on light diffraction which appears or changes upon the binding of analytes to their specific receptors laid out in patterns on a substrate, which has high sensitivity due to the appropriate choice of such patterns. The present invention is based on the principle that the pattern of recognition elements, which gives rise to the diffraction of the incident light in a diffraction-based assay, can be chosen in such a way so as to facilitate detection, and to enhance the signal to be detected compared to known gratings such as parallel straight lines. In one aspect the substrate itself has a surface topography designed to enhance the diffraction pattern signals. In another aspect the substrate is a diffractive optic element having the analyte-specific receptors affixed to the optic element.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection system includes a photonic band gap structure. An internal surface of the photonic band gap structure defines a core region, and is coated with a film formed of conjugated polymer molecules. The core region is filled with a sample fluid or gas having a plurality of either chemical or biological analytes dispersed therein. An optical source generates excitation light directed to the sample fluid. In response, a binding event between a bacterium or chemical species in the fluid or gas and one or more of the conjugated polymer molecules generates a fluorescent signal whose wavelength falls within the photonic band gap. The fluorescent signal is guided through said core region by resonant reflections, and is guided onto a detector. A plurality of photonic band gap structures may be combined so as to form a biosensor array.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also relates to optical devices.

Abstract: A sample analyzing method capable of high-precision analysis without being affected by vibration and optical design is provided. In the sample analyzing method, a sample containing a ligand is caused to bind to a receptor that can bind specifically to the ligand, and a change caused by binding of the receptor and the ligand is analyzed by measuring frequency characteristics of a surface plasmon resonance angle while applying external vibration to the receptor. The sample analyzing method is useful in the fields of, for example, biology, medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting biomolecular interactions. The detection can occur without the use of labels and can be done in a high-throughput manner. The invention further relates to self-referencing colorimetric resonant optical biosensors and optical devices.

Abstract: An improved biochip type device comprising a substrate (10) including an intermediate non-absorbent multilayer mirror (12) covered by a layer (14) of high refractive index material having chromophore elements (16) fixed thereon, the layer (14) further including feature (24) for extracting guided-mode light in order to recover the light emitted by the chromophore elements (16) into the layer (14) in response to light excitation, and direct the light to detection and measurement means.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also relates to optical devices.

Abstract: A first core layer and a second core layer, serving as optical waveguides, whose refractive indexes are greater than that of a substrate are placed on the surface of the substrate that functions as a cladding layer. An interval between the first core layer and the second core layer is partially narrowed so that lightwaves progressing through these core layers may develop an optical mode coupling. Disposed in this optical mode coupling area is a detector, which comes in contact with liquid or gas and interacts with a substance to be detected, such as chemical or biological substance. A receptor material which selectively captures the substance to be detected is fixed on a surface of the detector. Antibody, enzyme, cell, ionophore, single-strand DNA and the like are examples of the receptor material.

Abstract: A method of illumination and illumination apparatus are provided in a biochip reader. Illumination is provided by a non-collimated laser source or a light emitting diode (LED). The light is directed to opposing sides of a glass substrate by a pair of optical fiber bundles. The glass substrate carries a bioarray. Each of the optical fiber bundles are splayed out to make a fan, the fan being one fiber thick and defining a line of optical fiber faces. This process randomizes any non-uniformity in the illumination source, creating a more uniform illumination source. A respective divergent diffuser engages each row of optical fiber faces coupling and diffusing light substantially evenly through the opposing sides of the glass substrate to illuminate the bioarray supported by the glass substrate. The glass substrate functions as a secondary light guide. The divergent diffusers separate the optical fiber faces from the edges of the glass substrate, protecting the optical fibers from mechanical damage.

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: The present invention provides an optical assay apparatus that includes a light source module and an optical sensor. The light source module produces light having a range of propagation angles. The sensor includes a light adjusting portion and an assay sensing portion. The light adjusting portion receives the light produced by the light source module and provides light having a propagation angle that is substantially constant to the assay sensing portion. In one embodiment, the sensor may be coupled with the light source module by an interrogation module which includes a window in which a waveguide is integrated. In another embodiment, the sensor and interrogation module are mounted in an automated assay platform that provides two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement of the sensor so that it can be sequentially immersed in solutions required to perform a particular assay protocol.

Abstract: A scanning sensor system 100, methods and kits for use thereof including a switchable light source 102, a detector 106, a substrate 104 and a plurality of optical sensing sites 112 are provided. Substrate 104 is coupled to and in optical communication with switchable light source 102 and detector 106. Additionally, substrate 104 includes a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides 108, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides 110, the excitation waveguides 108 and collection waveguides 110 crossing to form a two-dimensional array and optical communication with intersection regions 114 at each crossing. The plurality of optical sensing sites 112 are each in optical communication with an intersection region 114.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting changes in the refractive index of a fluid in a small test volume. A change in the refractive index can indicate a change in the chemical composition of the fluid. The test volume has a depth comparable to or less than the wavelength of incident light. In one embodiment, an internal surface of the volume is coated with a binding partner selected to bind with a targeted molecule. When the targeted molecule binds to the binding partner, the optical properties of the system change. The refractive index is determined by illuminating the test volume with laser light and measuring transmitted or reflected light.

Abstract: A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing adapted for incorporation within the photometric diagnostic instrument, and an elongated sample table operatively engaged with the housing. The sample table is configured to support elongated reagent sample media of the type having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas being configured to react with a sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample. A light source is provided to illuminate the sample table. An imager having an elongated field of view is coupled to the housing, the elongated field of view including at least a portion of the sample table. A scanning mechanism is configured to move the field of view relative to the sample table.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for determining cell interactions that are faster than conventional methods and that require the use of fewer reagents than conventional methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring an infrared spectrum of a sample having or suspected to have an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof. A representative method includes providing a sample; providing an internal reflecting element (IRE) with a functionalized tip; contacting the sample with the IRE to form a sample-IRE interface; directing a beam of infrared (IR) radiation through the IRE under conditions such that the IR radiation interacts with the sample-IRE interface once; recording a reflectance profile over a range of preselected frequencies, whereby an infrared spectrum of the of a sample having or suspected of having an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof, disposed in an aqueous solution is acquired.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: An optical illumination and monitoring subsystem controls the operation of a flow cytometer having a carrier fluid that flows along a channel coupled to a droplet generator, which controls a point at which droplets break off from the carrier fluid, and a droplet sorter that is operative to cause selected droplets to be sorted along one or more droplet travel paths. The subsystem is operative to illuminate a respective droplet monitoring location along each of one or more droplet travel paths with a respective beam of light, such as that sourced from a common laser. In response to backscatter reflection from a droplet passing through the respective beam of light at a respective droplet monitoring location, the amplitude of the beam of light is increased. Then the droplet is monitored for the presence of a particle therein exhibiting detectable fluorescence as a result of the increase in the amplitude of the respective beam of light.

Abstract: The object with the funtionalized hydrogel surface for detection of analyte molecules is obtainable by a process including (1) providing a hydrogel layer on a base surface; (2) bonding organic molecules to the hydrogel layer, each including a chain of atoms with a chain length of at least 8 atoms and a terminal group, which is an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, or a derivative thereof, and (3) reacting the terminal group with a receptor molecule that contains at least three groups, each of which is an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, a phosphonic acid group, or a derivative thereof. The receptor molecule can be a protein and the hydrogel can include a water-swellable organic polymer. A method of detecting analyte molecules, for example by surface resonance spectroscopy, is also part of the invention.

Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: A fluidic waveguide comprising a container and a fluid that fills said container, wherein said fluid has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the wall of said container and wherein said fluid can act as a waveguide for electromagnetic radiation when contacted therewith is disclosed. A corresponding fluidic lightguide along with devices that function as composite waveguides and lightguides are described. Assays utilizing this waveguide for biochemical, chemical, and other kinds of analyzes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: Self-referencing optical sensors and methods are described herein that can be used to detect bio-chemical interactions (e.g., biological binding of antigen-antibody pairs) that occur in for example a microplate. In one embodiment, the self-referencing optical sensor includes a substrate, a lower (reference) waveguide grating structure, a buffer layer and an upper (sensing) waveguide grating structure. This self-referencing optical sensor enables an optical interrogation system to detect a bio-chemical interaction independent of the effect of temperature by measuring a reference signal associated with the lower (reference) waveguide grating structure and measuring a sensing signal associated with the upper (sensing) waveguide grating structure. These two signals are then subtracted from one another to determine a sensing measurement that represents whether or not the bio-chemical interaction occurred that is independent of the effect of temperature.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: An enclosed chamber is used in a system for screening of a liquid specimen through binding assays. The enclosed chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete reactant containing wells communicated by a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A transparent member or coverslip defines on an inside thereof the plurality of wells. Each well has a bottom for receiving an allergent/antigen/reactant, which emits light upon reacting. The coverslip can optionally define at least one lens at each well. A bottom encloses the plurality of wells and defines between the inlet and the outlet a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. This bottom defines for each of the plurality of wells a flow-diverting member. An opaque partition is disclosed for surrounding the individual lenses and generally isolating the light path from each well.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: A microcantilever sensing system includes a waveguide cantilever that permits an optical signal to propagate through an endface of the cantilever. The propagated signal is received by a receiver waveguide across a gap from the cantilever. The receiver waveguide provides the optical signal to a differential beamsplitter. The signal is differentially split according to the position of the optical signal incident upon the receiving waveguide. A method of determining a deflection waveguide microcantilever is also disclosed. An optical signal is transmitted from the endface of a waveguide microcantilever and received by the receiver waveguide. The optical signal is differentially split and then each split signal is compared to determine beam deflection. A method of fabricating a microcantilever sensor provides a differential beamsplitter in optical communication with a waveguide cantilever.

Abstract: A biochemical sensor apparatus having an optical radiation source, a sensor array, and a photodetector array is disclosed. Each sensor of the sensor array includes fluorophores for fluorescence (generating response radiation) when mixed with analytes of interest and exposed to stimulus radiation. An array of photodetectors, such as a CMOS imaging array is used to detect the response radiation. The detected response radiation is converted to digital values and the digital values used to analyze various properties of the analytes present in the sensors.

Abstract: Novel nanowell microarrays are disclosed in optical contact with polymer waveguides wherein evanescent field associated with lightwaves propagated in the waveguide excite target substances in the nanowells either by a common waveguide or by individual waveguides. Fluid samples are conveyed to the nanowells by means of microfluidics. The presence of the target substances in fluid samples is detected by sensing fluorescent radiation generated by fluorescent tag bound to the target substances. The fluorescent tags generate fluorescent radiation as a result of their excitation by the evanescent field. One or more PMT detectors or a CCD detector are located at the side of the waveguide opposite to the nanowells. Fluorescent radiation is detected due to its coupling with the waveguide or its emission through the waveguide.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a receptive material layer of radiation-absorbing member (RAM)-tagged biomolecules disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein areas are exposed through a mask with a light source to induce deactivation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also relates to optical devices.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector.

Abstract: This invention provides modified phycobilisomes and phycobilisome complexes that are supramolecular complexes with diverse spectral properties, and which may optionally be immobilized on a manufactured solid support. The invention provides a versatile set of highly sensitive signal-generating systems and conjugates that may be used as highly detectable tracers and labels, or in biotransducers comprising phycobilisomes or phycobilisome complexes, and also provides methods for performing specific binding assays using signal-generating systems comprising phycobilisomes as detectable labels. The embodiments of the invention provide the art with an extremely sensitive, nonisotopic detection means for assaying analytes and for sensing molecular events and environmental conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensors for use in testing biological, biochemical, chemical or environmental samples, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: The present invention allows for regeneration of any chemical and biological sensor systems without totally destroying the primary antibodies in the system. The present invention provides regeneration of the sensor by debinding of the antigen/antibody complex utilizing a controlled electrical impulse. The technique is generic and can be used with most immunoassay-based detectors.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: Gas focusing flow cytometers are fabricatable employing simple and inexpensive manufacturing techniques. When such cytometers or conventional cytometers are combined with fiber optical light paths and laser diode and semiconductor photodetectors, light weight and handheld, optionally disposable devices which maintain high performance are possible.

Abstract: The invention provides a methods for fabricating colorimetric resonant reflection biosensors.

Abstract: An analyzer useful in determining the presence of an analyte using a diffraction based sensing device and methods and systems using this device. The present invention may be used with a variety of different diffraction-based diagnostic methods and systems. The analyzer enhances the accuracy and/or usefulness of these devices in detecting analytes, while providing more ease-of-use and convenience to the user. The analyzer may include a light source, a photodiode, a microprocessor and a display system for informing the user of the result. Other features include mirrors, lenses, a sample holder, and a mask for blocking out some light. The analyzer and related method and system may be used in a large number of environments, including commercial, professional, and individual.

Abstract: Improvements in a biosensor of the type having reservoirs or wells for analyzing a biological liquid are disclosed. A biosensor (190) includes a waveguide (164) placed between a plurality of members such as plates (100, 186), at least one of the members (100) being formed to define the walls (132, 134, 136) of the reservoirs where the liquid is biologically analyzed. The walls of the reservoirs are made of an inert, opaque material such as a metal. Although the biosensor may include a gasket (162), the gasket is associated with the members and waveguide in such a way (e.g. by recessing the gasket into a channel formed into a metal plate) so that the gasket does not form any significant portion of the reservoir wall. Waveguides of varying composition (e.g. plastic, quartz or glass) may be associated with the members to form the biosensor. The metal plate of the biosensor has input and output ports for infusing, draining, or oscillating the liquid to be analyzed in the reaction reservoir.