Abstract: A staining composition for use in making biofilm detectable on viable tissue wherein the composition preferentially stains the biofilm and comprises a staining agent in a quantity effective to stain said biofilm and render it detectable.

Abstract: Provided is a small-sized quantitative phase measurement apparatus. The quantitative phase measurement apparatus 1 includes a reflective polarization splitting element 17. The reflective polarization splitting element 17 is disposed at a focusing position of the converging light L4, and performs splitting of the converging light L4 into two polarized beams having different polarization directions and reflection of the two polarized beams to form a first polarized beam L5 and a second polarized beam L6 both travelling toward the converging optical system 16.

Abstract: A system and methods of sequencing a nucleic acid by detecting the identity of a fluorescent nucleotide analogue incorporated at the 3? end of a growing nucleic acid strand are provided. The system may include a substrate comprising a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions, a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with the intersection regions, one or more switchable light sources and a detector coupled to the light dispersive module. Methods of using these systems are also described.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of continuously verifying proper sort calibration in a droplet sorting flow cytometer by selecting a fraction of droplets estimated to have substantially zero probability of containing a particle; applying one charge of a set of charges to the selected droplets in order to form a test stream out of the selected droplets; illuminating the droplets in the test stream; and detecting any light emitted or scattered by any particles in the selected droplets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for generating short tandem repeat (STR) profiles on each of a plurality of samples comprising, for each sample: a) isolating DNA from the sample; b) amplifying STR markers in the isolated DNA and c) analyzing the amplification product by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system may include a container that houses a medical fluid, a fluid pressurizing unit, and a fluid transfer set that transfers the medical fluid from the container to the fluid pressurizing unit. To validate the integrity and sterility of the fluid delivery system, the system may undergo testing protocols to evaluate the susceptibility of the system to pathogenic ingress, chemical degradation, and/or fluid cross-contamination between patient fluid delivery procedures. The testing protocols may help ensure that delivery system components used during multiple different fluid delivery procedures perform as well as if the components were replaced after each fluid delivery procedure.

Abstract: A screening device (110) for screening at least one plant specimen (112) in a plurality of plant specimens (114) is disclosed. The screening device (110) comprises a detector (116) adapted for acquiring spatially resolved images (117). The screening device (110) further comprises at least one selection device (118) adapted for selecting a single plant specimen (120) or a group of plant specimens (122) from the plurality of plant specimens (114) for imaging by the detector (116). The selection device (118) comprises a deflection device (124) adapted for deflecting electromagnetic waves propagating between the plant specimens (112) and the detector (116).

Abstract: A cell analyzer includes a flow cell through which a sample containing a cell flows; an imaging unit that captures the cell contained in the sample flowing through the flow cell; a cell image storage unit that stores a cell image captured by the imaging unit; a light source that irradiates the sample flowing through the flow cell with light; a light receiving unit that receives light from the cell irradiated with the light from the light source and outputs a signal corresponding to a light receiving amount; a waveform data storage unit that stores data indicating change in the light receiving amount obtained based on the output signal; a display unit; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display the cell image and a graph representing a waveform of data for the cell in the cell image and/or a marker corresponding to the data.

Abstract: Glucose measured in blood samples is distinguished from glucose measured in the control solutions used to test the optical instruments which make such measurements. The control solutions contain a labeling substance recognized by the optical instrument to distinguish glucose measurements made of control solutions from those made of blood samples.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, method, system for the determination of the aggregation rate of red blood cells. More specifically, the invention concerns a method, system, and the relative apparatus used to determine the aggregation rate of red blood cells, and other parameters related to these, such as viscosity, deformability, elasticity, density, in the field of in vitro medical analyses, using optical systems after or during inducted forces for red blood cell disruption and redistribution generated by ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood cells includes: preparing a measurement specimen for classifying white blood cells, by mixing a sample with a reagent in order to hemolyze red blood cells contained in the sample and to fluorescently stain nucleic acid in white blood cells contained in the sample; detecting, by flowing the prepared measurement specimen in a flow cell, fluorescence emitted from each blood cell in the measurement specimen and two types of scattered light at respective different angles, and obtaining a fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals; and classifying the white blood cells into at least four groups and detecting neoplastic lymphocytes, by performing analysis using at least three types of parameters based on the obtained fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals.

Abstract: To provide a cell culture apparatus, an apparatus for long-term observation of cell culture, a method for long-term cell culture, and a method for long-term observation of cell culture, which are capable of continuously culturing and observing cells under a uniform environmental condition without variation in physiological state associated with aging of the cultured cells, and also tracing the history (genealogy) of a certain cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, the apparatus including a first input channel into which a first flow containing a plurality of components is introduced; a plurality of buffer input channels, into which additional flows of buffer solution are introduced, disposed on either side of the first input channel; wherein the first flow and the additional flows have a flow direction along a length of the apparatus; a detector apparatus which detects and identifies selected components of the plurality of components; a laser which emits a laser beam which damages or kills selected components of the plurality of components; and at least one channel disposed at the another end of the apparatus which is adapted to receive the first flow and the additional flows after operation of the laser on the selected components.

Abstract: A computer system is provided for determining the relative effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. The interface has selectable options, including an option to manage drug testing parameters, and enables user selection of desired drug testing parameters in relation to a virtual well plate associated with a physical well plate of a spectrophotometer. The computer system causes the spectrophotometer to start a drug test, wherein the physical well plate includes at least one test well containing viable cancer cells; and at least one drug candidate in a predetermined concentration; and at least one control well containing the viable cancer cells alone. The system records the optical density of the well at a predetermined wavelength at selected time intervals for a selected duration of time, and stores the optical density and time measurements in the database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light source for irradiating molecules present in a detection volume with one or more selected wavelengths of light and directing the fluorescence, absorbance, transmittance, scattering onto one or more detectors. Molecular interactions with the light allow for the identification and quantitation of participating chemical moieties in reactions utilizing physical or chemical tags, most typically fluorescent and chromophore labels. The invention can also use the light source to separately and simultaneously irradiate a plurality of capillaries or other flow confining structures with one or more selected wavelengths of light and separately and simultaneously detect fluorescence produced within the capillaries or other flow confining structures. In various embodiments, the flow confining structures can allow separation or transportation of molecules and include capillary, micro bore and milli bore flow systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a cassette-based automated assay for homocysteine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for binding to assay substrata in a stable and protective manner, thereby enhancing assay performance, are provided. The compositions comprise lyotropic materials (for example, lyotropic liquid and/or liquid crystalline materials) and may contain macromolecular standards, markers or capture compounds. The compositions are capable of binding to assay substrata such as that of chips that are employed for MALDI and SELDI mass spectroscopy analyzes and plates that are used for ELISA type assays.

Abstract: A sensor device comprises a dielectric substrate (52); and a metal layer (53) on the substrate (52) with at least one array of cavities (54) therein and adapted to support L-SPR, each of the cavities (54) in the metal layer (53) having an opening (56) and a closed bottom (58) and widening from opening to bottom. A bed of dielectric material (62) is provided over the bottom (58) of each cavity (54) to reduce its apparent depth, the bed surface (62) being functionalized to bind to receptor moieties (64). This sensor device is particularly designed for SPR detection, but can be used in other detection techniques.

Abstract: The invention features a method including: (i) providing spectrally resolved information about light coming from different spatial locations in a sample comprising deep tissue in response to an illumination of the sample, wherein the light includes contributions from different components in the sample; (ii) decomposing the spectrally resolved information for each of at least some of the different spatial locations into contributions from spectral estimates associated with at least some of the components in the sample; and (iii) constructing a deep tissue image of the sample based on the decomposition to preferentially show a selected one of the components.

Abstract: There is provided a single particle detection technique based on a scanning molecule counting method, enabling individual detection of a single particle using light measurement with a confocal or multiphoton microscope, and quantitative observation of conditions or characteristics of the particle. The inventive technique of detecting a single particle in a sample solution detects light containing substantially constant background light from a light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in a sample solution to generate time series light intensity data; and detects individually a light intensity reduction occurred when a single particle which does not emit light (or a particle whose emitting light intensity in a detected wavelength band is lower than the background light) enters in the light detection region in the time series light intensity data as a signal indicating the existence of each single particle.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: A microstructured measurement chip (1) for optical measurement of properties of artificial or biological membranes (40), having a lower, translucent support layer (10) and at least one non-translucent main layer (20) disposed on top of the former, which layer has depressions (30) configured as measurement chambers, having an upper opening (25) and one or multiple inner side walls (26). In order to improve the measurement chip (1) in such a manner that biological systems can be measured with greater measurement accuracy and higher throughput, it is proposed that the side wall or the side walls (26) of the measurement chambers (30) have depressions (27) and/or elevations (28). The invention furthermore relates to a holder (200) for the measurement chips (1) as well as to a method for the production of the measurement chips (1) from a silicon wafer (300).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to improve the Boyden chamber used in cellular biological measurements, allowing quantitative optical microscopy of biological cells in situ without using fluorescent probes or optical staining. A thin, porous membrane separating top and bottom reservoirs includes an array of precisely positioned micropores pores manufactured using a laser-based photo-machining (ablation) process. The membrane may be composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyimide, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polystyrene, or other appropriate material. The pores formed in the membrane may have diameters in the range of 1 to 15 microns and spaced apart at a distance ranging from 10 to 500 microns. A plurality of upper and lower reservoirs may be provided to form a multi-well plate.

Abstract: An optical biosensor, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a first layer, a second layer stacked on the first layer, a first grating coupler within the first layer and the second layer, and a second grating coupler within the first layer. The first grating coupler is configured to couple a light pattern provided to a front side of the optical biosensor. The second grating coupler is configured to output the light pattern coupled by the first grating coupler to a photoelectric conversion element on a rear side of the optical biosensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for the determination of the presence and/or extent if an analyte in a liquid sample over an extended concentration range comprising a first assay and a second assay, wherein the first assay for an analyte comprises a first flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent and the second assay for said analyte comprises a second flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent, wherein the presence of labelled binding reagent at the detection zones provides an indication of the presence and/or extent of analyte in said liquid sample.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code-type time-temperature indicator the color or shape of which changes in accordance with time and temperature conditions, and to a method for manufacturing the time-temperature indicator, to a quality guarantee system using the time-temperature indicator, and to a quality guarantee method using the quality guarantee system. The time-temperature indicator comprises: nanobeads containing a microorganism for generating lactic acids using nutrient components, an indicating agent for indicating the change in color by means of the generated lactic acids, an immobilization material for immobilizing the microorganism, the indicating agent, and the nutrient components; a base having a bonding layer; and a cover film.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring bacteria includes a sampling device for processing fluorescently stained bacteria, a detector for detecting size information from the bacteria in the sample, and a detector for detecting fluorescence information expressing intensity of fluorescent light emitted by the bacteria. The apparatus further includes a processor and memory that includes programs for creating a scattergram representing a distribution of the bacteria based on the size information and the fluorescence information detected, analyzing the distribution of the bacteria in the scattergram, and determining whether the bacteria in the sample is bacillus or coccus based on a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A subject information acquiring apparatus including: a generation section that generates terahertz waves to be irradiated at a test object in a plurality of kinds of states including a state in which a target material that takes a specific portion of the test object as a target has been introduced into the test object; a detection section that detects terahertz waves that are propagated from the test object and outputs a signal; a processing section that acquires information of the test object using the signals detected by the detecting section and information relating to a characteristic portion of a wavelength spectrum of the target material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are assays and in vitro methods to determine susceptibility to a drug effective against a pathogenic bacteria, for example, a pathogenic Mycobacteria, that has a beta-lactamase activity. An excitation wavelength is delivered to a biological sample obtained from a subject having an infection from the pathogenic bacteria in the presence of a beta-lactamase substrate. The intensity of a signal, such as a fluorescent, luminescent or colorimetric signal, at an emission wavelength of a product of the beta-lactamase on the subject is correlated to drug susceptibility. Also provided is an assay system for monitoring drug susceptibility of a pathogenic bacteria comprising color-producing substrates for a beta-lactamase of the pathogenic bacteria, an assay device for visibly detecting a product of the beta-lactamase on the substrate thereof and a reader configured to quantify the visibly detected product.

Abstract: A composition having: a proanthocyanidin; and a macromolecule, an assembly of macromolecules, a semi-solid, or a solid surface to which the proanthocyanidin is immobilized.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining the concentration of nucleic acids in a sample in a microfluidic device. In at least one embodiment, the method includes a) introducing the sample into a first chamber, b) carrying out a number of cycles of an amplification reaction to be carried out in cycles for amplifying nucleic acids, c) transferring a defined volume which is a fraction of the volume of the first chamber and which has amplified nucleic acids into a second chamber and replacing the transferred defined volume with fresh reagents for the amplification reaction, d) determining the concentration of the amplified nucleic acids in a second chamber equipped with an element to determine concentrations, and e) repeating steps b)-d) until a concentration of the amplified nucleic acids which is within a range is determined in the second chamber. An arrangement is further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides devices, compositions and methods for determining the concentration of one or more metabolites or analytes in a biological sample, including cells, tissues, organs, organisms, and biological fluids. In particular, this invention provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for several non-invasive techniques for the determination of in vivo blood glucose concentration levels based upon the in vivo measurement of one or more biologically active molecules found in skin.

Abstract: Automated islet measurement systems (AIMS) in combination with tissue volume analysis (TVA) software effectively gauges volumetric and size-based data to generate heretofore unavailable information regarding, for example, populations of islet cells, stem cells and related desiderata.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioreactor device, and a method and system for fabricating tissues and growing cells and tissues in the bioreactor device, accommodates less than about 1 mL (or less than about 200 ?L) of local medium volume but sample sizes of about 100 ?L or greater. The bioreactor device includes a bioreactor chamber for containing a sample, where sample growth in response to mechanical, electrical, and biofactor stimulation is monitored through one or more optical ports. Embedded sensors are provided for measuring fluid pressure, pH, temperature, and oxygen tension. The bioreactor device can receive different types of mechanical loadings, including fluid shear, hydrostatic pressure, matrix compression, and clinorotation.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting analytes in a test sample. Embodiments include methods for quantitatively detecting analytes within a range of concentrations. In an embodiment the method includes a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas for capturing a labeled receptor to provide a detectable signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting, and characterizing a microorganism present in a sample and growth composition whereby the method may be accomplished utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements directly from a sample and growth composition and correlating said measurements for the detection and characterization of a microorganism, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: A sensing device able to do concurrent real time detection of different kinds of chemical, biomolecule agents, or biological cells and their respective concentrations using optical principles. The sensing system can be produced at a low cost (below $1.00) and in a small size (˜1 cm3). The novel sensing system may be of great value to many industries, for example, medical, forensics, and military. The fundamental principles of this novel invention may be implemented in many variations and combinations of techniques.

Abstract: A system for deforming and analyzing particles includes a substrate defining an inlet, and an outlet; a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet and defining a delivery region upstream of a deformation region configured to deform particles, wherein the fluidic pathway comprises a first branch configured to generate a first flow, and a second branch configured to generate a second flow that opposes the first flow, wherein an intersection of the first flow and the second flow defines the deformation region; a detection module including a sensor configured to generate a morphology dataset characterizing deformation of the particles, and a photodetector configured to generate a fluorescence dataset characterizing fluorescence of the particles; and a processor configured to output an analysis of the plurality of particles based at least in part on the deformation dataset and the fluorescent dataset for the plurality of particles.

Abstract: A method based on digital holography for determining parameters of at least one erythrocyte is provided, said method comprising the steps of: constructing an interference pattern comprising a wave front representative of said at least one erythrocyte arised from the interaction of said at least one erythrocyte and electromagnetic radiation, reconstructing amplitude- and phase information representative of said at least one erythrocyte wave front from said interference pattern and determining the mean corpuscular volume and/or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and/or oxygen saturation and/or mean corpuscular hemoglobin of at least one erythrocyte by combining phase information and amplitude information representative of said at least one erythrocyte.