Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of detecting a target analyte, by binding the target analyte and a probe with at least one fluorophore to form a fluid composition. The fluid composition is excited within a laser cavity. The method comprises measuring a laser emission from the fluid composition based on an interaction between the target analyte and the probe. In certain aspects, the method provides hybridizing the target analyte and the probe, prior to the exciting. In certain variations, the methods comprise detecting a target analyte by measuring a laser emission from the fluid composition based on an interaction between the target analyte, where the interaction is probe energy transfer, intercalation, hybridization of the target analyte and the probe, or combinations thereof. The energy transfer can include fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), FRET with a molecular-beacon, or cavity-assisted radiative energy transfer, by way of non-limiting example.

Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining a viable aerobic microbe count at to employing a two-point calibration curve of tthreshold to TVC for each type of sample. One point on the calibration curve is the x-intercept value (i.e., an estimated or experimental value for the logarithm of the minimum viable aerobic microbe count at commencement of testing (to) in a sample effective for causing the sample to reach tThreshold substantially instantaneously upon commencement of incubation). The other point is ascertained experimentally from a sample having a smaller known viable aerobic microbe count at to.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring floating microorganisms in a gas phase in real time using a system for dissolving microorganisms and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) illumination, and to a method for detecting same. The measuring apparatus includes a particle classifying apparatus for collecting floating microorganisms and being coated by an ATP reaction illuminating agent; a system for dissolving microorganisms for dissolving the microorganisms and extracting ATP; and a light receiving device for detecting light generated from the reaction of the extracted ATP by the system and the ATP reaction illuminating agent coated on the particle classifying apparatus. According to the detection method using ATP organism illumination, the floating microorganisms in the gas phase can be readily detected and the detection can be automatically conducted in real time without manual labor.

Abstract: A test for erythrocyte membrane mechanical fragility, involving subjection of a sample comprising red blood cells to a mechanical stress capable of causing hemolysis, and measurement of the hemolysis present after particular extent(s) of the stress. Measurement of hemolysis can be without component separation, such as by cell-counting (optical or non-optical) or by spectral differentiation between cell-free and intracellular hemoglobin. Such tests can incorporate a disposable single-use component that contains an RBC sample during testing, and for certain embodiments the mechanical stress involved comprises (higher-energy) ultrasonic stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.

Abstract: Three-dimensional microfluidic devices including by a plurality of patterned porous, hydrophilic layers and a fluid-impermeable layer disposed between every two adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layers are described. Each patterned porous, hydrophilic layer has a fluid-impermeable barrier which substantially permeates the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic layer and defines boundaries of one or more hydrophilic regions within the patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. The fluid-impermeable layer has openings which are aligned with at least part of the hydrophilic region within at least one adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. Microfluidic assay device, microfluidic mixer, microfluidic flow control device are also described.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits pertaining to detecting live bacterial pathogens using sortase enzymes and reflective spectroscopy such as reflective interferometry.

Abstract: In order to pick up a sufficient amount of cells for a genetic test from a section of a biological tissue with a simple structure and a simple operation, provided is a cell collection apparatus comprising: a substrate which is provided to be dividable into a plurality of small pieces along a predetermined dividing line, and which has a flat surface to which a section of a biological tissue can be pasted; a sheet-shaped expandable member to which the substrate can be adhered in a detachable manner, and which is expandable in a direction along the surface; a expansion unit for expanding the expandable member in at least a region adhered with the substrate, in a direction along the surface; and a pickup unit for detaching and picking up the divided small pieces from the expandable member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing characteristics of particles in a fluid stream. The particles may be intermittently illuminated at an interrogation location with a pulsed laser. A time-varying signal produced in response to the illumination may be analyzed as a function of a timing signal in order to determine characteristics of the particles in the fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional, modified glucose-galactose binding proteins (GGBPs), that have a greater melting temperature (Tm) than a reference GGBP. The present invention also relates to biological sensors, e.g., glucose sensors, comprising these thermostable GGBPs. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding these thermostable GGBPs.

Abstract: A device and method for the rapid on-site detection of inhibitors of enzymes, such as, acetylcholinesterase is described where the device contains 2 reaction zones containing a reporter enzyme substrate. One reaction zone is for the test sample while the other is for an onboard negative control. Sample and control fluids are preincubated with the enzyme in separate reaction containers, then an aliquot of each reaction mixture is added to designated reaction zones on the test device. A purpose-built reader or an illuminating device, such as, containing an incandescent light source, a diode, a UV light source or any other illumination source that is suitable for the reporter or mere visualization is used to determine the level of reporter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for continuously sampling particles from air. In one embodiment, a system for continuously sampling particles from air may include: an airflow system configured to continuously draw air including airborne particles into the system; a photophoretic trap that uses photophoretic forces of a laser beam to trap one or more of the airborne particles from the drawn air; a measurement device configured to measure one or more properties of the trapped one or more airborne particles; and a controller configured to repeatedly trap, measure and release one or more airborne particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of an environment or process by measuring light emitted from a bioluminescent sample containing ATP, ADP, or alkaline phosphatase. The apparatus comprises a sample collection and analysis system used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The system includes an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device and one or more probe assemblies that optically cooperate with the instrument. The instrument includes a dark chamber with a reflective interior surface which may be concave or preferably spherical, and a photon detection sensor such as a multi-pixel photon counter sensor. A substantially transparent portion of the probe assembly, and liquid contained therein, focus bioluminescence toward the photon detection sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one hemoglobin related parameter of a whole blood sample is provided.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: Devices and methods for screening emissive properties of a cell, such as the resistance to photobleaching or other photophysical property. In one example, a device may include a microfluidic reservoir having at least an input channel for receiving the cell, a main channel fluidly coupled with the input channel, at least a first output channel and a second output channel, the first and second output channels fluidly coupled with the main channel; and a multibeam interrogation section generating a plurality of light beams impinging upon the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir. As a cell passes from the input channel through the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir, the cell is exposed to the plurality of light beams thereby generating emissions that are received by a signal processing section. A cell trapping section selectively diverts the cell to the second output channel if the cell contains desired emissive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: A radial flow immunoassay includes a membrane having a plurality of immobilized distinct antigens disposed thereon. Methods of producing the immunoassay, and methods of utilizing same to detect immunoglobulin present in a biological sample, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a biosensor including a scaffold and a dye complex, the dye complex including a clay material associated with a dye material, where the dye complex is at least partially embedded in the scaffold. Also provided is a process for preparing the biosensor, an apparatus including the biosensor and methods for detecting viable microorganisms in an aqueous fluid test sample making use of the biosensor, for predicting biofouling in a fluid flowing system and for determining a concentration of disinfectant required to disinfect an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes (1) obtaining a plasma sample from a patient; (2) performing a coagulation assay on the plasma sample; (3) measuring a coagulation property of the plasma sample using a coagulation analyzer so as to generate measured data; (3) performing waveform analysis on the measured data so as to obtain turbidity characteristics; and (4) employing the waveform analysis to determine a coagulation status of the coagulation assay not provided by the coagulation analyzer. Numerous other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in wound fluid, the biosensor being at least substantially free of catalase and comprising a sensing means comprising an oxidase enzyme and a hydrogen peroxide indicator means, the arrangement being such that, when a sample of wound fluid comprising the analyte is brought into contact with the sensing means, the oxidase enzyme reacts with the analyte to produce hydrogen peroxide which triggers the indicator means to indicate the presence of the analyte in the wound fluid.

Abstract: A biological particle analyzer is disclosed and includes a microchannel including an end coupled to a first drive electrode, another end coupled to a second drive electrode, a first detection area at an upstream location and an excitation area at a downstream location for containing particles flowing from the upstream location to the downstream location inside the microchannel, a first detection circuit coupled to the first detection area for outputting a first detection result when at least one particle has arrived at the first detection area, a light emission source, and a control module coupled to the first detection circuit and the light emission source for determining when to turn on or off the light emission source according to the first detection result.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of examining tissue growth and/or conditioning and/or adhesion properties of cells on a synthetic and/or natural scaffold (30) as well as a perfusion bioreactor (10) for use in this method.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: An assistant device for pipetting is disclosed. The assistant device for pipetting comprises: a multi-well plate, a first light emitting element array, a first photo detector array, a second light emitting element array, a second photo detector array, a control circuit, and a display. The multi-well plate comprises a plurality of wells for containing a solution, and the plurality of wells are disposed as an array. The first and second light emitting element arrays are disposed at adjacent sides of the multi-well plate. The first and second photo detector arrays are disposed at the side opposite to the first and second light emitting element arrays respectively. The control circuit is connected to the light emitting element arrays, the photo detector arrays, and the display to determine the amount of pipetting times of each of the wells and display on the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of amphipathic polymers to enhance lateral flow and reagent mixing on assay devices. More specifically, the invention relates to use of an amphipathic polymer in assay methods including a device for determining the concentration of lipids in blood serum or plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting coliform bacteria in water from reflected light, and also includes devices for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to that method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a substrate having a surface comprising nanoparticles or groups of nanoparticles which the linear optical response does not depend on the polarisation of the incident field of a Gaussian beam having an axis of propagation that is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate. The shape or arrangement of the groups of nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number equal to three or greater than four, and the shape of the nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number no less than three, to allow strong enhancement of the beam close to the surface. The disclosure relates to use of substrates for detection and/or measurement of chemical, biochemical or biological molecules, wherein the molecules can be present in trace amounts in a liquid or other medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measures for determining glucose and for diagnosing diseases based on impaired glucose metabolism. In particular the present invention relates to a device comprising a hydrogel having a glucose-binding protein and a ligand of the glucose-binding protein incorporated therein, wherein the hydrogel comprises a first hydrogel matrix made of alginate and a second hydrogel matrix which forms an interpenetrating network within the first hydrogel matrix. The invention further relates to the use of such a device for determining the glucose content in a sample and to the use of the device for diagnosing impaired glucose metabolism in a test subject.

Abstract: A biological material such as platelets is sealed inside a container with a dead space to accommodate a metabolic gas. The concentration of the gas in the dead space is monitored while the container remains sealed. In some embodiments, the container is permeable to the gas. In other embodiments, the biological material is the only growth medium in the container. The disposal of the biological material is in accordance with the monitored gas concentration. Preferably, the gas concentration is measured spectroscopically. A container for a biological material includes a main body that retains the biological material but that is permeable to a gas and a reservoir in fluid communication with the main body that is transparent to an optical wavelength that is absorbed by the gas.

Abstract: Sandwich separation is based on forming a sandwich complex with a magnetic bead, buoyant bead, and a target. Once a sandwich formation is created, the sandwich can be separated using its dual physical properties, namely magnetism and buoyancy. Sandwich separation is highly specific, allows for removal of the beads that do not have any attached target, and reduces the number of background beads. Sandwich separation can also be used to allow for target detection in raw specimen. Also, improvement of detection capability is accomplished by performing AMBR measurements on a solid interface, where the rotational period speeds up and allows for dramatically reduced time-to-result.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: Assessing quality of feedstock is provided and may be useful for determining quality of feed (such as corn kernels). The assessment determines endogenous enzyme activity within the feedstock, which correlates with total ethanol yields in raw starch hydrolysis (non-cooked) systems. In some embodiments, a sample containing flour (ground feedstock) is provided. In some cases, flour is diluted in water and buffered with a phosphate buffered solution. The buffered flour solution is contacted with a molecule, or fluorescent dye, such as fluorescein diacetate and/or difluorofluorescein that is altered by enzymatic (esterase) activity in a detectable fashion. Enzyme activity may be facilitated using an incubator. The detectible alteration may be measured using a fluorometer. In some embodiments, two incubations and fluorescence measurements can be performed.

Abstract: A cell analyzing apparatus includes: a histogram acquirer which is configured to perform measurement of a number of nuclear stained cells, and which, by using a result of the measurement, is configured to acquire a histogram indicating a fluorescence intensity; and an analysis controller which is configured to apply frequency analysis on data of the histogram acquired by the histogram acquirer, and which is configured to determine existence/nonexistence of cancer cells based on a result of the frequency analysis.

Abstract: The ability to form and maintain gradients is essential for the study of response of cells to various stimuli. The invention includes devices and methods for the high-throughput, reproducible formation of gradients for the study of living cells. The invention includes microfluidics device with a lest chamber having a depth flanked by flow-through channels having a deeper depth. Flow of two different fluids through the flow-through channels results in the creation of a gradient by diffusion across the test chamber having essentially no flow.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for treating a biomass feedstock at a high temperature, including: a cooling means for cooling a biomass liquid treated at a high temperature; an enzymatic saccharification tank for subjecting a cooled treated liquid to saccharification with an enzyme; a solid-liquid separation apparatus for removing water-slightly soluble fermentation inhibitory substances contained in the saccharide solution taken out from the enzymatic saccharification tank and a foreign substance removing unit provided with a microfiltlation (MF) membrane 113a; a dilution tank, disposed downstream of the foreign substance removing unit, for adding water thereto so as to dilute the saccharide solution; a water separation unit, provided with a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, for removing water from the diluted saccharide solution to obtain concentrated saccharide solution; and a fermentation tank for fermenting the concentrated saccharide solution.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: Arrays of polypeptides are generated by translation of nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides at a plurality of addresses on the array.

Abstract: A droplet interference system for sorting cells and a method for the same. The droplet interference system including a droplet generating system for producing a droplet which hits a fluid stream causing a selected segment of the fluid stream, and the cells contained therein, to be separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a sensor for detecting a target of interest. One exemplary sensor may comprise a container; a probe disposed in the container and configured to bind to a target of interest; a circulation means configured to circulate substances in the container; a light source; a light receiver; a light selecting unit for allowing light of a predetermined wavelength be received by the light receiver; and a detector configured to generate an electrical signal. The magnitude of the electrical signal reflects the amount of light that is received by the light receiver. The container is located between the light source and the light receiver. Moreover, the container is configured such that the probe and the path of the light emitted by the light source are in different regions inside the container.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a light source that emits light, a light receiver for receiving light, a sampling unit for binding the target of interest disposed between the light source and the light receiver, a light selecting unit for allowing light of a predetermined wavelength be received by the light receiver, and a detector configured to generate an electrical signal, and the magnitude of which reflects the amount of light that is received by the light receiver. The sampling unit comprises a substrate, a material disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed on the material and configured to bind to the target of interest. The sampling unit is configured such that the probe is in the path of the light emitted by the light source.

Abstract: According to one aspect and example, a method for facilitating cellular interactions in biological tissue provides controllable activation of a selected type of stem cell among a plurality of cell types present in the tissue. The method includes various steps including the introduction of a microbial opsin into a region of the tissue that includes a selected type of stem cell, by expressing the microbial opsin the stem cell. A light source is then introduced near the stem cell, and the light source is used to controllably activate the light source to direct pulses of illumination from the light source to the selected type of stem cell, for selectively controlling the growth and development of the stem cell in a manner that is independent of the growth and development of the other types of cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a sensor for detecting a target of interest. One example sensor may comprise an apparatus for binding the target of interest and a draining unit for draining fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a substrate, a material disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed on the material and configured to bind to the target of interest. The probe is configured on the material to scatter light emitted from a light source when the target of interest is bound to the probe.