Abstract: An optical instrument is provided for simultaneously illuminating two or more spaced-apart reaction regions with excitation beams generated by a light source. The light source can include an area light array of light emitting diodes, one or more solid state lasers, one or more micro-wire lasers, or a combination thereof. According to various embodiments, a Fresnel lens can be disposed along a beam bath between the light source and the reaction regions. Methods of analysis using the optical instrument are also provided.

Abstract: A biosensor having an optical fiber having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and one or more nanoparticles associated with the optical fiber, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label-free biosensor system, a method for manufacturing said label-free biosensor system, its use for detecting biochemical reactions and/or bindings, enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid hybridizations, protein-protein interactions and protein-ligand interactions, as well as an assay method for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte of interest in a biological sample which comprises detecting the Recognition Induced Birefringence (RIB) generated in the presence as opposed to the absence of said analyte by bringing said sample into contact with said label-free biosensor system.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting biological or chemical components in liquid or gas is based on measuring changes of the sensor layer thickness due to binding reactions. A plate or a gap with two surfaces of a solid optical material is used as the sensor layer. The surfaces are located at a distance of more than 10 ?m, which allows pumping liquids through the gap at moderate pressure drops and investigating large biological objects (e.g., cells), or employment of affordable plates that are rigid enough without any substrate. The indicated thickness of the plate or the gap permits using of the superluminescent diodes as light sources, because it allows recording within their narrow spectrum a sufficient number of interference maxima and minima for precise registration of molecular binding reactions, which lead to much higher sensitivity of the apparatus as compared with apparatus based on thin-film sensor layers.

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: An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor, comprising a reactor vessel (2) with a housing support (20,20a), extending into the vessel interior (14), with a medium seal against the vessel interior (14) with a transparent sensor piece (34,34a) and an indicator tile (38,38a), arranged in the vessel interior (14), in contact with the vessel contents, which may be scanned by a fiber optic which may itself be introduced into the housing support (20,20a) and connected to a display device (24). In order that the reactor may be embodied as a bag, the housing support (20,20a) is arranged on the upper side of the reactor bag and provided with a flange piece (26) tightly sealed to the vessel wall (28). The flange piece is connected to the sensor piece (34,34a) by means of a preferably tubular connector piece (32,23a), whereby the length of the connector piece is such that the sensor piece (34,34a) permanently reaches into the reactant.

Abstract: Methods are provided to detect changes in cells without the use of detection labels.

Abstract: A scanning sensor system, methods of use and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte are provided. The scanning sensor system includes a light source, a detector, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, and at least one adapter configured to couple with the substrate and provide optical communication between the light source, the waveguides of the substrate, and the detector.

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 biosensor based upon a vertically emitting, distributed feedback (DFB) laser is disclosed. In one configuration, the DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one- or two-dimensional dielectric grating coated with a laser dye-doped-polymer as the gain medium. A sensor is also described in which the grating layer and the active layer are combined into a single layer. DFB lasers using an inorganic or organic thin film with alternating regions of high and low index of refraction as the active layer are also disclosed. The sensor actively generates its own narrowband high intensity light output without stringent requirements for coupling alignment, thereby resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus is provided with a dielectric block, a metal film formed on a surface of the dielectric block, a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical system for making the light beam enter the dielectric block at various angles of incidence so that a condition for total internal reflection is satisfied at an interface between the dielectric block and the thin film layer, and a photodetector for detecting the intensity of the light beam satisfying total internal reflection at the interface. In the measurement chip to be utilized in the surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus, the dielectric block is formed from a synthetic resin in which, when said light beam is p-polarized outside said dielectric block and then strikes the interface, the intensity of a s-polarized component at the interface is 50% or less of the intensity of the light beam at the interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing and performing quantitative PCR analyses, a new sealing device and a new use. According to the invention, a sample vessel containing the samples to be analyzed is sealed by placing a planar sealing device on the vessel to cover the samples and applying pressure on the sealing device in order to deform the sealing device so as to form a light-refracting geometry individually for the samples to be analyzed. The invention offers a convenient way of sealing the vessel and forming analysis-improving optical lenses over the samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A titania nanotube suitable as an optical sensor or gas sensor is provided. The titania nanotube has a length of 1 ?m or more; preferably a diameter of 0.1 ?m or less and an aspect ratio of 100 or more.

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

Abstract: 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: 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: An observation device observing a sample cultured in a culture vessel includes an illuminating unit including an illumination optical system and illuminating the sample, an image-capturing unit including an imaging sensor and generating an image by capturing an image of the sample illuminated by the illuminating unit, and a wavelength limiting filter being placed on an optical axis of the illumination optical system and between the illuminating unit and the image-capturing unit, and limiting a part of wavelengths of an illumination light from the illumination optical system in accordance with optical absorption properties of an additive contained in a culture medium used for culturing the sample. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a change of the image resulting from the additive and to enable to generate an appropriate image in an automatic observation.

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: An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analytic sample preparation section for preparing an analytic sample by treating a specimen so as to generate a morphological difference between Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, a detector for detecting optical information from each particle contained in the analytic sample and an analyzing section for detecting Gram-positive bacteria contained on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.

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

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: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collection device for a substance, and methods related to collecting thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor that can detect binding of a compound with a functional protein and then assay a reaction product derived from the activity of the functional protein again.

Abstract: A bioreactor for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bioreactor has a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving the cells and the liquid medium. The bioreactor further has a barrier dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, wherein the barrier has a porosity to allow the first subchamber and the second subchamber in fluid communication and allow at least one predetermined type of cells to permeate between the first subchamber and the second subchamber.

Abstract: A sensor probe suited for implanting into the skin of a person includes a sensor body which may be formed from a polymer which includes 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). A sensing system is supported by the body. The sensing system exhibits a detectable change when the probe is exposed to the analyte in the fluid. The sensing system may include an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction of the analyte to form a reaction product and a dye system which absorbs in the infrared region of the spectrum in response to the reaction product.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

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: Provided are a method for detecting biomaterials, a method for fabricating a chip for biomaterial detection and a chip for biomaterial detection. The method for detecting biomaterials is characterized by comprising the steps of: (S1) immobilizing polydiacetylene liposomes onto a substrate; (S2) linking the polydiacetylene liposomes together and layering them on the substrate; (S3) immobilizing a material which forms a complementary binding with a subject biomaterial to be detected onto the polydiacetylene liposomes; (S4) exposing the resulted polydiacetylene liposome to UV light so as to form a chip for biomaterial detection; (S5) applying the subject biomaterial to be detected to the chip for biomaterial detection for reaction; and (S6) measuring a fluorescent signal from the chip for biomaterial detection.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: 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: 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 metal fine particles 33 are sparsely fixed on the surface of the transparent substrate 32, and the acceptor 35 for attaching the specific ligand is immobilized on the transparent substrate 32 or the metal fine particles 33. The prism 36 is closely attached to the lower surface of the transparent substrate 32, and the excitation light enters the transparent substrate 32 through the prism 36. The incident light is totally reflected at the surface of the transparent substrate 32, and the evanescent light generated at the surface and the metal fine particles 33 locally plasmon resonate. As the evanescent light and the metal fine particles locally plasmon resonate, a strong electric field is enclosed in the vicinity of the metal fine particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for determining the presence and/or extent of one or more analytes in liquid sample containing a) first and second assays each comprising a flow-path having a detection zone for immobilising a labelled binding reagent, wherein detection of a labelled binding reagent at one or both detection zones is indicative of the presence and/or extent of one or more analytes; b) a shared reference zone; c) one or more light sources to illuminate the detection zones and the reference zone; d) one or more photodetectors to detect light from the detection zones and the reference zone, which photodetector/s generate a signal, the magnitude of which signal is related to the amount of light detected; and e) signal processing means for processing signals from the photodetector/s.

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 target substance detection method for detecting a target substance in a specimen, comprises the steps of contacting with a specimen a target substance detecting element comprised of a base, a metal structure and a first capturing body for capturing a target substance; contacting with the target substance detecting element a labeling material comprised of a labeling substance and a second capturing body for capturing a target substance; and acquiring an absorption spectrum (A) of the target substance detecting element contacted with the specimen and the labeling material, wherein the employed labeling substance is a substance that a slope of a tangent of an absorption spectrum (C) of the labeling substance at a peak wavelength (?z) of an absorption spectrum (B) of the target substance detecting element is larger than zero.

Abstract: An optical waveguide type antibody chip includes a transparent substrate, an incident-side optical element and an emitting-side optical element placed at a distance from each other on a primary face of the substrate, a water repellent resin film formed on the primary face of the substrate including an optical waveguide layer formed between the optical elements, the water repellent resin film includes a reaction hole having exposed the optical waveguide layer on its bottom and a frame-shaped trench surrounding the reaction hole, a rectangular frame-shaped cell wall which is fixed in the trench of the water repellent resin film and which forms a cell capable of infusion and discharge of a specimen solution together with the reaction hole, and an antibody immobilization layer formed on the bottom of the reaction hole, the surface of the antibody immobilization layer being masked with at least a buffer agent and a salt.

Abstract: An encoded carrier includes a code region having a code, and a reaction region separate from the coded region, the reaction region having a variation in its refractive index or dielectric constant in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the reaction region.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing biological cells and other particles using an external laser cavity. Microfluidic channels contain and transport biological cells to be analyzed. A laser diode provides light for cell analysis. An external cavity is provided between one surface of the laser diode and a mirror opposite thereto. A microlens set focuses the light on only one cell as it passes through the external cavity. The presence of the cell in the external cavity gives a weak feedback toward the laser diode. The emission frequency and the output power of the laser are both functions of the length of the external cavity. Therefore, the variation of cavity length can be deduced from these parameters, where the variation is caused by changing the refractive index or size of the cell in the cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical sensor for detecting chemical reaction activity, including, e.g., enzyme activity and catalytic or reactive molecule activity. An optical sensor of the invention includes a porous photonic film that produces a predetermined spectral reflectance response. In preferred embodiments, the film has a chemical coating (such as a hydrophobic layer) within its pores with an affinity for the reaction product(s) of the catalytic or otherwise reactive analyte A coating can also act as a protective layer in preferred embodiment. A thin substrate susceptible to reaction by at least one analyte of interest is on the surface of the thin film to block pores of the thin film. A method of detecting chemical reaction activity of the invention exposes the optical sensor to an analyte of interest, such as an enzyme or otherwise catalytic or reactive molecule.

Abstract: To provide a device for pasting a film exhibiting dichroism and a film exhibiting birefringence at an arbitrary angle with high precision. The device for pasting a film exhibiting dichroism and a film exhibiting birefringence at an arbitrary angle comprises a detector for detecting the angle of an axis where absorption is maximum or minimum in the plane of a film exhibiting dichroism, and a detector for detecting the slow axis in the plane of a film exhibiting birefringence. An angle between the film exhibiting dichroism and the film exhibiting birefringence is controlled using the detector for a film exhibiting dichroism and the detector for a film exhibiting birefringence.

Abstract: A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such as the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in containers each comprising a reservoir and a reaction portion, wherein the reaction portion has a small volume. The small volume reaction portion permits the rapid and accurate temperature modulation. With an optically transmissible reaction portion, DNA amplification may be monitored by fluorescence during PCR.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for enhancing fluorescence comprising a support (10) carrying fluorescence enhancement means (11), the fluorescence enhancement means offering a reception surface for chemical or biological elements intended to be read by detection of a fluorescence signal emitted by a fluorophore, associated with the chemical or biological elements, under the effect of an excitation light beam. The fluorescence enhancement means (11) is made up of a thin, transparent, dielectric layer or a stack of thin, transparent, dielectric layers (12 to 16) ensuring a mirror function for the fluorescence signal and excitation light beam, the material of the thin layer or of each thin layer of the stack being chosen from among the following materials: TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, ZrO2, MgO, SiO2, Si3N4, MgF2 and YF3. The fluorescence enhancement device may be used for a biological or chemical optic sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting binding of biological and/or chemical components of liquid or gaseous mixtures and solutions, which are of mainly biological origin and/or determine parameters of living activity of biological objects, to substances that bind said components due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction; and analysis of mixtures and solutions to determine presence of biological and/or chemical components. Binding substances are arranged on a surface of or inside a sensor layer, which changes its thickness due to the binding being detected; the layer is affected by light of different wavelengths; a signal due to interference on the sensor layer is registered in the reflected or transmitted light.