Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for detecting cellular products using detection particles having product-specific detection reagents and having a characteristic spectral feature. In particular, devices and methods are provided for measuring secreted cellular products including cytokines. Detection substrates, include microwells having product-specific capture reagents thereon or comprising hydrophobic membranes are described having greater capability to detect products from individual cells in a mixture of heterogeneous cells. With the use of multiple detection particles, multiple cellular products can be detected in a single well. Additionally, using the inherent spectral properties of detection particles, no enzymatic reactions are needed to visualize a secreted product, thereby increasing the sensitivity, reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 ?g/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. Response data obtained by the detector is used to determine the concentrations of peracid and/or peroxide in the use composition based upon an evaluation function determined by a calibration method. The calibration method includes determining coefficients of the evaluation function based upon known concentrations, and measured response data of calibration samples.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. Response data obtained by the detector is indicative of the optical absorbance of the sample mixture as a function of time. A processor analyzes the response data to determine a corresponding best fit linear relationship. Depending upon an expected concentration range, the initial absorbance and/or the slope of the best fit equation are used to calculate the concentrations of the peracid and peroxide in the use composition.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A temperature stabilized optical cell is disclosed which enhance consistency of response data obtained from the optical detector, especially when the use composition monitor is utilized on site.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source; at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.

Abstract: A mammalian disease detecting system used to provide a visual indication of a possible disease state includes particles made of a material that is substantially clear or transparent to permit the easy visual detection of blood in urine of a mammal. The system also includes additives to permit visually detection of possible disease states or infections in mammals, such additives being of the type that are not reactive with the particular material.

Abstract: A catalytic conformational sensor method for detecting abnormal proteins and proteinaceous particles. The method is based on the interaction of a peptide fragment or probe with an abnormal proteinaceous particle. The interaction catalyzes the transformation of the probe to a predominately beta sheet conformation and allows the probe to bind the abnormal proteinaceous particle. This in turn, catalyzes the propagation of a signal associated with the test sample-bound probe. As a result signals can be propagated even from samples containing very low concentrations of abnormal proteinaceous particles. The peptide probes can be designed to bind to a desired peptide sequence or can even be based on dendrimer structure to control further aggregate propagation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA encoding a TADG-14 protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) isolated DNA which encodes a TADG-14 protein; (b) isolated DNA which hybridizes to isolated DNA of (a) above and which encodes a TADG-14 protein; and (c) isolated DNA differing from the isolated DNAs of (a) and (b) above in codon sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes a TADG-14 protein. Also provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell.

Abstract: A sequential flow analysis tool comprising a microti iridic device having a fluid path defined within a substrate between an input and an output is described. The device includes a capture chamber provided within but offset from the fluid path, the capture chamber extending into the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid path such that operably particles provided within a fluid flowing within the fluid path will preferentially collect within the capture chamber.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a mixture for quality control of 0.1 g glycine tablets for sublingual application. The mixture for quality control includes a 100:0.5 ratio of ethanol to porphyrized tablets, each tablet containing 0.1 g microcapsules of non-agglomerated crystals of amino-acetic acid covered with a polymeric film of water-soluble methylcellulose, each tablet further containing 0.001 g of magnesium stearate. The process for preparing the mixture includes dissolution of the tablet in ethanol for 20 minutes and is carried out at a temperature of 40° C. in an apparatus using a paddle rotation speed of 200 revolutions per minute. After the mixture is dissolved, it is allowed to stand for 10 minutes at room temperature, and then a light transmission coefficient is measured at 700±2 nm for a 10 mm thick layer of the mixture. A transmission value within the limits of 90% to 100% compared with 50% ethanol corresponds to the proper quality.

Abstract: This application relates to vaprochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection. The vapochromism may be observed by visible color changes, changes in luminescence, and/or spectroscopic changes in the infrared (IR) signature. One or more of the above chromatic changes may be relied upon to identify a specific analyte, such as a volatile organic compound or a gas. The chromatic changes may be reversible to allow for successive analysis of different analytes using the same polymer. The polymer has the general formula MW[M?X(Z)Y]N wherein M and M? are the same or different metals capable of forming a coordinate complex with the Z moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, pseudohalides, thiolates, alkoxides and amides; W is between 1-6; X and Y are between 1-9; and N is between 1-5. Optionally, an organic ligand may be bound to M. In alternative embodiments of the invention M may be a transition metal, such as Cu and Zn.

Abstract: A sensor-chip includes a sensor-portion having at least a metal-layer deposited on a surface of a dielectric-plate. A fluorescent-label binding-substance in an amount corresponding to the amount of a detection-target-substance in a liquid-sample binds onto the sensor-portion. The amount of the detection-target-substance is detected based on the amount of light generated by excitation of a fluorescent-label in the fluorescent-label binding-substance. A fluorescent-substance the charge state of which changes in the liquid-sample according to the pH of the liquid-sample, and which contains a plurality of fluorescent-dye-molecules enclosed by a material that transmits fluorescence output from the fluorescent-dye-molecules, is used as the fluorescent-label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to labels capable of forming a covalent or non-covalent bond with a target molecule, consisting of a dye to which there is bonded in a covalent manner by one or more carbons of its chemical structure: one or more [FUNC] group(s), and optionally one or more [SOL] group(s), said label having the general formula: [DYE] representing the dye; [FUNC] each independently representing an —X-A-Z group, in which: X is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, an NR1R2 group, R1 and R2 each being independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1-C30, preferably C1-C18 and more preferentially C1-C5 alkyl group; A is chosen from the group consisting of an alkylene group or an alkylene-arylene group; Z is a reactive chemical function; [SOL] each independently representing an —X?-A?-Z? group, in which: X? is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, an NR1R2 group, R1 and R2 each being independently of each o

Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: An improved rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit capable of receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can specifically bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The dried indicator reagent delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which is capable of being placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure.

Abstract: A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which is produced by applying the molecular imprinting method is disclosed. A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which has a molecule interacting with the target molecule in the polymer and in which the recognition field for a target molecule has been constructed and the above-described molecule interacting with the target molecule is detachable and replaceable. This molecular recognition polymer can be produced by synthesizing a complex of the target molecule with a molecule capable of specifically and reversibly binding to the target molecule, copolymerizing this complex with a molecule interacting with the target molecule and a crosslinking agent to give a polymer, and then detaching the target molecule and the molecule interacting with the target molecule from the polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: A nanostructure is used to generate a highly localized nanoscale optical field. The field is excited using surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (SPASER). The SPASER radiation consists of surface plasmons that undergo stimulated emission, but in contrast to photons can be localized within a nanoscale region. A SPASER can incorporate an active medium formed by two-level emitters, excited by an energy source, such as an optical, electrical, or chemical energy source. The active medium may be quantum dots, which transfer excitation energy by radiationless transitions to a resonant nanosystem that can play the same role as a laser cavity in a conventional laser. The transitions are stimulated by the surface plasmons in the nanostructure, causing the buildup of a macroscopic number of surface plasmons in a single mode.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.

Abstract: A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.

Abstract: This application relates to vaprochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection. The vapochromism may be observed by visible color changes, changes in luminescence, and/or spectroscopic changes in the infrared (IR) signature. One or more of the above chromatic changes may be relied upon to identify a specific analyte, such as a volatile organic compound or a gas. The chromatic changes may be reversible to allow for successive analysis of different analytes using the same polymer. The polymer has the general formula MW[M?X(Z)Y]N wherein M and M? are the same or different metals capable of forming a coordinate complex with the Z moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, pseudohalides, thiolates, alkoxides and amides; W is between 1-6; X and Y are between 1-9; and N is between 1-5. Optionally, an organic ligand may be bound to M.

Abstract: A method of measuring HbA1c is provided that, even with a whole blood sample after storage, measurement accuracy substantially equal to a whole blood sample right after collection can be maintained. Whole blood is stored in a presence of a glycolytic inhibitor and protease is added to the stored whole blood sample to cleave hemoglobin in the whole blood sample. Then a glycated part of a hemoglobin fragment thereby obtained is treated with fructosyl amine oxidase. Thereafter, a glycation degree of HbA1c is determined by measuring a redox reaction between the glycated part and the fructosyl amine oxidase. Further, instead of storage of the whole blood in a presence of the glycolytic inhibitor, a strong electrolyte substance such as KCl, K2SO4, KNO, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaNO, MgCl2, MgSO4, Mg(NO)2, etc. is added to the whole blood after storage and a protease treatment is performed in a presence of the strong electrolyte substance.

Abstract: A method for determining the volume of a test liquid aliquot used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. The method is useful for determining the volume of an aliquot of a test liquid which is complex, non-aqueous or both. A mixture contains the test liquid and a stock solution including a first dye, the first dye having absorbance characteristics which are measurably distinguishable from the absorbance characteristics of a second dye. The mixture is mixed with a diluent including the second dye to form a sample solution used to measure absorbances of the first dye and the second dye. The test liquid and the stock solution are combined gravimetrically in a controlled ratio so that the flow characteristics of the test-stock mixture correspond to the flow characteristics of the test liquid and without affecting the ability to distinguish the absorbance characteristics between the first dye and the second dye.

Abstract: The invention provides an accurate, economical, automatable, high throughput method for the determination of the concentration of glycosaminoglycan anticoagulants, including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulants, in aqueous solutions. A method for cleaning a unit of manufacturing equipment used in the preparation of a LMWH to obtain an acceptable residual concentration of LMWH is further provided.

Abstract: Chips that include one or more particle manipulation mechanisms, or force transduction elements, provided at specific locations to manipulate and localize particles proximal the substrate surface. In one embodiment, individually addressable magnetic control mechanisms such as electric coils are provided at specific locations to create a magnetic field to attract magnetic particles, such a magnetic or magnetizable beads, to those specific locations. In another embodiment, electrostatic control mechanisms such as electrodes are provided to attract and manipulate electrically charged micro-particles. A location may include a crater or well formed in the substrate, or it may include an element on the surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are located proximal specific locations, e.g., specific craters, so as to analyze specific conditions at each location. In other embodiments, multiple locations share one or more sensors.

Abstract: Method for the automatic analysis of a blood sample in which: an analysis solution containing the blood sample, a diluent, and at least one compound to lyze the erythrocytes; at least one compound to stabilize the haemoglobin in the form of a chromogenic complex, is formed in a single dilution and analysis tank, the haemoglobin level is measured in this analysis solution by spectrophotometry in the tank after the lysis of the erythrocytes; and an appropriate quantity of this analysis solution is taken from the tank on which a leucocytic differentiation is carried out by an optical elements characterized in that the analysis solution also contains at least one compound to protect the leucocytes, allowing the distinguishing of at least four main leucocyte sub-populations. A haematological analysis apparatus for the implementation of such a method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing body odor using as an index an indicator material comprising an alcohol compound having a mercapto group at the 3-position represented by the following formula (2) and/or a substance that is a derivative of an alcohol compound having a mercapto group at the 3-position, wherein an atom(s) or an atom group(s) is introduced to a mercapto group and/or a hydroxyl group of an alcohol compound having a mercapto group at the 3-position represented by the formula (2):

Abstract: An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a test strip for testing a fluid sample, including a sample cavity configured to receive the fluid sample and an ultrasonically-spread reagent layer arranged on at least one surface of the sample cavity. There is also provided a method for making a biosensor, including providing a substrate having a region for receiving a sample; dispensing a liquid substance on at least one surface of the region for receiving a sample; and subjecting the substrate to ultrasonic vibrations to quickly and uniformly spread the liquid substance on the at least one surface of the region for receiving a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining potassium ions in a sample, wherein the ions are contacted with a compound having chromophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, where the ionophoric moiety interacts with the potassium ions present in the sample, resulting in the chromophoric moiety changing its radiation absorption properties in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. For example, a change in an intensity of an absorption maximum is measured and the ion concentration is determined accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acid addition salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or of a 5-ALA derivative (e.g. a 5-ALA ester) with an acid which has a pKa of about 5 or less, preferably about 3 or less, with the proviso that the acid is other than hydrochloric acid. Particularly preferred salts are those derived from acids selected from the group comprising sulphonic acid and its derivatives, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. The salts in accordance with the invention are particularly suitable for use as photosensitizing agents in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis of neoplastic disorders such as cancers as well as their precursor stages, particularly cancers of the respiratory tract, the urinary system, the reproductive tract, cancer associated with HPV infection or cancer of the anogenital tract, from solubilized body samples. The invention is also directed to test kits usable for this purpose as well as in-vitro diagnostic devices. The development of the kits and in-vitro diagnostic devices for the above purpose is also one aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.

Abstract: Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.

Abstract: A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample by preparing a suspension of erythrocytes with a test serum or plasma by mixing a test serum or plasma with erythrocytes; incubating the suspension of erythrocytes at a temperature of from 37° C. to 45° C. to bind any antibodies in the test serum or plasma to the surface of said erythrocytes; combining the suspension of erythrocytes with an amount of a solution of a macromolecule which is effective to agglutinate the erythrocytes; packing the resultant red cell agglutinates by centrifuging the suspension of erythrocytes; and, determining the presence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies by observing if antibody-dependent erythrocyte agglutination has occurred.

Abstract: An ultra-fast response, high sensitivity structure for optical detection of low concentrations of hydrogen gas, comprising: a substrate; a water-doped WO3 layer coated on the substrate; and a palladium layer coated on the water-doped WO3 layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the concentration of a catalytic clement in a fuel cell powder. The method includes depositing on a porous substrate at least one layer of a powder mixture comprising the fuel cell powder and an internal standard material, ablating a sample of the powder mixture using a laser, and vaporizing the sample using an inductively coupled plasma. A normalized concentration of catalytic element in the sample is determined by quantifying the intensity of a first signal correlated to the amount of catalytic element in the sample, quantifying the intensity of a second signal correlated to the amount of internal standard material in the sample, and using a ratio of the first signal intensity to the second signal intensity to cancel out the effects of sample size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator and a peracetic acid indicator that include a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants and a transition metal salt. As a result of exposure to hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid.

Abstract: First, an ammonium acetate solution and an acetate solution of a metal such as Cd or Zn are mixed, so as to form an ammonium complex of the metal. Next, an apoferritin solution, listeria apoferritin (listeria Dps) or their recombinant and thioacetic acid are added to the thus obtained reaction solution, which is maintained at a pH of from 4.0 to 9.0. By allowing the reaction solution to stand for 12 hours or more, a complex of a nanoparticle including CdS or ZnS and apoferritin or listeria Dps is produced.

Abstract: A test strip having a small sample-receiving chamber on the order of less than 1 microliter. The inventive test strip includes a reagent layer that extends across the width of the test strip and also extends to the sample-receiving end, such that the edges of the reagent layer are aligned with the side and dose receiving edges of the test strip. The hydrophilic reagent extending to the dosing edge of the strip promotes wicking of the sample into the test strip. The end and side edges of the reagent layer are preferably formed as part of a cutting process that forms individual test strips from a larger web, which results in a smooth and thin reagent layer with a uniform thickness, substantially covering the entire floor of the sample-receiving chamber. The inventive mass production process helps improve the reproducibility of the quantity, location, thickness and other properties of the reagent layer, which in turn improves the accuracy of the test result.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reagent coating mass which can be used in slot-die-coating of flat support materials in the manufacturing processes of test strips. Advantageously, the reagent mass of the invention exhibits certain superior rheological properties such as viscosity, surface tension and thixotropy. The reagent mass is preferably used to coat thin, narrow and homogeneous stripes of reagent material onto flat web material.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of an optical system for luminescence determination, comprising two or more excitation light sources, a sensor platform and an optical component with several discrete facets for beam deflection towards the sensor platform. Further subjects of the invention are methods for luminescence determination with an optical system according to the invention and analytical systems, as well as the use of these methods for quantitative affinity sensing and for various other applications. The aim of the present invention is to provide optical and analytical measuring devices for highly sensitive detection of one or more analytes, using a multitude of measurement areas on a common carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured substrate for SERS. A substrate of the invention comprises a surface featuring substantially monodisperse-sized metal nanoparticles disposed thereon. Preferably, the substrate surface provides for SERS and spectra therefrom. For example, a nanostructured substrate of the invention can be used to reproducibly and reliably detect or identify pathogens, molecules or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a nanostructured substrate of the invention comprises a surface featuring metal nanoparticles substantially aggregated in clusters thereon. Exemplary metal nanoparticles disposed on the substrate surface can be silver, copper, gold or combinations thereof. Metal nanoparticles disposed on a substrate surface can also be substantially spheroidal comprising diameters in a range from about 40 to 120 nm.

Abstract: Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.

Abstract: A system for holding a slide. The system includes a housing having a side wall and a top. The top includes a recess surrounded by an outer rim. The system also includes an inlet port in communication with the recess and an elevating mechanism capable of receiving the slide and for raising the slide toward the top of the housing to engage the slide with the outer rim to form an analytical cavity. Together these elements form an analytical cavity in which the assay may be performed.

Abstract: Composition has an indicating dye encapsulated by an encapsulating material. An encapsulated indicating dye can be combined with an organic substance absorbent and/or adsorbent. The composition, combination and/or a device having one or both of them can be used to indicate the presence of an organic substance by contacting the same with a sample, and, ascertaining whether an appropriate color release occurs to indicate the presence of the organic substance by contact of the organic substance with the composition, combination and/or device.

Abstract: An artificial lipid bilayer membrane formation device is disclosed. It includes: an upper solution chamber whose bottom has a small hole; a lower solution chamber having a support layer; and lipid solution exclusion device. Lipid solution is applied to the small hole, and the lipid solution exclusion device excludes surplus lipid solution without changing a hydraulic pressure so that the lipid solution is in contact with the support layer, thereby forming an artificial lipid bilayer membrane on the small hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining sodium ions in a sample, wherein the ions are contacted with a compound having chromophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, where the ionophoric moiety interacts with the sodium ions present in the sample, resulting in the chromophoric moiety changing its radiation absorption properties in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. For example, a change in an intensity of an absorption maximum is measured and the ion concentration is determined accordingly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling actuation of label particles in a biosensor device, in particular a biosensor device using frustrated total internal reflection. By applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device, a feedback control of the actuation force is applied. Furthermore, a biosensor device is provided which is adapted for forming the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the a new protecting group, 4-(O-nitrophthalimido)butyric acid (NPB) that may be attached to a monomer unit during oligosaccharide synthesis such that upon cleavage of this molecule, the solution turns orange. The orange color allows the simple colorimetric monitoring of the completion of the cleavage reaction and, upon collection of the colored fraction, quantification of the amount of the monomer unit that was successfully coupled to the solid phase.