Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of metal plating. More specifically, the present invention is related to a method and system for determining the presence of analytes in metal plating solutions using Raman spectroscopy. In an additional embodiment a chemical auto-dosing system for controlling the concentration of one or more plating bath additives in a metal plating bath is provided.

Abstract: Analytical vessels for magnetic resonance or spectroscopic analysis comprise in their interior a fibrous substrate having bound to the surface thereof a molecule of interest having a characteristic spectrum. Conventional analytical methods employing the analytical vessels yield structural information about the molecule of interest. Also disclosed are methods for making, storing, cleaning, and reusing the analytical vessels of the invention.

Abstract: An advanced method for controlling a solid catalyst alkylation process has been developed. At multiple locations throughout the alkylation process including multiple locations within the reaction zone, on-line Raman spectroscopy is used to measure the concentration of alkene. Operating parameters are adjusted depending upon the concentration of alkene measured, or the conversion of alkene determined. Different operating parameters are adjusted depending upon the alkene concentration or conversion measured at different locations thus pairing a particular operating parameter with an ideal location for alkene measurement and control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling flowing liquids for analytical purposes such as for introduction of liquid samples in atomic spectroscopy and carrying out a continuous flow digestion process at high temperture and pressure. The appaartus comprises a high-pressure pump for conveying a liquid from a reservoir into a tube having an elongate cavity connected to the high-pressure pump outlet. A heating device is arranged so as to heat the liquid in the cavity to a predetermined temperature and a restrictor is arranged downstream of the cavity at the opposite end of the tube. The restrictor is dimensioned relative to the conveying capacity of the high-pressure pump so that liquid in the cavity is maintained at a pressure which is higher than the saturated vapor pressure of the liquid at the predetermined temperture such that no vapor forms within the cavity.

Abstract: The fusion-welded nanotube surface signal probe of the present invention is constructed from a nanotube, a holder which holds the nanotube, a fusion-welded part fastening a base end portion of the nanotube to a surface of the holder by fusion-welding, a tip end portion of the nanotube being caused to protrude from the holder; and the tip end portion is used as a probe needle so as to scan surface signals. This fusion-welded nanotube surface signal probe can be used as a probe in AFM (Atomic Force Microscope), STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscope), other SPM (Scanning Probe icroscope) and so on.

Abstract: A device for detection of one or more analytes in a sample is disclosed. The device can simultaneously detect and quantitate multiple analytes in a sample. The device comprises an eletromagnetic radiation generator having one or more chemical sensors thereon. The chemical sensor interacts with or reacts with specific analytes in a sample. The presence of an analyte is detected by a comparison of the spectroscopic properties of the chemical sensor in the absence and presence of the analyte. A method is also disclosed for the detection and quantitation of analytes using the device of the present invention. In addition, a method of making the device of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a glucose concentration is noninvasive, accurate, and compact. The apparatus includes a detection unit (10) and a principal component analysis (PCA) unit (20). The detection unit includes a light source (11) to emit mid-infrared light, an ATR prism (12) to receive the mid-infrared light with a measuring object placed on the ATR prism, and a spectrum detector (13) to detect an absorption spectrum from the mid-infrared light from the ATR prism. The PCA unit includes a loading memory (24) to store a glucose corresponding loading and a personal data memory (28) to store personal data in the form of a calibration curve. According to the detected absorption spectrum, stored loading, and stored personal data, the PCA unit computes a glucose concentration of the measuring object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring calibration of a spectrophotometric apparatus including one or more calibration algorithms for one or more analytes. This method includes measuring absorbance of a quality control material with the apparatus to obtain a measurement, where the quality control material exhibits an absorbance spectra having a negative slope for a continuous spectral segment from about 5 nm to about 200 nm in length, and where the spectral segment includes a principal calibration wavelength for the one or more analytes. The method then involves calculating one or more concentration values from the measurement using the one or more calibration algorithms, followed by comparing the one or more concentration values with an assigned value given to the quality control material for each of the one or more analytes, and determining if there is a violation of a pre-established quality control rule. In this way one or more calibration algorithms of the apparatus may be monitored.

Abstract: A device for detection of one or more analytes in a sample is disclosed. The device can simultaneously detect and quantitate multiple analytes in a sample. The device comprises an eletromagnetic radiation generator having one or more chemical sensors thereon. The chemical sensor interacts with or reacts with specific analytes in a sample. The presence of an analyte is detected by a comparison of the spectroscopic properties of the chemical sensor in the absence and presence of the analyte. A method is also disclosed for the detection and quantitation of analytes using the device of the present invention. In addition, a method of making the device of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of performing assay to a fluorite sample, which includes a first step for dissolving a fluorite sample, containing Ca and F, by use of a solvent, a second step for removing Ca and F from an obtained solution, and a third step for assaying, through ICP-MS, the solution having Ca and F removed therefrom. Also disclosed is a method of producing a fluorite crystal and an exposure apparatus using such fluorite crystal, and a device manufacturing method using such exposure apparatus. The assaying method of the present invention ensures assay and evaluation of a fluorite sample, of sensitivity several times higher than conventional methods.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of at least one gaseous component and/or vaporous component of a gaseous mixture in which a controlled sensor flame is introduced into the gaseous mixture and at least one narrow spectral band in the controlled sensor flame is optically measured. The concentration of the gaseous component using a result obtained from the optical measuring of the at least one narrow spectral band is then calculated. The method of this invention is particularly suitable for substantially real-time control of combustion processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an analytical method for measuring the concentration of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“NPMIDA”) substrate, an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, formaldehyde, formic acid, N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“NMG”), N-methyl-aminomethylphosphonic acid (MAMPA) or aminomethylphosphonic acid (“AMPA”)) in an aqueous mixture thereof, using infrared spectroscopy. The present invention is also directed to a process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form a N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, and as part of the process, measuring the concentration of at least one reactant, product or byproduct of the oxidation reaction using the analytical method of the present invention and controlling the oxidation process in response to the measurement taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assaying an enzyme-mediated coupling reaction between a first and a second reactant. The method includes contacting the first reactant with the second reactant in the presence of the enzyme. The second reactant includes a thiol derivative to yield a first product including a thiol derivative. The thiol derivative is then detected in the first product.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapidly analyzing groups of reactions are disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a fluid sample from one of the reaction mixtures with a sorbent, trapping at least one component of the fluid sample on the sorbent, and detecting the at least one component of the fluid sample trapped on the sorbent. The contacting step, the trapping step, and the detecting step are carried out at least once for each of the reaction mixtures in rapid serial or parallel fashion. The present invention is useful for screening combinatorial libraries, especially libraries of catalysts made through parallel synthesis, but the disclosed methods and devices can be used to analyze a broad spectrum of chemical transformations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid method for the detection of ischemic states and to a kit for use in such a method. Provided for is a rapid method of testing for the existence of and quantifying ischemia based upon method of detecting and quantifying the existence of an alteration of the serum protein albumin which occurs following an ischemic event; methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of circulating blood, analysis and measurement of the ability of serum albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay sepcific to the alterated form of serum albumin which occurs following an ischemic event.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for real-time determination of a solid sample composition as a function of the depth within the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nebulizer capable of performing spraying over a wide flow-rate range from a low flow rate to a high flow rate stably and with high efficiency. Further, the present invention provides a supersonic nebulizer capable of improving the efficiency of spraying by a supersonic region spray gas, and a supersonic array nebulizer wherein a plurality of spray units are placed in array form.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for tagging bulk agricultural products for identity preservation are provided. The tagging agents are typically dissolved and/or dispersed in a carrier and applied to a bulk agricultural product in an amount sufficient to allow detection from a randomly drawn sample of the bulk agricultural product. The presence or absence of the tagging agent in a sample of a bulk agricultural product can be detected using a wide variety of analytical methods. The tagging agent may be detected directly while still on surfaces of bulk agricultural product or may be detected indirectly by analyzing a sample of vapor in contact with the bulk agricultural product or a solution generated by washing a sample of the bulk agricultural product with a solvent.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed wherein polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA) chemical sensing materials are used to detect the presence of certain chemical species in high ionic strength solutions, such as bodily fluids. The PCCA sensors consist of a mesoscopically periodic array of colloidal particles polymerized into a hydrogel. The array of colloidal particles diffracts light in the visible spectral region due to the periodic spacing of the particles. The PCCA materials also contain molecular recognition components that bind to the chemical species being detected. The binding or the chelation of the chemical species of interest results in a Donnan potential that swells the hydrogel and in turn red shifts the diffracted light proportionately to the concentration of the chemical species. However, no significant red shift response may occur for PCCA chemical sensors in high ionic strength solutions containing chemical species of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing pathology, such as carcinoma, in a biological sample identifies presence of pathology based on the existence of an infrared markers in the extracellular material, rather than cells, in the biological sample. In the case of breast cancer diagnosis, an effective marker is a baseline slope of a 1280 cm−1 band in the infrared spectra of connective tissue, with normal biopsy samples exhibiting a positive slope and cancerous samples showing a relatively flat baseline. Infrared spectroscopy, both microscopic and macroscopic, may be used to identify a sample region containing extracellular material and to collect infrared absorbance data, from which the existence of the pathology marker is determined.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a marker useful for detection and measurement of free radical damage. Specifically, the invention takes advantage of alterations which occur to the N-terminus of the albumin molecule, a circulating protein in human blood, in the presence of free radicals. These alterations effect the ability of the N-terminus of the albumin molecule to bind metals. Methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of an albumin containing sample, analysis and measurement of the ability of albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following free radical damage.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrospray-liquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.

Abstract: The sampling system of the invention includes a column comprising a first separator associated with a first collector so as to extract particles whose diameter is larger than a first diameter, and a second separator associated with a second collector which eliminates the finest particles and concentrates the other particles in the gas flow sucked up by the suction pipe of an analysis device.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.

Abstract: A novel method of analyzing wheat-based dough and batter products is provided. The preferred method includes mixing doughs or batters having different ingredients or levels thereof, performing a series of near-infrared analyses on such doughs and batters and comparing the analyses to indicate the effect of the added ingredient or levels thereof. The spectral data collected from the analyses are converted to Kubelka-Munk units and the second derivatives are determined and the resulting time plot curve is smoothed and cumulated resulting in a development plot which is easy to read and interpret, thereby aiding in determining the effect of each tested ingredient and levels thereof The present invention also provides a method for determining ingredient effects at specific wavelengths for specific ingredients.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: A multiwell plate scanner comprises a detector for measuring an attribute of a sample which is scanned continuously over wells of a multiwell plate. An signal obtained during the scan may be sampled and digitized based on detector position over the multiwell plate. The scanner is also disclosed for scanning microarrays, bio-chips and areas of samples not having physical separations. The scanner may be used in a high throughput screening system comprising a storage and retrieval module, a sample distribution module, a reagent distribution module, and a detector which incorporates the scanner. The screening system may further comprise a transport module and a data processing and integration module for transporting samples between the components of the system and for controlling system operation. Another aspect of the invention is a system and method for performing an assay to detect the effect of a reagent on a target.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated sensor (50) useful for indicating the presence of a sample analyte is disclosed. The sensor (50) has a platform (52) with an upper surface (53) and a detector (62), light source (60), waveguide (58), and reflective fixtures (60,62) embedded in the platform (52). The light source (60) is preferably a light emitting diode and sits in a cup-shaped dimple (68) that directs light from the light source (60) toward one of the reflective fixtures (64) to uniformly distribute light across the waveguide (58). The waveguide (58) is coupled to an upper surface (53) of the sensor platform (52) and is coated with a thin film of indicator chemistry (70) which interacts with the sample analyte to produce optic signal changes that are measurable by the detector (62). A lead frame (51) in the platform (52) has pins (54, 55, 56) which provide the interface to the outside world.

Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying active substances in order to determine the formation of complexes between reactants. According to the inventive method, at least two reactants are mixed and made to react to form a complex. The infrared spectrum of the individual reactants which have not yet been reacted in the mixture is measured during a first time interval and at least a second infrared measurement is conducted to measure the complex formed by the reactants during a second interval. The difference between the two spectra measured during different moments is then determined. The reactants whose differential spectrum exhibits a band structure are selected as active substances.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to biosensors based on uniquely designed polymer optical waveguides that are adaptable to a variety of environments, and to both chemical and biological species. In particular, the invention relates to polymer-based, index of refraction-mediated analyte sensing devices.

Abstract: A novel near infrared spectroscopic technique was used to characterize the joints in arthritis with comparison against normal joints. A beam of near infrared light was passed to joints through a fibre optic cable. Scattered light was collected by the same fibre bundle and a spectrum of the joint computed. Multivariate pattern recognition techniques identified regions of the spectrum which allowed discrimination between healthy and affected joints. Linear discriminant analysis resulted in correct classification of 74% of the joints. The high degree of similarity between mean spectra representing the early, late and control groups along with the significant between—subject variability in the data make diagnosis based on visual assessment of the spectra impossible. Linear discriminant analysis was therefore applied to spectra to determine if spectra could be classified by statistical methods as arising from early or late RA. Application of LDA resulted in correct classification of 74% of the joints.

Abstract: A method for determining if blood in a stool sample originated from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. This includes a method for purifying and concentrating hemoglobin and its' products from a stool sample to allow a simple and sensitive spectrophotometric analysis. A rapid, noninvasive determination of whether the blood originated from an upper gastrointestinal or lower gastrointestinal site is made on the basis of changes in the absorption spectra of hemoglobin that occur when hemoglobin is exposed to a highly acidic environment.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a disease type and/or condition determination method and apparatus that enables rapid and reliable determination by spectral analysis of the energy state of cells or drugs, and a drug screening method and apparatus that enables efficient screening of a target drug. In order to achieve this object, for example, the disease type and/or condition determination method according to the present invention determines disease type and condition by measuring the absorption spectrum in, for example, the infrared region for cells obtained from a specimen, and determining whether or not a coinciding absorption spectrum exists for those measurement results by using as indices at least two infrared absorption spectra.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for atomic absorption spectroscopy of an analyte which is contained in a sample to be analyzed and which is converted into free atoms in an absorption volume of an atomizer, said method comprising the steps of (a) position- and time-dependent measuring of the atomic absorption over the cross-section of the absorption volume and (b) simultaneous determination of surface temperatures of the atomizer.

Abstract: An alkylation process that employs a refractive index analyzer to monitor, control, and/or determine acid catalyst strength before, during, or after the alkylation reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the alkylation of an olefinic feedstock with a sulfuric acid catalyst. The acid typically enters the alkylation reactor train at between from about 92 to about 98 weight percent strength. The concentration of acid is controlled and maintained by monitoring the refractive index of the acid in the product mixture comprising alkylate, mineral acid, water, and red oil. At least one online analyzer using a refractometer prism sensor producing real-time measurements of the refractive index of the solution may be compared to the results of manual laboratory tests on the acid strength of the catalyst using manual sample analyses or titration methods. Periodically, after calibration of the system, samples may be taken to verify the precision of the online analyzer, if desired.

Abstract: A method for determining the structure of an active member of a chemical library is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone processing monitor and a method of using the same in ozone processing to determine whether sufficient ozone treatment has occurred on a production part needing ozone treatment. The ozone processing monitor of the present invention comprises an ozone sensitive material which is capable of thinning, bleaching, forming an oxide layer or undergoing any other physical or chemical change upon exposure to ozone, wherein said physical or chemical change produces a visible color change of said ozone sensitive material which can be monitored during or following ozone processing. The color change of the ozone sensitive material can be compared to standards to determine if too little, too much or appropriate ozone treatment has occurred.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.

Abstract: The invention is a method to improve the prediction of the corrosivity of organic acids in petroleum crudes, feedstocks and distillation fractions by providing a more accurate, repeatable, and rapid means of determining the TAN from the IR spectrum of the material. The method can be easily practiced in refinery, terminal, and assay laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage and improve the valuation of corrosive feed stocks. The invention can be implemented on-line for blending optimization. It comprises the steps of irradiating a heated petroleum sample with IR radiation to produce its IR absorption spectrum, and predicting the TAN from the spectrum using a linear, multivariate regression model. The IR TAN value is then used as input to blending, valuation, and corrosion models.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the determination of solubility of a compound and an analytical device for carrying out said method. The basic method involves determining solubility of a compound by measuring the UV spectrum of a reference solution of the compound, under conditions avoiding or suppressing precipitation, and comparing it to the UV spectrum of a saturated sample solution of the compound. Variations of the basic method include: (a) making reference solutions either by dilution of the sample solution to the point where precipitation is avoided, or making reference solutions by adding a water-miscible cosolvent to the sample solution so that precipitation is suppressed, and comparing the UV absorbances of the compound under reference conditions to the compound in a saturated solution, (b) determining the true aqueous solubility from the effect on the pKa that results from dissolving the compound in an aqueous solution containing some DMSO (typically 0.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for testing material libraries, in particular catalysts, by means of coupled use of at least two analytical methods, preferably IR thermography and mass spectrometry. Owing to the selected arrangement, the disadvantages of the two previously known individual methods are compensated for: the subsequent selectivity determination for selected sections by means of mass spectrometry invalidates the argument against IR thermography, of only being able to determine activities; the rapid integrated determination of potentially “good” materials via IR thermography prevents an excessive loss of time by needing to test all materials of a library successively with the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated sensor (50) useful for indicating the presence of a sample analyte is disclosed. The sensor (50) has a platform (52) with an upper surface (53) and a detector (62), light source (60), waveguide (58), and reflective fixtures (60,62) embedded in the platform (52). The light source (60) is preferably a light emitting diode and sits in a cup-shaped dimple (68) that directs light from the light source (60) toward one of the reflective fixtures (64) to uniformly distribute light across the waveguide (58). The waveguide (58) is coupled to an upper surface (53) of the sensor platform (52) and is coated with a thin film of indicator chemistry (70) which interacts with the sample analyte to produce optic signal changes that are measurable by the detector (62). A lead frame (51) in the platform (52) has pins (54, 55, 56) which provide the interface to the outside world.

Abstract: A method for determining the number or concentration of virus particles in a sample by use of a light scattering detector. The method may be used to quantitate purified virus preparations or virus samples containing contaminants, including ultraviolet light-absorbing contaminants, such as proteins. The method is useful for quantitation of viruses for use in gene therapy, oncolytic viruses for tumor cell lysis and virus-based vaccines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting mercury in a sample solution, the mercury being contained in the sample solution in cationic form and as an organic compound, by means of a detection device comprising an atomic spectroscope provided with a measuring cell which is suitable for detecting mercury gas, a noble-metal concentrator for concentrating the mercury and a control unit, the mercury being converted into the gas phase and being adapted to be concentrated by means of the noble-metal concentrator. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit controls the supply of the mercury gas to the measuring cell in such a way that, in addition to the measurement of the concentrated mercury, mercury gas of the same sample, which has not been subjected to the concentration step, is introduced in the measuring cell for the purpose of measurement.