Abstract: Methods, systems and related apparatus for fluorescence-based detection of various nitro and peroxide compounds.

Abstract: A method for assaying the antioxidant capacity of a skin care product, the method including preparing an emulsion base, dissolving a sample of a skin care product into the emulsion base to form a homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding a detection probe to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding reactive oxygen species generator and/or reactive nitrogen species generator to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, measuring the fluorescence intensity change of the detection probe in the presence of the sample over time, in the presence of the standard over time, and in the presence of a blank over time, and calculating the initial rate of oxidation of the detection probe to determine the antioxidant capacity of the sample of the skin care product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: A method of sorting stained particles in a flow cytometer by generating a mathematical model based upon extracted features of waveform pulses produced in response to the stained particles. Waveform pulses can then be analyzed to determine the probability the stained particles belong in either a first or a second population and a decision boundary can be established. Sorting decisions can be made based upon the extracted features of the waveform pulses relative to the decision boundary in combination with other desirability factors for particles or droplets containing the particles.

Abstract: Semiconductor quantum dots are becoming valuable analytical tools for use in biomedical applications. Indeed, their unique properties offer the opportunity to design luminescent probes for imaging and sensing with unprecedented performance. In this context, we have identified operating principles to transduce supramolecular association of complementary receptor-ligand binding pairs into enhancement or suppression in the luminescence of sensitive quantum dots. Thus, complementary receptor-ligand binding pairs can be identified with luminescence measurements relying on our design logic. In fact, we have demonstrated with a representative example that our protocol can be adapted to signal receptor-ligand binding.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting a mixture of stained particles including a digital signal processor for analyzing and classifying the digital information generated from the particles and providing a sorting signal to a sorting system as a function of the analyzed and classified digital information.

Abstract: An optical measurement method for determining a pH of a medium includes adding a fluorescent pH indicator to the medium. The pH indicator is based on naturally-obtained or synthesized ageladine A. The pH indicator is irradiated with light of at least one wavelength so as to provide fluorescence excitation of the pH indicator. An emitted fluorescence intensity of the pH indicator is detected as a measure for the pH of the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a system for guiding chemiluminescence and a system for preventing a variation in dark currents. The apparatus includes a first light shielding BOX having a sample container holder and a shutter unit therein, the shutter unit including a top plate which is partly formed by a movement of a plate member, and a second light shielding BOX having a photodetector therein. While a measurement is not implemented, the shutter unit is closed to block entrance of stray light to the photodetector, and while a measurement is implemented, the plate member is moved to open the shutter unit, and the tip of the photodetector is inserted into a through hole formed in the top plate, so that the distance between the bottom of the sample container and a sensitive area of the photodetector is reduced to several millimeters or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or ?-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics such as heterocycles, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.

Abstract: A method of detecting substances or reactions of substances in a sample, comprising: (i) providing a layer (CS) based on hydrogenated or unhydrogenated amorphous silicon with attached probes, (ii) bringing the layer (CS) in contact with the sample that may contain the substances that bind specifically to or reacts specifically with the probes, under appropriate conditions for the substances to bind to or react with the probes; (iii) optionally removing non-specifically bound or non-specifically reactive substances; and (iv) detecting the presence or amount of the specifically bound or reactive substances in the sample by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or fluorescence, is described.

Abstract: The ionic conjugates include an inorganic particle electrostatically associated with a macromolecule which can interact specifically with predetermined chemical species or biological targets.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel biosensor composed of mOrange2 and mCherry fluorescent proteins operably linked via a linker, which provides a distinct color change upon separation of the fluorescent proteins.

Abstract: Means and method for analysis of a component of interest in a sample is provided. A small sample cell is provided which decreased dispersion of the sample. Also provided is a device for detection of a component of interest in a sample in which the small sample cell is used with an ultra violet laser in which the energy of the laser is spread over an area such that energy density is above desorption threshold, but the sample not ablated. Rapid and reliable detection of a component of interest is provided with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new thiolysine and selenolysine compounds that can be used as building blocks for peptides and proteins, providing ligation handles for site- and chemoselective modification of said peptides and proteins. In particular, the invention provides. In particular, the invention provides (the use of) the compounds 5-thiolysine (also referred to as ?-thiolysine); 4-thiolysine (also referred to as ?-thiolysine); 5-selenolysine (also referred to as ?-selenolysine) and 4-selenolysine (also referred to as ?-selenolysine). The positioning of the thiol or selenol group at the respective carbon atom allows for a very efficient intramolecular transfer reaction to take place after conjugation with a selected ligand, and the thiol or selenol group may subsequently be removed using reported procedures, thereby restoring the native lysine structure, or be used as an additional conjugation handle. The methodology is fast and gives well-defined material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fluorinated 3,6-diaminoxanthene compounds derived from the basic structural formula (I) and to their uses as photostable fluorescent dyes, e.g. for immunostainings and spectroscopic and microscopic applications, in particular in conventional microscopy, stimulated emission depletion (STED) reversible saturable optically linear fluorescent transitions (RESOLFT) microscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The claimed compounds are also useful as molecular probes in various spectroscopic applications.

Abstract: A paint that warns of radiological or chemical substances comprising a paint operatively connected to the surface, an indicator material carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances, and a thermo-activation material carried by the paint. In one embodiment, a method of warning of radiological or chemical substances comprising the steps of painting a surface with an indicator material, and monitoring the surface for indications of the radiological or chemical substances. In another embodiment, a paint is operatively connected to a vehicle and an indicator material is carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances.

Abstract: Fluorescently labeled microsphere calibration and quality control particles for use in establishing standardized fluorescence detector setup, monitoring daily QC of flow cytometers and quantitative calibration of the fluorescence detectors in traceable units of measure (molecules equivalent soluble fluorescence; MESF).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for the quantitative analysis of in vivo mutation frequencies of the Pig-A gene in individuals exposed to a genotoxicant, particularly using peripheral blood samples of vertebrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection or determination of vitamin C by luminescence that employs a redox-responsive fluorogenic probe consisting of porphyrin or phthalocyanine with a nitroxide radical(s), or that employs a liposome preparation comprising the said redox-responsive fluorogenic probe. The present method can overcome the problems of prior art methods, and in particular, are applicable for bioimaging to allow elucidation of the behavior of vitamin C in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel dyes, including coumarins, rhodamines, and rhodols that incorporate additional fused aromatic rings. The dyes of the invention absorb at a longer wavelength than structurally similar dyes that do not possess the fused aromatic rings. Many of the dyes of the invention are useful fluorescent dyes. The invention includes chemically reactive dyes, dye-conjugates, and the use of such dyes in staining samples and detecting ligands or other analytes.

Abstract: A method of screening an antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity in vitro, the method includes contacting the antioxidant with a model system containing a sterol superlattice formation capable of generating a detectable signal, wherein the detectable signal changes in a parameter representative of an integrity of the sterol superlattice formation; and detecting and/or measuring disruption of the sterol superlattice formation, wherein the disruption is caused by the insertion of the antioxidant into membranes and thereby screening the antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a luminescent polymer that is useful as a luminescent signal probe for labeling and detecting a target substance at high sensitivity in bioassay, and to provide the application of said luminescent polymer to bioassay. The luminescent polymer of the present invention comprises at least one biotin covalently attached to a polymer that includes monosaccharide or amino acid as a constituent monomer covalently attached to a luminescent substance. Preferably, two or more biotins are attached. Examples of the above-mentioned luminescent substance include cyanoisoindoles, luminols, and acridinium esters, and examples of the polymer include polysaccharides, polyamino acids, peptides, polypeptides, and proteins.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the sterility of a product to be administered to a patient. The sterility of the product is tested by monitoring the pH change of a culture medium in contact with any culturable organisms (e.g., bacteria) that are collected by filtration of the product to be tested.

Abstract: A process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labeled biological cells involves contacting a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom of a reaction vessel with a solution containing the fluorescent dye. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components. In this case, a receptor layer at the bottom of a reaction vessel is in contact with a solution in which a fluorescent or luminescent ligand is dissolved.

Abstract: There is provided a biochemical reaction cartridge comprising at least one chemical reaction chamber that accommodates a solution for biochemically treating a sample, a reaction chamber for performing detection reaction of a target substance in the biochemically treated sample, and a detection reaction information fetching section for fetching information on whether or not the detection reaction is performed, wherein the biochemical reaction cartridge is provided with a covering unit that can cover and expose at least the reaction information fetching section.

Abstract: This analyte evaluation apparatus has an analyte space for holding a liquid containing an analyte, a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reference electrode, and the potential of the working electrode is altered with respect to the potential of the reference electrode as the standard potential, and the behavior of the analyte is observed to thereby evaluate the analyte, and the working electrode is provided in the analyte space and the counter electrode and reference electrode are provided in an electrode medium container for holding an electrically conductive electrode medium while being connected via an electrically conductive communicating part for substantially blocking the passage of liquid from the analyte space.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical sensors comprising fluorescent conjugated polymers as sensitive materials and to their use in detecting or assaying nitro compounds, in particular nitroaromatic compounds. Fields of application: detection of explosives, monitoring and observation of atmospheric pollution and of the quality of relatively confined surroundings, watching over industrial sites.

Abstract: Vapochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection are provided. 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. 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. One embodiment provides [Metal(CN)2]-based coordination polymers with vapochromic properties, such as Cu[Au(CN)2]2 and Zn[Au(CN)2]2 polymers.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for remotely interrogating sensor electronics are described. In one embodiment, a system for detecting and localizing chemical analytes is described. This system includes a plurality of chemosensor electronic devices for detecting the presence of chemical analytes. Each of these devices includes a chemosensor for sensing chemical analytes, a transponder, and an electronic circuit for activating the transponder based on an output of the chemosensor. These devices may have a cross-section area of less than 1 square micrometer. The system also includes an interrogation device for interrogating the plurality of devices and for receiving information on the detected chemical analytes from devices with activated transponders, and a processor for determining the locations of the devices with activated transponders. These locations may be forwarded to a third party.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biological indicator (BI) test utilizing oxygen sensing within a microenvironment as a means for determining the presence of viable microorganisms capable of growth, a method for biological indicator (BI) testing for determining the completeness of a sterilization cycle utilizing oxygen sensing as the means for determining the presence of viable microorganism survival, a device for determining oxygen content in a biological indicator (BI) assay vessel containing an optical oxygen sensor, and a method and device for determining antimicrobial drug resistance or sensitivity to a contaminated sample.

Abstract: This invention is intended to evaluate the oil-and-fat amount in a seed and genetic changes thereof. A fusion protein of an oil body-specific protein, such as the oleosin-GFP fusion protein, and a fluorescent protein is expressed, and the oil-and-fat amount in a plant seed and changes thereof are evaluated based on the fluorescent intensity in a cotyledon of a fluorescent protein, such as GFP.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphogenic features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, caused in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a measurement system, wherein the measurement system comprises a sample module to receive a sample, wherein the sample module comprises at least one fluorophore; an optics module to generate an incident beam to impinge on the sample to yield a laser spot; a detector module to detect fluorescence signals arising out of the sample; a processor module to process the fluorescence signals and provide relevant output; an output module; a control module to control the sample module, the optics module, the detector module and the output module. The measurement system of the invention is capable of measuring both bulk and event fluorescences of a sample containing at least one fluorophore. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for testing a fluid based on the measurement system of the invention.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluorescent gold nanocluster, comprising: a dihydrolipoic acid ligand (DHLA) on the surface thereof, wherein the fluorescent gold nanocluster generates fluorescence by the interaction between the dihydrolipoic acid ligand and the nanocluster and the particle diameter of the fluorescent gold nanocluster is between 0.5 nm and 3 nm, wherein the wavelength of the emission fluorescence of the fluorescent gold nanocluster is between 400 nm and 1000 nm. In addition, the fluorescent gold nanocluster is used as bioprobes and/or applied in fluorescent biological label, clinical image as contrast medium, clinical detection, clinical trace, and clinical treatment etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

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: System (50) for marking a fluid by a marker, the fluid flowing from a source to a destination, the system including a sensor (58) for determining a value of a fluid property and a fluid flow controller (54) for admitting a selected amount of the marker to the fluid, wherein the selected amount is determined according to the fluid value and a predetermined concentration of the marker in the fluid in the destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the concentration of a non-volatile analyte in an aqueous sample medium, with the use of an optical sensor which contains a luminescent dye and is calibrated at the user site by means of a single-point-calibration. To enable the user to completely dispense with all calibration media a luminescence measurement value is obtained at the user site with the sensor in contact with the aqueous or bloodlike sample medium, which value is referenced to the relative characteristic obtained at the factory site and to a measured dry calibration value obtained at the user site, the concentration of the non-volatile analyte being deduced from these data.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicolor reagent formulations containing in a single container both fluorescently labeled detection reagents and single-color compensation control reagents, wherein the compensation control reagents consist of reagent-capture particles bound to a fluorescently labeled detection reagent included in the multicolor reagent formulation. The multicolor reagent formulations of the present invention simplify manufacture and commercial distribution of multicolor reagent kits.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that include a multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex for identifying a target biomolecule. A sensor biomolecule, for example, an antibody can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. Additionally, a signaling chromophore can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. The arrangement is such that the signaling chromophore is capable of receiving energy from the multichromophore upon excitation of the multichromophore. Since the sensor biomolecule is capable of interacting with the target biomolecule, the multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex can provide enhanced detection signals for a target biomolecule.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for modulating the optical properties of a luminescent polymer via interaction with a species (e.g., an analyte). In some cases, the present invention provides methods for determination of an analyte by monitoring a change in an optical signal of a luminescent polymer upon exposure to an analyte. Methods of the present invention may be useful for the vapor phase detection of analytes such as explosives and toxins. The present invention also provides methods for increasing the luminescence intensity of a polymer, such as a polymer that has been photobleached, by exposing the luminescent polymer to a species such as a reducing agent.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays. Embodiments of the present methods and reagents are concerned with a solid support such as, for example, a particle. The support includes a chemiluminescent composition that includes a metal chelate. The present inventors observed that, when such support such as, e.g., particles, were employed in assays for the determination of an analyte, stability of signal output by the chemiluminescent composition associated with the particle was unacceptably reduced as compared to particles including other chemiluminescent compositions. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the stability of signal output from such particles is enhanced by including in a medium that contains the particles a sufficient amount of one or more stabilizing agents, which may be a chelating agent and/or a metal chelate such as, for example, the metal chelate that is associated with the particle.