Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed providing techniques for measuring the amount of biodiesel in a fuel sample. The methods may be used in the field without the use of laboratory equipment. The biodiesel in the sample is converted to the corresponding free acid which can be isolated and quantified to provide information regarding the amount of biodiesel in the original sample.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for separating an analyte from a mixture, and devices, systems, and methods for measuring an amount of an analyte are disclosed. The devices, systems, and methods may be used to separate glycated hemoglobin from other blood components and to measure the amount of the glycated hemoglobin.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for collecting, storing or transporting liquid suspension of biological specimens containing analytes of interest in a dry state. The dried biological specimens containing analytes of interest are reconstituted and released for subsequent analysis by compressing or centrifuging the matrix. Also provided are method of using kits for collecting, storing, transporting and recovering biological specimens containing analytes of interest.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting samples using hybrid porous materials that include an organic material and an inorganic material. A method for sample collection includes contacting a hybrid porous material and a biological sample to the porous material. The hybrid porous material includes an inorganic material and an organic material. The method includes placing the porous material with the attached sample in a liquid medium, wherein the sample is separated from the porous material in the liquid medium to form a separated sample, and collecting the separated sample in the medium.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the monitoring of contaminant concentrations in manufacturing processes that employ fluid purification devices. The invention provides a sensitive method for analyzing contaminant concentrations in a process fluid stream using purification material to adsorb contaminants contained therein over an entire process.

Abstract: An immunochemical filter device which has filter material attached to a support member (such as a cap) which is, in turn, attachable to a sample collection vessel. The filter material includes a labeled binding reagent that is released from the filter material into solution by migration of a liquid sample solution through the filter material. The mixture of the sample solution and the labeled specific binding reagent is transferred to an analyzer device for performance of a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample solution.

Abstract: A method of introducing solution into the wells of a multiwell plate comprised of a substrate having multiple wells on at least one principal surface thereof. The wells are imparted dimensions, shapes, and surface configurations such that when said multiwell plate is positioned in stationary fashion with the openings of said wells facing upward, said solution does not enter said wells even when the openings of said wells are covered by said solution, and the solution is positioned on said principal surface of said multiwell plate having wells and a centrifugal force oriented from the well opening toward the bottom is applied to introduce said solution into said wells. Provided is a method for conveniently filling vessels (wells) with a solution such as a reaction solution, even when the vessels (wells) number in excess of 1,000, and even when the dimension, shape, and surface configuration of the vessels (wells) do not permit fluid to flow into the vessels (wells).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of determining the nitrogen content in nitrocellulose by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It is within the scope of the invention for the sample of nitrocellulose to be unstable nitrocellulose, unrefined nitrocellulose, or refined nitrocellulose. The sample of nitrocellulose can wet or dry. A sample of nitrocellulose that is wet can be in acid or in water. Before HPLC, the sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The nitrogen content of the sample is determined by comparing the retention time of the sample to a graph of retention time to amount of nitrogen due to the linear correlation of retention time and percent nitrogen substitution.

Abstract: Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles are changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles are made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and collecting samples for analyte testing. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample collection system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include at least one of a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir and a freestanding receptacle comprising a reservoir. The reservoir can be adapted to contain a liquid composition. The sample collection system can be positioned in fluid communication with a reservoir of the sample preparation system, and can be adapted to capture an analyte of interest. The method can include providing a fluid path defined at least partially by the sample preparation system and the sample collection system, positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir of the sample preparation system, and moving at least a portion of the liquid composition in the fluid path to the sample collection system.

Abstract: In a method for performing a solid-phase micro-extraction, a holding device connected to an extraction device and secured on an adapter is held, while an actuating device connected to a guide device is moved. A device for performing a solid-phase microextraction comprises an actuating device connected to a guide device, and a holding device connected to an extraction device, wherein the extraction device is guided at least partially in the guide device, and wherein the extraction device is movable relative to the guide device by means of an actuation of the actuating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to calibration slides for fluorescence detection instruments and processing method of making them. The aim of this invention is to disclose calibration slides with high photostability and long lifetime for fluorescence detection instruments. The calibration slides are fabricated by patterning calibration spot arrays of modified inorganic phosphors on the glass slide. The process for producing a calibration slide comprises the following procedure: 1) Dispersing the inorganic phosphors of rare-earth doped complex in water; 2) Patterning the array of the above suspension on the glass slide. The calibration slides in the present invention employ a very stable fluorescing material that is insensitive to photobleaching, has long lifetime and stability under mild storage condition. The calibration slides in the present invention can be used to calibrate and test for some fluorescence instruments, i.e.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for enhancing blood coagulation in a subject. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, an amount of a non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharide (NASP) is administered to a subject to enhance blood coagulation in the subject. Also provided are methods for preparing a NASP composition having blood coagulation enhancing activity. Compositions and kits for practicing methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate a device for measuring the water activity of foods and method for obtaining a water activity measurement. The device includes a container housing the food sample, a disc of permeable material to support a reactive substance which in turn is used to record the water activity level of the food sample (23) being studied. The substance is positioned in the center of the disc. A threaded cover is disposed at a free end of the container. When insulation is provided between the interior and exterior of the container, any water contained in the food sample evaporates and as it passes through the disc. As the water comes into contact with the reactive substance, a color scale records the water activity of the study sample.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: A method and device for enhanced capture of target analytes is disclosed. This invention relates to collection of chemicals for separations and analysis. More specifically, this invention relates to a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device having better capability for chemical collection and analysis. This includes better physical stability, capacity for chemical collection, flexible surface chemistry and high affinity for target analyte.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: Methods and kits to detect and quantitate NOx compounds in a biological sample are provided. The methods include reacting a mixture that includes a nitrite compound and a chromogenic reagent to form a colored compound, contacting the mixture with a retention medium configured to retain the colored compound, and detecting the colored compound retained on the retention medium.

Abstract: Quantification of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, and the monohydroxy and diihydroxy metabolites of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, can comprise labeling analytes with mass spectrometry (MS) tagging reagents and performing LC-MSMS analysis of the labeled analytes. The labeled analytes can include a labeled standard and can have distinct retention times on a reversed phase column, as well as distinct masses. Under high energy collisions, reporter groups can be generated. The intensity or the peak area detected for each reporter group can be used for quantitation. In some embodiments, a one-step tagging reagent is used that is a dienophile-containing, labeled Diels Alder reagent.

Abstract: A method of processing animal sperm cells that includes: collecting sperm cells from a male animal; sorting the sperm cells to obtain a quantity of sperm cells having a desired characteristic, the quantity of sorted sperm cells being contained in a first volume of fluid having a first concentration of sperm cells; and subjecting the sperm cells to concentration steps in which the concentration of the sperm cells is increased to a second concentration greater than the first concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides germania-silica-based sol-gel monoliths that form the solid-phase material for extraction, isolation, preconcentration, and separation of analytes. In one embodiment, the germania-silica-based sol-gel monolith can be used to coat surfaces of the inner walls of extraction and chromatographic columns. In a preferred embodiment, the sol-gel germania-silica monolith of the present invention is formed from hydrolysis and polycondensation of precursors comprising tetraethoxygermane, tetramethoxysilane, and polyethylene glycol. Also provided are methods of preparing the germania-silica-based sol-gel monolith of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical mixture that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and extracting a liquid sample by sorbing an aqueous liquid sample, including an organic analyte and an acid or a base, in a solid sorbent material, and at least partially neutralizing the acid or base by reaction with neutralizing ions retained on a support surface, and contacting the liquid sample-sorbed sorbent material at elevated temperature and pressure with an organic solvent to extract the analyte into said solvent, preferably in a vessel having an extraction chamber with a zirconium metal interior surface.

Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.

Abstract: A surrogate addition device is described that adds a surrogate compound at a uniform transport rate to a flowing sample stream. The surrogate addition device includes a surrogate reservoir, a flow chamber, and a diffusion barrier. The surrogate reservoir can be configured to contain a surrogate solution where the surrogate solution includes a surrogate compound. The flow chamber includes an inlet port and an outlet port. At least a portion of the diffusion barrier is disposed in between the surrogate reservoir and the flow chamber. The diffusion barrier may include an inner surface that forms a wall of the surrogate reservoir, and an outer surface that forms a wall of the flow chamber. The flow chamber can be configured to receive a flowing sample solution across the outer surface of the diffusion barrier and also to diffuse the surrogate compound from the surrogate reservoir to the flow chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the analysis of polar metabolites and provides methods for analyzing polar metabolites including extracting a biological sample with a extraction buffer containing a phase separator and a volatile neutral ammonium salt under conditions which allow for immediate disruption of cells in the biological sample, separating the polar metabolites in the extract by chromatography, and analyzing the separated polar metabolites. Moreover, a method for quenching a biological sample containing cellular material is contemplated.

Abstract: A method for desorption of a blood sample from a dried blood spot on a medical test sheet, for the purpose of biomedical analysis, comprises the steps of: interposing the test sheet inbetween first and second clamping heads; clamping the first and the second clamping heads onto the interposed test sheet; and flushing a desorption area of the clamped test sheet with a sample elution fluid. The clamping heads are transmitting compressive forces to parts of the test sheet. The compressive forces create an imprinted sealing area of the test sheet, which imprinted sealing area has a closed loop shape surrounding a desorption area of the test sheet. The desorption area is contained in a space enveloped by first and second outer surfaces of the first and second clamping heads, respectively, and sealed by the imprinted sealing area.

Abstract: A sample preparation device is disclosed. The sample preparation device includes a housing defining a passage way between a first opening and a second opening; and a sample filter occupying a section of said passage way. The sample filter contains a monolith adsorbent that specifically binds to nucleic acids. Also disclosed are sample filters containing glass frit is coated with an capture agent that binds specifically to an analyte of interest, sample filters containing a hydrophilic matrix with impregnated chemicals that lyses cell membranes, a cartridge base and an integrated sample preparation cartridge.

Abstract: A structure for controlling fluid flow from a sample receiving pad into a lateral flow assay test strip, including: a lateral flow assay test strip; a sample pad abutting the lateral flow assay test strip; a pinch wall positioned to direct fluid flow from the sample pad to the lateral flow assay test strip; a top support structure positioned on top of the test strip; and a bottom support structure positioned underneath the test strip, wherein each of the top and bottom support structures comprise a plurality of separate spaced-apart support ribs positioned along the length of the test strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for measuring glycated hemoglobin includes hemolyzing a blood sample with a hemolysate; reacting the hemolyzed blood sample with bead conjugates in which beads are conjugated with glycated hemoglobin binding materials; measuring the amount of total hemoglobin in the reacted blood sample; isolating normal hemoglobin from the glycated hemoglobin conjugated with the bead conjugates; measuring the amount of glycated hemoglobin isolated from the normal hemoglobin; and determining the percentage of the glycated hemoglobin in the blood sample on the basis of the measured amounts of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin. The isolation of normal hemoglobin is performed by absorbing the normal hemoglobin using an absorption pad that is a porous pad having pores, each of which has a size greater than the size of the normal hemoglobin and smaller than the size of the bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of DHA and EPA. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting DHA and EPA by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: (Problem to be Solved) There is to be provided a method for extracting low-molecular-weight proteins/peptides contained in a body fluid sample, particularly, in serum or plasma. (Means for Solution) The method according to the present invention comprises the steps of (a) to (e): (a) adding reagent 1 containing urea and thiourea and reagent 2 containing a reducing agent to the body fluid sample, mixing them, subsequently dropping the mixture into reagent 3 containing 90% or more of an organic solvent, and mixing them; (b) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (a); (c) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (b) and removing the supernatant; (d) adding reagent 4 containing an organic solvent and an acid to the precipitate obtained in step (c) and mixing them; (e) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (d); and (f) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (e) and recovering the supernatant.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of a chemical species in a sample, in particular the amount of weak acid dissociable cyanide or total cyanide in a sample, and an apparatus for performing said method. The method comprises the steps of: i) treating the sample to liberate the chemical species into a gaseous stream; ii) directing the gaseous stream to a scrubber; iii) absorbing the chemical species into a scrubber solution; and iv) determining the amount of chemical species absorbed into the scrubber solution, wherein any remaining chemical species not absorbed into the scrubber solution is directed or recirculated to the scrubber in the gaseous stream and step iii) is repeated to increase absorption of the chemical species prior to performing step iv).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials as a filtration material pervious to nitrogen dioxide and impervious to ozone. The invention also relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials having a specific surface, measured by the BET method, of 15 to 40 m2/g inclusive and a form factor, equal to the ratio (highest dimension/lowest dimension) of the nanomaterial, of 5 to 250 inclusive, as material for filtering a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide and ozone, being pervious to the nitrogen dioxide and impervious to the ozone. The invention can be used in the field of air pollution.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: A method to remove detergents from a biological protein sample that is to be analyzed by mass spectroscopy (MS). The method uses a high performance cyclodextrin polymer resin to remove detergents, which interfere with MS analysis, from a sample containing proteins, peptides, amino acids, etc.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and extracting a liquid sample by sorbing an aqueous liquid sample, including an organic analyte and an acid or a base, in a solid sorbent material, and at least partially neutralizing the acid or base by reaction with neutralizing ions retained on a support surface, and contacting the liquid sample-sorbed sorbent material at elevated temperature and pressure with an organic solvent to extract the analyte into said solvent, preferably in a vessel having an extraction chamber with a zirconium metal interior surface.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (I): in which inter alia Q1 represents —NR1R3, —OR1 or —SR1 and Q2 represents —NR2R4, —OR2 or —SR2, and A represents the point of attachment to a support matrix, are useful as protein binding ligands when (a) at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 includes an alkyl group —CnH2n+1 in which n is greater than or equal to 7; (b) at least two of R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently include an alkyl group —CnH2n+1 or a cycloalkyl group —CnH2n?1 in which n is greater than or equal to 4; or (c) at least three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently include a C1-12 alkyl group substituted by —NR5R6 or aryl.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making an apparatus which duplicates the functionality of a physiological system is provided.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates various devices that are configured to separate a sample, which contains more than one unique species, into any desired number of sub-samples by passing the sample across a like number of separation media configured for a first separation protocol. Each of the sub-samples may be further separated by an additional separation protocol, thereby creating a plurality of mini-samples, each of which may be further separated and/or analyzed. The invention also contemplates using a simple method of using conduits to form a fluid path that passes through a plurality of separation media, each of which media is configured to isolate a particular sub-sample. After various sub-samples of the sample are isolated by the various separation media, the conduits may be removed, thereby enabling each of the isolated sub-samples to be further separated and/or analyzed independent of any other sub-sample.

Abstract: An analytical device that provides chemical composition spectrometric data on surface and sub-surface samples is provided. The device provides for the introduction of the liquid or solid sample into a sample chamber where it is extracted by a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. The extract then passes into a chamber where it undergoes a Friedel-Crafts (FC) reaction, catalyzed by a polymer-encased Lewis acid. This FC reaction produces characteristic colors, which provide specific quantitative and qualitative chemical information about the hydrocarbon substance. The polymer chain then passes into a module containing a spectrometer consisting of a tungsten/halogen light source, a diffraction grating, and a CCD-based detector that reads the spectral information and sends the digital information to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is not described in this patent application as many types exist, which will perform the necessary operations for analysis, storage, and transmission of the spectral data.