Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for determining the bioactivity of liquid biological mixtures. The method of the present invention involves obtaining a suitable quantity of liquid biological mixture. Once the sample is obtained, visual spectrum light is directed into the liquid biological mixture and reflectance of the light from the mixture is detected and quantified. The apparatus of the present invention incorporates a microcolorimeter with high energy source as a reflectance detector. The microcolorimeter is able to measure energy in a smaller area, such as 3 to 8 millimeters in diameter, and provide estimates of bioactivity in less than 30 minutes to 32 hours, as opposed to the 24 hour to 9 days which is typical of traditional microbiological methods. The method of the present invention could involve continuous measurements by recycling plates past the detector at regular intervals until the end point is detected. Thus, the detector could be fitted with an appropriate incubator environment which would have controlled robotic devices to receive, identify, and position plates for storage, reading and for discard. Data is collected and compared by computer. The computer calculates the desired information on bioactivity. By providing a detector that produces "tristimulus" color values it is possible to use traditional dyes used in microbiological research and testing. Even abandoned dyes could be restored to useful measurement including litmus, methylene blue, and resazurin.
Abstract:
A multiwell plate (10) suitable for use in a spectrometer which uses a vertical beam of light comprising a first plate having a plurality of wells (20) for receiving sample, wherein the wells (20) have transparent bottom surfaces (30) to allow for the transmission of a vertical beam of light, and a unitary insert (40) comprises a biochemically compatible microporous surface capable of binding biological materials shaped to fit into at least one well (20) of the plate (10) without interfering with the vertical beam of light.
Abstract:
A photometric reading device comprises a plurality of reading elements (30), each comprising a light emitting diode and a corresponding photodiode on opposing sides of a sample pathway along which a sample microplate (l0) can travel. The microplate (l0) includes rows of sample wells arranged transverse to the line of relative motion of the microplate (l0) and the reading elements (30). The reading elements (30) are arranged such that, during continuous relative motion of the reading elements (30) and the microplate (l0), the reading elements (30) come into registration sequentially with the wells in the first row of wells in the microplate (l0), then with the wells in the second row of wells, and so on.
Abstract:
Method for securing the location of a sample pit (10) in an optical apparatus of measurement. The apparatus is provided with a measurement tip (6), which is lowered partly into the sample pit. Measurement is possible only when the measurement tip is in its lower position.
Abstract:
Appareil de mesure de la fluorescence émise par un échantillon liquide, cet appareil comprenant une source de lumière (1) à partir de laquelle on fait passer la lumière de mesure verticalement au travers d'un système optique (2), d'un monochromateur (3) et au travers de l'échantillon placé dans un plateau à cuvette (4) puis le rayon lumineux de mesure arrive sur un monochromateur de mesure (5) et un détecteur (6). Selon l'invention, pour chaque processus de mesure, la source lumineuse (1), le système optique (2), le monochromateur (3), l'échantillon à mesurer, le monochromateur de mesure (5) et le détecteur (6) peuvent être amenés sur la même ligne droite verticale les uns par rapport aux autres et dans cette séquence.
Abstract:
In a sample analyzing apparatus, an injector assembly injects a reagent onto a sample, and luminescent light from the sample is transmitted to a detector. The assembly may be movable toward and away from the sample. The assembly may include one or more needles that communicate with one or more reservoirs supplying reagent or other liquids. The assembly may include a light guide for communicating with the detector. A cartridge may be provided in which the assembly, one or more reservoirs, and one or more pumps are disposed. The cartridge and/or the apparatus may be configured for enabling rinsing or priming to be done outside the apparatus. The cartridge and/or the apparatus may include one or more types of sensors configured for detecting, for example, the presence of liquid or bubbles in one or more locations of the apparatus and/or the cartridge.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of defining a Raman signature of a culture component, the method comprising: obtaining a Raman spectrum of a culture component in a non-interfering or minimally-interfering solution, identifying peaks in the Raman spectrum that are associated with the culture component, obtaining a Raman spectrum of a culture medium comprising the culture component, and, removing peaks of the culture component in the Raman spectrum of the culture medium that are distorted compared to the peaks identified in the Raman spectrum of the culture component in a non-interfering or minimally-interfering solution.
Abstract:
A diagnostic assay system including a test device and a scanning device are described. In one implementation, the scanning device includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, an optics assembly, a detector, and a microprocessor disposed within a chassis. The test device and scanning device may be configured to be movable relative to each other during operation of the scanning device.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.