Abstract:
An integrated microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) is provided including a microfluidic ionization chamber a microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber that is configured to generate ultraviolet photons. An ultrathin transmissive window is disposed between the microfluidic ionization chamber and the microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber that permits the ultraviolet photons to pass from the microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber into the microfluidic ionization chamber. Detection systems for one or more VOC analytes are also provided that include a gas chromatography (GC) unit including at least one gas chromatography column and an integrated microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) disposed downstream of the gas chromatography (GC) unit.
Abstract:
Provided herein are assay plates and uses thereof. In particular, provided herein are assay plates comprising optofluidic channels and microposts for use in performing biological and chemical assays and detecting assay results. The described plates provide reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.
Abstract:
3-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as absorption/fluorescence/luminescence detection is carried out using a platform based on nanoparticle-functionalized flow-through multi-hole capillaries for rapid analyte detection. The configuration provides an increased active area and fluidic channels for efficient sample delivery, and also confines and transmits light for a large signal accumulation. Using a capillary consisting of thousands of micron-sized holes adsorbed with gold nanoparticles, a detection limit better than 100 fM is achieved.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides adaptive methods for gas chromatography analysis of a gas sample comprising one or more target analytes (such as a micro-gas chromatography) and adaptive gas chromatography devices for carrying out such analytical methods. Broadly, the system can regulate flow into a downstream chromatographic column by detecting one or more upstream conditions. For example, one adaptive chromatography device comprises a first column, a modulator component, and a second column. A first detector or sensor detects the presence of target analytes upstream from the second column, while a second detector detects the presence of target analytes eluted from the second column. The modulator component assembly is responsive to an output generated by the first detector and adaptively regulates fluid flow into the second column. Such adaptive chromatography (micro-GC) systems have higher separation speed, better analyte identification capability, and far greater energy savings.
Abstract:
Laser emission based microscope devices and methods of using such devices for detecting laser emissions from a tissue sample are provided. The scanning microscope has first and second reflection surfaces and a scanning cavity holding a stationary tissue sample with at least one fluorophore/lasing energy responsive species. At least a portion of the scanning cavity corresponds to a high quality factor (Q) Fabry-Pérot resonator cavity. A lasing pump source directs energy at the scanning cavity while a detector receives and detects emissions generated by the fluorophore(s) or lasing energy responsive species. The second reflection surface and/or the lasing pump source are translatable with respect to the stationary tissue sample for generating a two-dimensional scan of the tissue sample. Methods for detecting multiplexed emissions or quantifying one or more biomarkers in a histological tissue sample, for example for detection and diagnosis of cancer, or other disorders/diseases are provided.
Abstract:
A multi-modal biosensor system includes a vibrating plate orientated along a plane. An actuator is interfaced with the vibrating plate and operable to vibrate the vibrating plate along the plane. The actuator includes two electrodes rigidly affixed to the vibrating plate. An optical support structure is rigidly affixed to the vibrating plate, and provides an outwardly facing surface to receive a measurement sample. A light source is configured to project light onto the outwardly facing surface of the optical support structure. A light detector is configured to capture light reflected from the outwardly facing surface of the optical support structure. A controller interfaces with the two electrodes and the light detector. The controller operates to detect changes in the vibrating motion of the vibrating plate concurrently with detecting changes in the light captured by the light detector.
Abstract:
An assay plate assembly comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules arranged in a rectilinear matrix of rows and columns microfluidic channels. Each microfluidic module has an inlet well leading to a serpentine microfluidic channel that is set at a cant angle. The well is laterally offset from the detection area to avoid optical interference. The geometric center of each detection area is positioned according to ANSI/SLAS standards for well-centers. A drain from each microfluidic channel is located so that it does not interfere with any detection areas. An array of optically-transmissive micro-posts are disposed within each microfluidic channel. The micro-posts extend perpendicularly from the top surface of the top plate toward the underside and are equally distributed throughout the entire detection area. The plate assembly provides reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.
Abstract:
A discharge ionization current detector for ionizing and detecting a sample component where the sample component is ionized by UV light is provided. The detector includes a UV light source, and a microfluidic channel having a first surface including a conducting or semiconducting material and an opposing second surface including a conducting or semiconducting material, one of the first surface and the second surface being a collection electrode and the other of the first surface and the second surface being a bias electrode, the microfluidic channel being configured to receive a sample component. The microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the UV light source such that, when activated, UV light from the UV light source can enter the microfluidic channel and ionize the sample component, which releases an electron, and the ionized sample component and electron are detected by the collection and bias electrodes.
Abstract:
A rapid flow-through, highly sensitive microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) which is micro-fabricated directly onto a substrate, such as a conductive silicon wafer, is provided. The microfluidic PID has an ionization chamber volume of less than 9 μL. The microfluidic PID may have a flow through design with a microfluidic channel defines a serpentine pattern on the substrate. The flow through design of the microfluidic PID results in negligible dead volume, thus allowing a shortened response time over existing commercially available designs. Such microfluidic PIDs are particularly useful with gas chromatography (GC), including microGC and multi-dimensional microGC systems. Methods for calibrating PIDs are also provided.
Abstract:
A laser whose emission is modulated by ultrasound is presented. The laser is usually micron-sized. In response to ultrasound modulation, the laser emission increases and decreases. Such a change in emission can be detected by external optical detectors. This type of laser can be used as a new type of imaging modality, in which laser emission in combination with sound waves or ultrasound waves, is used for imaging Laser emission has a much narrower spectral linewidth and stronger intensity than fluorescence and therefore is able to achieve higher sensitivity, whereas sound waves are used to provide a better spatial resolution of the laser emission from the laser. In ultrasound modulated laser based imaging, multiple lasers can be placed inside cells or tissues.