Abstract:
The invention provides novel non-invasive in vitro methods for assessing the metabolic condition of oocytes and/or embryos with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope, that can be used, for example, in assessment of oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technologies.
Abstract:
A particulate detector (10) comprises a radiation source (12) arranged to emit radiation in at least first and second predetermined wavebands towards a sampling region (18) suspected of containing particulates, and a detection element (14), shielded from the radiation source (12), and arranged to detect radiation from the sampling region (18) at least first and second instances. The radiation source (12) is such that the emissions in the wavebands temporarily overlap. The detector is such that, at the instances at which the radiation is detected, the relative contributions from the emissions in each predetermined waveband are distinguishable, thereby allowing characteristics of the particulates to be determined. The radiation source (12) may comprise a light emitting diode (24).
Abstract:
The invention provides novel non-invasive in vitro to methods for assessing the metabolic condition of oocytes and/or embryos with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope, that can be used, for example, in assessment of oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technologies.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a measuring system, in particular for determining blood glucose, having a photometric measuring unit (16), which comprises a light source (22) and a detector (24), and an analytical test element (14) to which a sample can be applied, in particular a body fluid, and which can be moved in a beam path (18) between the light source (22) and the detector (24) for an optical detection of an analyte. For an improved multiwave length measurement, the light source (22) comprises a first emitter (26) that can be actuated in a first wavelength range for sending out pulsating alternating light (28) and a second emitter (30) that can be excited in a second wavelength range for emitting fluorescence light (32).
Abstract:
A method of producing a surface enhanced Raman scattering spectrum which is useful for certain types of assays, in particular proximity assays. The method includes providing two SERS-active nanoparticles. The first SERS-active nanoparticle will absorb a photon at a first wavelength and emit a Raman-shifted photon at a second wavelength. The second SERS-active nanoparticle will absorb a photon at the second wavelength and emit a Raman-shifted photon at a third wavelength. Accordingly, when the first and second SERS-active nanoparticles are proximate to one another and the first SERS-active nanoparticle is illuminated at the first wavelength a Raman-shifted photon at the second wavelength may be emitted. This photon can be absorbed by the second SERS-active nanoparticle causing detectable emission of a second Raman-shifted photon at the third wavelength. Various assays may be designed based upon the above. Proximity assays using two SERS-active nanoparticles will have advantageous background signal characteristics.
Abstract:
A side illuminated multi point multi parameter optical fiber sensor that requires no sensitive coating is provided. This sensor comprises an optical fiber having at least one removed cladding section as the sensitive region, at least one probing light source that side illuminates the fiber, a power supply, a detector, a signal processor and a display. The sensitive optical fiber is optically affected by the presence of a measurand medium that can fluoresce, phosphoresce, absorb and/or scatter the probing light. This probing light is guided by the fiber core towards a detector which measures the light intensity and this light intensity is correlated with a measurand.
Abstract:
The Laser Induced Fluorescence Attenuation Spectroscopy method and apparatus include a source (311) adapted to emit modulated radiation that is directed at a sample volume in a sample (314) to produce return light from the sample, a first sensor (321), displaced by a first distance from the sample volume for monitoring the return light and generating a first signal indicative of the intensity of return light, a second sensor (322) displaced by a second distance from the sample volume for monitoring the return light and generating a second signal indicative of the intensity of return light, and a processor (323) adapted to process the first and second signals so as to determine the modulation of the sample. Methods and devices are well-suited for determining the wavelength-dependent attenuation of a sample and using the attenuation to restore the intrinsic laser induced fluorescence thereof, and can be used to determine the ischemic or hypoxic condition of biological tissue.