A MEMS-based calorimeter includes a reference channel, a sample channel, and a thermopile configured to measure a temperature differential between the reference channel and a sample channel. The reference channel and the sample channel each include a passive mixer such as a splitting-and-recombination micromixer. The passive mixer can be formed by a first set of channels in a first layer and a second set of channels in a second layer. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter and methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions are also provided.

Various sensors and arrays of sensors that utilize nanostructures or carbon structures, such as nanotubes, nanotube meshes, or graphene sheets, are disclosed. In some arrangements, at least a pair of contacts are electrically coupled with a given nanostructure or carbon structure to sense a change.

Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Methods, apparatus, and systems to improve thermal sensitivity of resonant circuits. One aspect utilizes tracking near-resonance complex impedance for a quartz resonator based calorimeter sensor to derive ultra-sensitive temperature measurement from the sensor. Another aspect includes a quartz resonant or -based calorimetric sensor placed close to but not touching the analyte being measured to eliminate mass loading effect on the temperature measurement.

MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate formed on a polymeric layer is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

A method for measuring thermal diffusivity/conductivity of a microscale sample includes placing a metallic disk atop the sample, and disposing a nanomembrane over the sample and over the metallic disk so that the nanomembrane, so that the metallic disk, the nanomembrane and the sample are in thermal equilibrium with one another. A laser beam is directed to fall onto the nanomembrane over the sample, while a radiation sensor is operated to detect photoluminescent radiation emitted by the nanomembrane in response to the laser beam. A spectral shift in the detected photoluminescent radiation emitted by the nanomembrane is determined, and thermal diffusivity/conductivity is calculated from the determined spectral shift of the photoluminescence.

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for diagnosing, monitoring the disease progression of, and/or evaluating the risk for developing a disease by detecting thermostable variants of proteins and/or metabolites in biological samples using differential scanning calorimetry. Also disclosed herein are methods for monitoring the efficacy of a particular therapeutic regimen in patients in need thereof.

An article comprising: an array of calorimeter devices, wherein the device comprises: at least one fluidic enclosure disposed on a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic enclosure is substantially gas impermeable; at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are disposed within and enclosed by the fluidic enclosure, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are not vacuum encapsulated; at least two microfluidic channels connected to the first chamber and at least two microfluidic channels connected to the second chamber; and at least one thermal sensor disposed between the chip and the first and second chambers, wherein the thermal sensor is adapted to measure a temperature differential between the first and second chambers. Examples include DSC and TSA devices. Biological binding and melting experiments can be done with high sensitivity.

The invention relates to a calorimeter including at least one measurement sensor (4) for receiving at least one sample, and at least three stages (1, 2, 3) for controlling the temperature, with decreasing size, each including a mounting (10, 20, 30) and means for controlling the temperature, the smallest stage being associated with said at least one sensor (4), in which: a first stage (1) also includes a screen (11) forming a first enclosure with the mounting (10) of said first stage; a second stage (2) is placed inside (12) said first enclosure and the mounting (20) thereof is thermally coupled with the mounting (10) of the first stage by first thermal conductances (23) comprising Peltier elements; and a third stage (3) is placed inside the second enclosure defined by the second stage and is thermally coupled with said second stage (2) by second passive thermal conductances (33) defining an adapted time-constant value.

Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.