Devices and methods for using changes in the orientation of micrometer sized dispersed liquid crystal domains to detect or quantify analytes in a test sample, including amphiphilic analytes, are disclosed. The dispersed liquid crystal domains are defined by an interface, and one or more nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes are adsorbed to the interface. As a result of the adsorption of the nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes at the interface, the microdomains are stabilized, and resist coalescing for extended periods of time, unlike previously known devices using liquid crystal emulsions for analyte detection.

When the dispersed liquid crystal microdomains are exposed to the test sample, any changes in the orientation of the liquid crystal microdomains (such as from the bipolar to radial) are detected. Such changes in orientation signal the presence of analyte in the test sample, and the proportion of liquid crystal microdomains exhibiting the change in orientation is correlated with the quantity of analyte in the test sample. The nanoparticle used, the amphiphile used in the nanoparticle-containing complex, or both may be selected to optimize the sensitivity and/or selectivity of the device for a given analyte.

Devices and methods for using changes in the orientation of micrometer sized dispersed liquid crystal domains to detect or quantify analytes in a test sample, including amphiphilic analytes, are disclosed. The dispersed liquid crystal domains are defined by an interface, and one or more nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes are adsorbed to the interface. As a result of the adsorption of the nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes at the interface, the microdomains are stabilized, and resist coalescing for extended periods of time, unlike previously known devices using liquid crystal emulsions for analyte detection.

When the dispersed liquid crystal microdomains are exposed to the test sample, any changes in the orientation of the liquid crystal microdomains (such as from the bipolar to radial) are detected. Such changes in orientation signal the presence of analyte in the test sample, and the proportion of liquid crystal microdomains exhibiting the change in orientation is correlated with the quantity of analyte in the test sample. The nanoparticle used, the amphiphile used in the nanoparticle-containing complex, or both may be selected to optimize the sensitivity and/or selectivity of the device for a given analyte.

A fluid analyzing system comprises a telematics device, a fluid analysis control module, and a locomotive management system. The telematics device is coupled with a locomotive. The fluid analysis control module is coupled with the locomotive and the telematics device. The fluid analysis control module is configured for initiating acquisition of a sample of a fluid of the locomotive and providing the sample to a microfluidic analyzer for conduction of a microfluidic analysis in response to occurrence of an analysis trigger. The analysis trigger comprises an operating characteristic of the locomotive. The locomotive management system is located remotely from the locomotive and the telematics device. The locomotive management system is configured for wirelessly receiving results of the microfluidic analysis transmitted from the telematics device.

A fluid analyzing system comprises a telematics device, a fluid analysis control module, and a locomotive management system. The telematics device is coupled with a locomotive. The fluid analysis control module is coupled with the locomotive and the telematics device. The fluid analysis control module is configured for initiating acquisition of a sample of a fluid of the locomotive and providing the sample to a microfluidic analyzer for conduction of a microfluidic analysis in response to occurrence of an analysis trigger. The analysis trigger comprises an operating characteristic of the locomotive. The locomotive management system is located remotely from the locomotive and the telematics device. The locomotive management system is configured for wirelessly receiving results of the microfluidic analysis transmitted from the telematics device.

A microfluidic detection unit comprises at least one fluid injection section, a fluid storage section and a detection section. Each fluid injection section defines a fluid outlet; the fluid storage section is in gas communication with the atmosphere and defines a fluid inlet; the detection section defines a first end in communication with the fluid outlet and a second end in communication with the fluid inlet. A height difference is defined between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet along the direction of gravity. When a first fluid is injected from the at least one fluid injection section, the first fluid is driven by gravity to pass through the detection section and accumulate to form a droplet at the fluid inlet, such that a state of fluid pressure equilibrium of the first fluid is established.

A microfluidic detection unit comprises at least one fluid injection section, a fluid storage section and a detection section. Each fluid injection section defines a fluid outlet; the fluid storage section is in gas communication with the atmosphere and defines a fluid inlet; the detection section defines a first end in communication with the fluid outlet and a second end in communication with the fluid inlet. A height difference is defined between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet along the direction of gravity. When a first fluid is injected from the at least one fluid injection section, the first fluid is driven by gravity to pass through the detection section and accumulate to form a droplet at the fluid inlet, such that a state of fluid pressure equilibrium of the first fluid is established.

An apparatus for detecting chemical reactions may be provided. The apparatus may comprise a chemical detection device. The chemical detection device may include a chemical sensor, which may be mounted on the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a valve block. The valve block may fluidly couple a plurality of reagent containers to the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a heat exchanger and a controller. The controller may control a fluid connection between the valve block and the chemical detection device. The controller may be also configured to adjust a temperature of a selected reagent from the plurality of reagent containers via the heat exchanger. The temperature of the selected reagent may be adjusted prior to the reagent entering the chemical detection device.

An apparatus for detecting chemical reactions may be provided. The apparatus may comprise a chemical detection device. The chemical detection device may include a chemical sensor, which may be mounted on the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a valve block. The valve block may fluidly couple a plurality of reagent containers to the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a heat exchanger and a controller. The controller may control a fluid connection between the valve block and the chemical detection device. The controller may be also configured to adjust a temperature of a selected reagent from the plurality of reagent containers via the heat exchanger. The temperature of the selected reagent may be adjusted prior to the reagent entering the chemical detection device.

A microfluidic detection unit comprises at least one fluid injection section, a fluid storage section and a detection section. Each fluid injection section defines a fluid outlet; the fluid storage section is in gas communication with the atmosphere and defines a fluid inlet; the detection section defines a first end in communication with the fluid outlet and a second end in communication with the fluid inlet. A height difference is defined between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet along the direction of gravity. When a first fluid is injected from the at least one fluid injection section, the first fluid is driven by gravity to pass through the detection section and accumulate to form a droplet at the fluid inlet, such that a state of fluid pressure equilibrium of the first fluid is established.

A microfluidic detection unit comprises at least one fluid injection section, a fluid storage section and a detection section. Each fluid injection section defines a fluid outlet; the fluid storage section is in gas communication with the atmosphere and defines a fluid inlet; the detection section defines a first end in communication with the fluid outlet and a second end in communication with the fluid inlet. A height difference is defined between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet along the direction of gravity. When a first fluid is injected from the at least one fluid injection section, the first fluid is driven by gravity to pass through the detection section and accumulate to form a droplet at the fluid inlet, such that a state of fluid pressure equilibrium of the first fluid is established.