Methods for making nanocomposites are provided. In an embodiment, such a method comprises combining a first type of nanostructure with a bulk material in water or an aqueous solution, the first type of nanostructure functionalized with a functional group capable of undergoing van der Waals interactions with the bulk material, whereby the first type of nanostructure induces exfoliation of the bulk material to provide a second, different type of nanostructure while inducing association between the first and second types of nanostructures to form the nanocomposite.

A digital assay for a micro RNA (miRNA) or other target analyte in a sample makes use of nanoparticles that absorb light at the resonant wavelength of a photonic crystal (PC). Such nanoparticles locally quench the resonant reflection of light from the PC when present on the surface of the PC. The nanoparticles are functionalized to specifically bind to the target analyte, and the PC surface is functionalized to specifically bind to the nanoparticles that have bound to the target analyte. The sample is exposed to the functionalized nanoparticles, and the individual nanoparticles bound to the PC surface can be identified and counted based on reduced intensity values in the reflected light from the PC. The number of bound nanoparticles that are counted in this way can be correlated to the abundance of the target analyte in the sample.

Provided is a nanoplasmonic sensor and a kit for biomolecule analysis, and a method of analyzing a biomolecule using the same. The method includes: providing the nanoplasmonic sensor including a dielectric grating extending in one direction, and a metal structure disposed to cover an upper surface and a side surface of the dielectric grating and have at least one bent portion; immobilizing a first probe molecule on a surface of the metal structure; hybridizing an analyte with the first probe molecule by introducing the analyte having a base sequence complementary to the first probe molecule; binding a second probe molecule that is hybridized with the first probe molecule to the analyte; binding an enzyme to the second probe molecule; introducing a substrate that reacts with the enzyme to produce a precipitate by an enzymatic reaction; and measuring localized surface plasmon resonance in the metal structure.

Provided is a fluid analysis apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The fluid analysis apparatus include an actuator provided on a part of the fluid analysis apparatus, a mounting portion on which a fluid accommodating cartridge is mounted thereon, the fluid accommodating cartridge provided with a well in which a fluid sample is accommodated, a measurement portion configured to transmit light to the fluid accommodating cartridge and detect an optical signal from the light passed through the fluid accommodating cartridge, and a controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the optical signal detected by the measurement portion such that the light transmitted from the measurement portion passes through a central portion of the well to perform an accurate inspection on the fluid sample.

Provided is a fluid analysis apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The fluid analysis apparatus include an actuator provided on a part of the fluid analysis apparatus, a mounting portion on which a fluid accommodating cartridge is mounted thereon, the fluid accommodating cartridge provided with a well in which a fluid sample is accommodated, a measurement portion configured to transmit light to the fluid accommodating cartridge and detect an optical signal from the light passed through the fluid accommodating cartridge, and a controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the optical signal detected by the measurement portion such that the light transmitted from the measurement portion passes through a central portion of the well to perform an accurate inspection on the fluid sample.

An embodiment provides a method for measuring total chlorine in a solution, including: preparing a thiocarbamate indicator; introducing the thiocarbamate indicator to a solution, wherein the solution contains an amount of monochloramine; adding an additive to the solution, wherein the additive accelerates the reaction rate between the thiocarbamate indicator and monochloramine and causes a change in fluorescence of the solution; and measuring the amount of monochloramine in the solution by measuring an intensity of the fluorescence. Other aspects are described and claimed.

An embodiment provides a method for measuring total chlorine in a solution, including: preparing a thiocarbamate indicator; introducing the thiocarbamate indicator to a solution, wherein the solution contains an amount of monochloramine; adding an additive to the solution, wherein the additive accelerates the reaction rate between the thiocarbamate indicator and monochloramine and causes a change in fluorescence of the solution; and measuring the amount of monochloramine in the solution by measuring an intensity of the fluorescence. Other aspects are described and claimed.

The present invention relates to sensors for detecting the presence or measuring the concentration of a target analyte, the sensor comprising: (i) a first phase comprising a first crosslinked polymer; (ii) a second phase comprising a second crosslinked polymer; and (ill) a target analyte recognition agent; the first phase and second phase arranged to form an optical grating. The first crosslinked polymer comprises low amounts of a crosslinking agent. The present invention also relates to methods of making a sensor for detecting the presence or measuring the concentration of a target analyte.

Contamination detection systems, kits, and techniques are described for testing surfaces for the presence of hazardous contaminants, while minimizing user exposure to these contaminants. Even trace amounts of contaminants can be detected. A collection kit provides a swab that is simple to use, easy to hold and grip, allows the user to swab large areas of a surface, and keeps the user's hands away from the surface being tested. The kit also provides open and closed fluid transfer mechanism to transfer the collected fluid to a detection device while minimizing user exposure to hazardous contaminants in the collected fluid. Contamination detection kits can rapidly collect and detect hazardous drugs, including trace amounts of antineoplastic agents, in healthcare settings at the site of contamination.

Contamination detection systems, kits, and techniques are described for testing surfaces for the presence of hazardous contaminants, while minimizing user exposure to these contaminants. Even trace amounts of contaminants can be detected. A collection kit provides a swab that is simple to use, easy to hold and grip, allows the user to swab large areas of a surface, and keeps the user's hands away from the surface being tested. The kit also provides open and closed fluid transfer mechanism to transfer the collected fluid to a detection device while minimizing user exposure to hazardous contaminants in the collected fluid. Contamination detection kits can rapidly collect and detect hazardous drugs, including trace amounts of antineoplastic agents, in healthcare settings at the site of contamination.