Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal (e.g., polyester film having an extremely thin, e.g., about one hundred Angstroms layer of aluminum) and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. The indicator retains its opacity and metallic luster, e.g., silvery white, mirror like finish of aluminum layer for a long time. The activator destroys the indicator layer including the naturally formed oxide layer. The indicator layer does not have a matrix/binder. As the device becomes transparent from being highly opaque, any color, message or image printed under it become visible at a pre-determined time, thus making the device self reading. A sealing tape or large label made from an activator and an indicator can be used for sealing boxes and monitoring self-life of perishables inside it. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator. The process can also be used for making patterns, printing plates, electronic circuits and RFIDs (radio frequency identification devices).

An apparatus, system and method for a time temperature indicator (TTI) which is capable of providing a summary of the time and temperature history of a good to which it is coupled, optionally including with regard to providing an indication as to whether one or more temperature thresholds have been breached. According to other embodiments, the TTI specifically provides an indication as to whether a temperature threshold at or around the freeze point has been breached, optionally even without providing a time and temperature history.

A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

The present invention relates to a biosensor for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of at least one biological agent, comprising a support on which a barcode is disposed, at least one area of which is functionalised by at least one aptamer capable of selectively immobilising said biological agent, said aptamer per se being directly or indirectly bonded to a pigment molecule capable either of producing colour, or of changing colour following the immobilisation of the biological agent by said aptamer.

Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

A visually sensible indicator of temperature including electronic temperature sensing circuitry sensing at least when a temperature exceeds at least one predetermined temperature threshold and providing at least one corresponding threshold exceedance output which is sensible as heat and a heat-responsive visually sensible display which is responsive to the at least one threshold exceedance output for providing at least one visually sensible indication indicating that the temperature has exceeded the predetermined temperature threshold.

A purpose of the present invention is to provide a temperature history indicator that allows for visual confirmation of whether the temperature is at or below a prescribed temperature as well as simple conversion of this information into data. A temperature history indicator according to the present invention is characterized by being provided with a label layer and a temperature-indicating layer laminated above or below the label layer, wherein the temperature-indicating layer includes a substance having at crystallization starting temperature of 10° C. or lower and a melting point at least 20° C. higher than the crystallization starting temperature.

A time temperature indicator for measuring elapsed time after reaching a threshold temperature includes a reservoir containing an indicator fluid that may be solid below the threshold temperature and that liquefies above the threshold temperature. Activation enables a flow of liquid from the reservoir to reach a migration medium so that when the temperature of the indicator exceeds the threshold temperature after activation liquid migrates through the migration medium producing a colour change therein. A narrow passage is foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof so as to form a barrier to liquid migration when the passage is folded while permitting liquid migration through the passage when the passage is unfolded. A micro-fluid valve may be likewise constructed for regulating a flow of liquid between an inlet and an outlet coupled by a narrow passage foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof.

A thermal history detection label for detecting a thermal history over a temperature range to be monitored while suppressing an increase in label size is provided. The thermal history detection label is configured to detect a thermal history by the permeation of a molten permeating material into a permeation body, and the thermal history detection label includes a permeating material that integrally includes a first permeating material having a first melting point and a second permeating material having a second melting point higher than the first melting point, and a permeation body into which the permeating material permeates.

An apparatus, system and method for a time temperature indicator (TTI) which is capable of providing a summary of the time and temperature history of a good to which it is coupled, optionally including with regard to providing an indication as to whether one or more temperature thresholds have been breached. According to other embodiments, the TTI specifically provides an indication as to whether a temperature threshold at or around the freeze point has been breached, optionally even without providing a time and temperature history.