An analytical system and method for detecting volatile organic chemicals in water including a coated SAW detector that provides for improved reduction of moisture at the coating of the SAW detector. A stabilized SAW sensitivity and long lasting calibration is achieved. The analytical system further includes an improved sample vessel and sparger that allow for easy grab sample analysis, while also providing efficient purging of the volatile organic compounds from the water sample. In addition, an improved preconcentrator provides a stabilized sorbent bed.

Compositions and methods for the isolation of protein-nucleic acid complexes and microvesicles (collectively referred to as “bioparticles”) released by mammalian cells into body fluids or cell culture media are provided. Isolated bioparticles of the invention contain biological molecules that are useful as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers or for identification of therapeutic targets (e.g., disease or disorder-associated miRNAs). The isolation of biological molecules as described herein results in purification and concentration of the molecules. Methods for producing bio fluids that are free of detectable bioparticles, that are largely depleted of bioparticles, or that possess a reduced concentration of bioparticles compared to a bio fluid starting material (collectively termed “bioparticle-depleted”) are also provided. Isolation of bioparticle-depleted biofluid is useful, e.g., in experimental systems where it is desirable to use a biofluid that does not contain endogenous bioparticles, or has been substantially depleted of endogenous bioparticles, from the source material.

The present invention provides a technique for reducing contamination with impurities in a system of operating an extracellular vesicle. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of washing an extracellular vesicle and the like. The method includes washing the extracellular vesicle with a nonionic surfactant that is a chain compound containing a structure represented by —O—(—CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2—O—).sub.x—H, wherein x is a value defined in the description.

A method for extracting a mycotoxin, when present, from a sample. Compositions and methods include the use of high ionic strength compositions including compositions that include many amine and/or carboxyl groups such as protein based, amino acid based and polyethylene glycol based composition.

A method for analyzing the structure of an insoluble pigment compound is disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprise determining a molecular weight of the pigment compound, the insoluble pigment compound by ultrasonic treatment in a solvent to form partial structural compounds, analyzing the elemental composition and the structure of partial structural compounds by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, respectively and determining the structure of the insoluble pigment compound from the analysis of the partial structural compounds and the molecular weight of the insoluble pigment compound. In some embodiments, a method comprises determining molecular weight of the pigment compound using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, selecting a parent mass, fragmenting the parent mass and determining the molecular weight of each fragment, and determining the structure of the insoluble pigment compound from the molecular weight of the insoluble pigment compound and that of the fragments.

A crude oil displacement method includes partially filling a vessel with treatment fluid and positioning an oil-saturated sample within the treatment fluid. The method also includes adding a solvent system to the vessel above the treatment fluid. In addition, the method includes moving oil from the oil-saturated sample into the solvent system. The method also includes measuring one or more of R, G, B, L, a, b, L, C, H, H, S, B, reflectance, transmittance and wavelength of the displaced oil using a color device. In addition, the method includes determining the amount of displaced oil using the one or more of R, G, B, L, a, b, L, C, H, H, S, B, reflectance, transmittance and wavelength of the displaced oil.

Biological specimen recovery materials include cellulose acetate nanofibers that are capable of dissolution upon contact with a liquid comprising a dissolution effective amount (e.g., between about 1 to about 10M) guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC). Kits containing the materials (e.g., in the form of a swab, filtration media or surface wipe) and a dissolution liquid containing the dissolution effective amount of guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) are also provided.

Methods for identifying carbon derived from natural sources in a confectionary product are presented. Methods include separating, extracting and carbon dating components of a confectionary product, e.g., chewing gum or chewing gum base.

A device for collecting particles present in a gas or gas mixture, including a component, a collection zone disposed on the component, on which said particles are deposited, collection device configured to force said particles to be deposited against the collection zone, a fluidic elution circuit arranged in said component to elute the particles present in the collection zone.

The extraction system according to the invention for extracting analytes from a sample comprises an extraction cell for receiving the sample, which has at least one first fluid connector for the supply or discharge of a fluid, and a clamping device for clamping the extraction cell, and a fluid connection device for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one first fluid connector of the extraction cell,
wherein an extraction cell holder is provided for receiving the extraction cell, and the clamping device has a guiding and positioning arrangement for linearly inserting the extraction cell holder, together with the extraction cell, in order to position the extraction cell in an insertion position.