The present invention provides an assay for detection of oxidized glutathione (GSSG).

This disclosure relates to luciferin amides of formula (I) shown below: ##STR00001##
Each variable in formula (I) is defined in the specification. These compounds can be used to detect fatty acid amide hydrolase activities in vitro, in live cells, or in vivo.

Apparatus for real-time in vivo bioluminescence monitoring in a conscious small animal, comprising a light-tight enclosure (4) with a base (16), side wall (19) and cover (20) configured for housing the small animal such that it may move freely, a bioluminescence detector system (6) comprising a light detector (22) for detecting the light emitted by said small animal connected to a data processing system, and a life-sustaining system (8) configured for maintaining the small animal alive for a prolonged period of time spanning from a few days to a few weeks.

A system and process may be used to test water samples to measure ATP and/or estimate a microbial population, for example using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based assay. The system includes a device that is use in combination with single-use or disposable cartridges. The cartridge receives the water sample and is pre-loaded with one or more reagents. The device receives the cartridge and contains physical, electronic and/or mechatronic devices that interact with cartridge. One or more actions such as metering, mixing and conveying are performed automatically by elements of the device and/or cartridge. A sensor in the device measures light produced in the cartridge from a reaction with ATP in the water sample. Optionally, the cartridge also contains a pre-loaded amount of ATP, which is used to provide an internal reference or calibration measurement.

In order to provide a biological sample analysis apparatus capable of preventing a container storing a sample from being charged and of measuring only a luminescence intensity of light emitted from the sample accurately, a biological sample analysis apparatus for rapid microbiological test analyzes light generated from a biological origin substance contained in a sample, and includes a holder that holds a plurality of containers storing the sample, a photodetector fixed at a predetermined position, a holder drive mechanism that drives the holder and sequentially positions each of the containers held by the holder at a detection position detected by the photodetector, and a neutralizer that neutralizes the containers held by the holder.

A surface bio-contamination assay kit (1) comprising a disposable swab cartridge (2) comprising a swab (29); a sampler (3) designed to removably receive the cartridge (2) and to wipe the cartridge swab (29) on a surface to be collect a sampled, along a predetermined sampling path (4) designed to cover a predetermined surface area; and a bio-contamination meter (5) designed to removably receive the cartridge (2) after sampling and to measure bio-contamination of the collected sample on the cartridge (2).

A method for detecting the presence of skatole in a sample of pig adipose tissue, wherein the method comprises at least the steps of: a) subjecting an organic extract of the adipose tissue sample to an electrochemiluminescence reaction; b) measuring the luminescence intensity during step a) and, if the measured luminescence intensity exceeds a threshold value, deducing the presence of skatole in the sample of adipose tissue. The method also makes it possible, if skatole is present in the organic extract, to determine the content thereof.

The present invention shortens measurement time of a sample and improves measurement accuracy. The present invention is a biological sample analysis device that stores a sample containing a biological substance and a luminescent reagent in a container, detects luminescence generated by reacting the sample and the luminescent reagent, and analyzes the biological substance, the present invention including a photodetector that detects the luminescence and outputs a light intensity signal, and a calculator that subtracts the light intensity signal obtained before the sample and the luminescent reagent react from the light intensity signal obtained after the sample and the luminescent reagent react to remove light stored in the container, and calculates a value related to an amount of the biological substance.

A cell detection device that detects a cell in a specimen with high sensitivity and includes a sealed container having a sealable specimen introduction portion, a culture portion that holds a culture solution, an extraction reagent portion that holds an extraction reagent, and a luminescent reagent portion that holds a luminescent reagent, a contact mechanism that controls contact between the culture solution, the extraction reagent, and the luminescent reagent, a photodetector that detects luminescence from the luminescent reagent portion, and a calculator that determines growth of a cell based on a detection signal of the photodetector. The culture solution, the extraction reagent, and the luminescent reagent are separately disposed in the sealed container, and the contact mechanism brings the culture solution to which a specimen is added and the extraction reagent into contact to obtain an extraction solution, and intermittently brings the extraction solution and the luminescent reagent into contact.

A sensing unit is disclosed. The sensing unit includes: a first compartment which includes a first group of polymer beads carrying genetically engineered cells configured to produce a reporter when exposed to a target material; and a first detector configured to detect the reporter; and a second compartment having: a second group of the polymer beads carrying the genetically engineered cells configured to produce the reporter when exposed to the target material; and a second detector configured to detect the reporter. The second compartment is impenetrable to the target material and the first compartment is penetrable to the target material.