A method for providing quantitative information for targets and a device using the same according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided. A quantitative information providing method for targets according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes flowing a plurality of microdroplets into a chamber or a channel including a detection region acquiring a single layer of microdroplets in which the plurality of microdroplets is present as a single layer, and providing quantitative data of targets based on the single layer image of the microdroplets, and the detection region has a height which is one time to about two times of a diameter of the plurality of microdroplets and is defined as a region in which the plurality of microdroplets is dispersed in a plurality of columns to fill the detection region.

A detection apparatus having a read head including a plurality of microfluorometers positioned to simultaneously acquire a plurality of the wide-field images in a common plane; and (b) a translation stage configured to move the read head along a substrate that is in the common plane. The substrate can be a flow cell that is included in a cartridge, the cartridge also including a housing for (i) a sample reservoir, (ii) a fluidic line between the sample reservoir and the flow cell; (iii) several reagent reservoirs in fluid communication with the flow cell, (iv) at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the flow cell; and (v) at least one pressure source configured to move liquids from the reservoirs to the flow cell. The detection apparatus and cartridge can be used together or independent of each other.

A new liquid flow cell assembly for light scattering measurements is disclosed which utilized a floating manifold system. The assembly operates with minimal stacked tolerances by aligning the cell to the windows within a manifold and independently aligning the cell to the read head directly. This configuration enables the ability to replace the flow cell or the flow cell/manifold assembly within a light scattering instrument without the need to realign the flow through elements with the light scattering illumination source while still maintaining reproducible, quality data. Some embodiments employ wide bore cells which enable the measurement of process analytic technology (PAT) including online monitoring of reactions.

A sample cell apparatus for use in spectroscopic determination of an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a first plate member and a second plate member made from an optically clear material. A channel extending into a surface of the first plate member and an opposing surface of the second plate member houses a floating seal, which surrounds a fluid sample chamber. The fluid chamber is closed to define a repeatable optical path-length therethrough by urging the first plate member against the second plate member without compressing the floating seal between the first plate member and the second plate member. The seal channel is vented to prevent fluid pressure from flexing the first plate member or the second plate member. An actuator having an extended foot portion extends over the fluid chamber to help prevent flexing of the first plate member or the second plate member.

Multi-directional microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a chamber having a separation medium, a first binding medium, and a second binding medium. In addition, the devices include a flow field element configured to subject the chamber to two or more directionally distinct flow fields. Methods of using the devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices are also provided. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic, research and validation assays.

A fluid delivery method for delivering a liquid sample to a flow cell including a taper section including a first and a second inner walls opposing the first inner wall, which is inclined to the second inner wall so that a distance between the first and the second inner walls at a downstream side of the taper section is shorter than a distance at an upstream side of the taper section, and including measurement flow path provided downstream of the taper section, through which a liquid sample flows together with a sheath fluid. The fluid delivery method includes sample introduction of delivering the liquid sample into the taper section along the second inner wall until the liquid sample reaches the measurement flow path, and sample pressing by delivering the sheath fluid into the taper section along the first inner wall after the liquid sample reaches the measurement flow path.

The invention provides an apparatus and methods for label-free, chemical specific detection in flow for high throughput characterization of analytes in applications such as flow injection analysis, electrophoresis, and chromatography. A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) flow detector capable of ultrasensitive optical detection on the millisecond time scale has been developed. The device employs hydrodynamic focusing to improve SERS detection in a flow channel where a sheath flow confines analyte molecules eluted from a capillary over a planar SERS-active substrate. Increased analyte interactions with the SERS substrate significantly improve detection sensitivity. Raman experiments at different sheath flow rates showed increased sensitivity compared with the modeling predictions, indicating increased adsorption. At low analyte concentrations, rapid analyte desorption is observed, enabling repeated and high-throughput SERS detection. The flow detector offers substantial advantages over conventional SERS-based assays such as minimal sample volumes and high detection efficiency.

A sample cell apparatus for use in spectroscopic determination of an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a first plate member made from an optically clear material and a second plate member made from an optically clear material and opposing the first plate member. A channel extending into a surface of the first plate member and an opposing surface of the second plate member houses a floating seal. The floating seal surrounds a fluid chamber that retains a sample of body fluid for optical measurement. The fluid chamber may be opened for flushing by separating the first plate member from the second plate member. During measurements the fluid chamber is closed to define a repeatable optical path-length therethrough by urging the first plate member against the second plate member without compressing the floating seal between the first plate member and the second plate member.

A measurement apparatus according to the present disclosure is a measurement apparatus capable of measuring particles in a fluid and comprises: a flow path device including a first flow path with translucency through which a first fluid including the particles passes and a second flow path with translucency through which a second fluid which does not include the particles passes; an optical sensor facing the flow path device, irradiating each of the first flow path and the second flow path with light, and receiving light passing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path; and a controller measuring the particles by comparing an intensity of light passing through the first flow path and an intensity of light passing through the second flow path, each of which is obtained by the optical sensor.

There is provided a terahertz wave measuring device including (1) a terahertz wave generation element that generates a terahertz wave by difference frequency generation based on excitation light that is incident to the terahertz wave generation element, the excitation light including a plurality of different wavelength components and being condensed so as to have a beam diameter of a predetermined size, (2) a structural body through which the terahertz wave is transmitted; and (3) a detector that detects an intensity of the terahertz wave that has been transmitted through the structural body, wherein the structural body includes a sample holder of a predetermined width that holds a sample, and the structural body is in close contact with or is joined to the terahertz wave generation element.