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We report the construction and characterization of a new compact surface plasmon resonance imaging instrument. Surface plasmon resonance imaging is a versatile technique for detection, quantification, and visualization of bio-molecular binding events which have spatial structure. The imager uses a folded light path, wide-field optics and a tilted detector to implement a high performance optical system in a volume 7″×4″×2″. A bright diode light source and an image detector with fast frame rate and integrated digital signal processor enable real-time averaging of multiple images for improved signal-to-noise ratio. Operating angle of the imager is adjusted by linear translation of the light source. Imager performance is illustrated using resolution test targets, refractive index test solutions, and competition assays for the anti-epileptic drug phenytoin. Microfluidic flowcells are used to enable simultaneous assay of three sample streams. Noise level of refractive index measurements was found to decrease proportional to the square root of the number of pixels averaged, reaching approximately 5 × 10 −7 refractive index units root-mean-square for 160×120 pixel image regions imaged for one second. The simple, compact construction and high performance of the imager will allow the device to be readily applied to a wide range of applications.

Saliva is an underused fluid with considerable promise for biomedical testing. Its potential is particularly great for monitoring small-molecule analytes since these are often present in saliva at concentrations that correlate well with their free levels in blood. We describe the development of a prototype diagnostic device for the rapid detection of the antiepileptic drug (AED) phenytoin in saliva. The multicomponent system includes a hand-portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging instrument and a disposable microfluidic assay card.

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Mediaprocessors, such as Philips Trimedia and Hitachi/Equator Technologies MAP, combine the computational power of high-end DSPs with various 110 capabilities in a single programmable chip [1][2][3]. Due to their programmability, mediaprocessors have greater flexibility than ASICs and other special-purpose hardware. Early mediaprocessors, such as Texas Instruments TMS32OC8O (MVP) since its introduction in 1994 [4], have had limited success due to their difficulty in programming, insufficient computational power, and high cost. Fortunately, several newer mediaprocessors, which are available or under development, are easier to program, are less expensive, and/or have more computational power. However, due to the earlier difficulties and inherent uncertainties in the programmable solutions, mediaprocessor user companies (set makers) are often hesitant in adopting the mediaprocessors in their products. Furthermore, set makers still need to expend a lot of time and manpower in making a successful transition from hardwired to mediaprocessor-based products. Therefore, we introduce the Mediaprocessor (MP) Consortium, which aims to remove the barrier to the widespread use of programmable mediaprocessors. Through publications, web site, training courses, software libraries, and objective evaluations of mediaprocessors, the MP Consortium can increase the awareness of the benefits of mediaprocessors over ASICs, make the transition to mediaprocessor-based products easier for set makers, and help them attain full advantage of using mediaprocessors.