WO2018232469A1

WO2018232469A1 - A method, device and system for facilitating image capture of test strips/materials/components

Info

Publication number: WO2018232469A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandra AST; John Canning
Original assignee: Australian Sensing And Identification Systems Pty. Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-24
Filing date: 2018-06-22
Publication date: 2018-12-27

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hand-held device for facilitating image capture of a chromatography testing component 5 for identification of unknown substances. The device comprising a hand-held support structure arranged to receive the chromatography testing component. The support structure comprises a device holder arranged to receive an image capturing device in a position for capturing an image of the 10 chromatography testing component received by the support structure. The device further comprises a light emitter secured by, and positioned relative to, the support structure so as to be capable of illuminating the chromatography testing component received by the support structure while the image capturing 15 device captures an image of the chromatography testing component.

Description

A METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING IMAGE CAPTURE OF TEST STRIPS/MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hand-held device for facilitating image capture of testing components, such as a chromatography testing component, for identification of unknown substances, and a related system and method. The present disclosure also relates to a device for facilitating image capture of fluorescent test strips or materials, or a

combination thereof, and a related system and method.

Background

Fluorescence spectroscopy is an analytical technique that can be utilised to identify or detect the presence of substances contained in a sample by analysing fluorescence,

thermoluminescence, or phosphorescence or other emission radiation emitted from the sample.

An example of a particular kind of fluorescent spectroscopy technique involves using silica-coated plates such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in chemistry laboratories to identify or confirm the presence of a chemical compound. There are two main TLC methods: one requires strong chemicals such as acids to visualise different compounds on a TLC strip or plate in a differentiating manner, for example by colour; the other involves use of fluorescent TLC strips or plates and visualises the compounds by a quenching of the fluorescent dye under ultraviolet (UV) light, thus producing "dark spots". In the latter technique, the majority of chemicals can be visible under UV light on the TLC strips or plates via fluorescence quenching (i.e. "dark spots"), and differentiated based on the distance of the respective "dark spots" from a reference point. A major downside of the conventional technology is the risk of excessive exposure to UV light during the operation since very often the UV lamp is used without any kind of protective shielding. UV cabinets are available but the use of UV cabinets cannot fully remove the risk of excessive exposure by UV light during the operation since the TLC strips or plates need to be put into the cabinet by hand.

Another example of the utilisation of fluorescence spectroscopy currently being explored is the change in detection method from absorption-based test strips to fluorescence analysis. For instance, instead of using conventional test strips, which are based on visual readouts such as red lines originating from gold nanoparticles used as labels of the analyte specific antibodies, fluorescence radiation emitted from the samples is measured. It is thought that utilisation of fluorescence or phosphorescence spectroscopy in test strip analysis potentially offers the advantage of 10-100 times higher sensitivity.

Other methods exist that can enhance fluorescence. These can include surface plasmon assisted excitation and emission.

Much current technology relies on benchtop laboratory equipment to characterise samples, specimens and related media from, but not limited to, such sectors such as industrial, defence, chemical, space, agricultural, medical, environmental and forensic .

It is to be understood that any background art described above such reference does not constitute an admission that such background art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

It would be useful to provide means to facilitate on-the-spot detection and/or identification of substances, or means for collection of data for future detection and/or identification of substances, via fluorescence or phosphorescence spectroscopy, at locations other than chemistry laboratories.

It would also be useful for such technologies to be compatible with internet-of-things, industry 4.0 and telecommunication networks in the various formats described.

In addition, it would be useful for such technologies to be networked with each other and other capabilities both or separately in the field and in the laboratory with internet-of- things, industry 4.0 and telecommunication networks in the various formats described in the literature and elsewhere.

Accordingly, there is disclosed a method of facilitating identification of an unknown substance, the method comprising: applying the unknown substance to thin-layer

chromatography (TLC) material in order to determine a property of the unknown substance, wherein the property is indicative of an identity of the substance, and wherein a measure of the property is visible when the TLC material with the applied substance is illuminated using suitable electromagnetic radiation ;

illuminating the TLC material with the applied substance with the suitable electromagnetic radiation;

capturing an image of the illuminated TLC material with the applied substance using a portable image capturing device and storing and/or transmitting information representative of the captured image in a digital format.

The or another property of the unknown substance may also be indicative of a concentration of the substance.

The portable image capturing device may be a smart device.

Throughout this specification the term "smart device" is used for any electronic device that can connect to other devices via a network. Connection may be established via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any other means. Examples of smart devices include, but are not limited to, handheld devices and devices that have a touch screen, such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, smart belts and smart clothing.

The portable image capturing device may be capable of

transmitting and/or receiving data wirelessly, wherein the method comprises transmitting the captured image wirelessly to another device.

The method may comprise transmitting the captured image wirelessly by light to another device.

Transmitting the captured image wirelessly may comprise a metho using LiFi.

The electromagnetic radiation may be UV light or any other part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a hand-held device for facilitating image capture of a chromatography testing component, for identification of unknown substances, th device comprising:

a hand-held support structure arranged to receive the chromatography testing component, the support structure comprising a device holder arranged to receive an image capturing device in a position for capturing an image of the chromatography testing component received by the support structure ;

a light emitter secured by and positioned relative to the support structure so as to be capable of illuminating the chromatography testing component received by the support structure while the image capturing device captures an image of the chromatography testing component.

The image capturing device may be, or may be a component of, a hand-held smart device.

The hand-held device may further comprise the image capturing device, wherein the image capturing device comprises a camera secured to the hand-held device.

The hand-held device may further comprise a wireless transmitter in communication with the camera. The wireless transmitter may be capable of transmitting data representative of images captured by the camera to a further device. The wireless transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit data according to any suitable means, such as but not limited to Bluetooth®, Wifi, LiFi, and optical transmissions means.

In addition to the wireless transmitter, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may include:

• The combined use of wireless transmission means with GPS or other satellite-based communications.

• The combined use of wireless transmission means with LED emitting light communications for either or both of data transfer and internet connectivity.

• Use of signal booster amplifiers for operation in signal restricted areas, such as but not limited to mineshafts. These may include, but are not limited to, optical communication boosters through free space, optical fibre, or short-wave base station mini modules placed

strategically along a path.

• The combined use of wireless transmission means with

optical fibre, free space and signal communications to extend and stabilise connectivity between multiple devices and between internet and location under test.

• The use of encrypted data transmission for any format.

This encryption may be classical or quantum.

• The use of portable power packs. These may be implemented on, but are not limited to, solar clothing, backpacks, shoes, bikes, transport vehicles and so on.

• The use of portable supplementary communications boosters for remote operation and connectivity.

The chromatography testing component may comprise a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) material in the form of a sheet of material, a strip or a plate. The chromatography component may comprise a lateral flow test strip, which may include a test strip casing.

Alternatively, the chromatography testing component may have a tubular form or any other shape. For example, the chromatography testing component may comprise a tube or other container.

The light emitter may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) . Alternatively, the light emitter may comprise a laser, optical sheet, or other lights source than a traditional lamp.

The support structure may have:

an overall length of between approximately 10cm and 20cm, or between approximately 8cm and 16cm, or between approximately 10cm and 15cm; and/or

an overall width of between approximately 5cm and 10cm, or between approximately 6cm and 8cm; and/or

an overall depth of between approximately 2cm and 10cm, or between approximately 3cm and 5cm.

The hand-held device and/or the image capturing device may be capable of being charged by a portable charging device. This charging device may be configured to charge via any suitable means, such as but not limited to wireless, solar, piezo or laser .

The light emitter may emit ultra-violet (UV) light and/or visible light and/or near IR light and/or light from any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The device may comprise a carrier insert arranged to receive the chromatography testing component, the support structure configured to receive the carrier insert in a predefined position in order to receive the chromatography testing component .

The support structure may comprise an insert holder into which the carrier insert can be inserted.

The device holder may have a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the image capturing device is capable of being supported on the first side of the device holder and the insert holder is located on the second side of the device holder.

The support structure may comprise a light emitter mounting that mounts the light emitter in a position so as to direct light towards the chromatography testing component when received by the support structure. In some embodiments, the light emitter mounting may be configured to mount a plurality of light emitters .

The light emitter mounting may be positioned in opposing relationship with the insert holder on the second side of the device holder.

The device may further comprise a reflector positioned along a path between the insert holder and the device holder, the reflector arranged to reflect an image of the chromatography testing component towards the image capturing device held by the device holder.

The device may comprise a housing. The housing may be arranged to receive the support structure such that the chromatography testing component is capable of being illuminated by the light emitter and imaged by the image capturing device substantially in the absence of external light. Alternatively, the support structure may comprise a housing, wherein the housing houses the light emitter and the

chromatography testing component received in the support structure, such that the chromatography testing component is capable of being illuminated by the light emitter and imaged by the image capturing device, substantially in the absence of external light.

The UV light emitter may comprise a light source capable of emitting light having a wavelength range of 230nm - 400nm, preferably 230nm - 365nm, or a specific range within this window or any other electromagnetic window.

The device may be a hand-held device. Further, the device may be a drone device and may be a strap-on device. The device may also be in a belt format or may be provided in any suitable other form.

The chromatography testing component may comprise

thermoluminescent, fluorescent, phosphorescent, or any other emission material.

It will be appreciated that the hand-held device may also be used to facilitate image capture of test components other than chromatography testing components. For example, the insert holder of the hand-held device may be configured to receive chromatography testing components and test strips, such as a lateral flow test strip. In addition, the hand-held device may further be configured to receive different types of

chromatography testing components, such as tubes and TLC materials. Thus, also disclosed herein is a kit comprising a hand-held device as described above, and a plurality of different types of testing components, such as but not limited to TLC materials, chromatography testing tubes, and other test strips, which may be used interchangeably depending on the particular application.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system for facilitating the identification of unknown substances, the system comprising:

the device according to the first aspect; and

a smart device comprising an image capturing device;

the system further comprising a data storage for storing images captured by the image capturing device.

The image capturing device may be an image capturing device of an electronic device, quantum device, photonic device, a smartphone, or a combination thereof.

The electronic, quantum, or photonic device may be a smart device of any kind.

The electronic, quantum, or photonic device, may be a smart technology of any kind that transmits and/or receives data into and from a transmission system of any kind.

The electronic, quantum, or photonic device may be a smart technology of any kind that transmits and/or receives data into and from any internet of things (IoT) network or industry 4.0 network or combinations thereof.

The electronic, quantum, or photonic device may further comprise an image processor configured to execute program instructions installed in the smart device.

The image processor may be arranged to analyse an image of the chromatography testing component captured by the smart device to determine a value indicative of a retention factor of a substance placed on the chromatography testing component.

The image processor may be arranged to compare the value indicative of the retention factor with a database of reference values in order to identify the substance placed on the chromatography testing component. The database of reference values may comprise reference values from test data determined under substantially the same conditions as a current test.

The system may further comprise the chromatography testing component. The chromatography testing component may comprise indicium on a surface of the chromatography testing component to assist in determining the retention factor of the unknown substance .

Embodiments of the disclosed device and system provide the advantage of facilitating the capture and storage of a pluralit of images of chromatography testing components, preferably in a digital format, for record keeping and/or further analysis. Moreover, the device may be provided in an ergonomic, portable format that is easy to handle and convenient to use with a conventional smartphone. Embodiments of the device and system can thus facilitate testing of unknown substances in many place away from the laboratory, such as but not limited to airports, hospitals, farms, restaurants, and the sea, to record raw data (e.g. digital images) from chromatography testing of unknown substances. The digital images can be subjected to immediate or future analysis to identify the unknown substance.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of identifying an unknown substance using chromatography testing component, the method comprising:

providing the hand-held device of the first aspect;

applying a sample of the unknown substance to the

chromatography testing component;

exposing the chromatography testing component to a solvent such that as the solvent moves along the chromatography testing component, at least a portion of the unknown substance is carried along the chromatography testing component as a result of the movement;

positioning the chromatography testing component at a predefined location within the support structure of the handheld;

positioning the image capturing device at the device holder;

capturing an image of the chromatography testing component using the image capturing device while illuminating the chromatography testing component with light from the light emitter ;

determining, using the captured image, a retention factor of the unknown substance based on the portion of the unknown substance carried by the solvent and a distance travelled by the solvent; and

identifying the unknown substance based on the determined retention factor.

The light may be ultra-violet (UV) light and/or visible light and/or near IR light and/or light from any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Beam-directing optics and/or waveguides may be used to optimise and collect excitation light, and direct it towards the chromatography testing component, so as to reduce an amount of source power required. The step of identifying the unknown substance based on the retention factor may comprise comparing the determined retention factor with a database of reference values, wherein each reference value represents a retention factor of a known substance.

The method may further comprise determining or estimating a concentration of the identified unknown substance by:

measuring an intensity of an image of the portion of the unknown substance; and

comparing the measured intensity with a database of intensity values for the identified unknown substance, wherein each intensity value is associated with a concentration value.

Alternatively, the method may comprise determining or estimatinc a concentration of the identified unknown substance, by:

creating a database of calibration equations at particular measurement conditions for particular known substances;

selecting a calibration equation corresponding to current testing conditions; and,

inputting a measured pixel intensity value into the selected equation and solving the equation for the unknown concentration .

In some embodiments, the concentration of the unknown substance may be determined or estimated by determining calibration equations at particular measurement conditions and implementing the equations into a software application. The measurement conditions may for example include: camera exposure time, camera slit width, the volume of the chemical applied, and the chemical solvent used. The concentration of a unknown substance may then be determined by measuring a pixel intensity value of the image of the portion of the unknown substance, selecting the

calibration equation that corresponds to current measurement conditions, inputting the measured pixel intensity value into the equation, and solving the equation for the unknown

concentration .

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a device for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent or phosphorescent test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the device comprising:

a support structure having:

a holding mechanism arranged to hold the fluorescent or phosphorescent test strip in a manner that exposes a front and back surface of the at least partially

transparent portion of the test strip; and

a device holder arranged to hold an image capturing device in a position for capturing an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip held in the holding mechanism; and

a light emitter arranged to illuminate the back surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip.

The device holder may comprise a viewing window at which a lens of the image capturing device is positioned when the image capturing device is held by the device holder.

The device holder may comprise a near IR, IR, terahertz frequency viewing window, or a viewing window for

electromagnetic radiation having any other wavelength range, at which a lens of the image capturing device is positioned when the image capturing device is held by the device holder.

Throughout this specification, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, the term "emitter" refers to an element under excitation by any form of energy input (thermal

electromagnetic UV and so on) , or an element under assisted excitation by any form of energy input (thermal electromagnetic UV and so on) . Assistance may arise by heating, acoustic vibrations, impact, surface plasmons, surface waves, quantum coupling or other means.

The holding mechanism may be arranged to hold the test strip between the emitter and the viewing window.

The device may further comprise a reflective surface positioned between the viewing window and the holding mechanism, the reflective surface arranged to reflect an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip held in the holding mechanism towards the viewing window.

The device may further comprise a reflective surface positioned behind the test strip to reflect non-absorbed light back through the test strip.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a system for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or phosphorescent test strip, the system comprising:

the device according to the fifth aspect;

an image capturing device; and

the system further comprising a data storage for storing images captured by the electronic device. The image capturing device and/or data storage device may be a component of an electronic, photonic, or quantum device, or a combination thereof.

The system may comprise a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front window that exposes a first side of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, and a back window that exposes a second side of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially

transparent, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the front window and the back window are aligned with one another.

The system may comprise an attachment module attachable to the image capturing device (such as a smartphone) to enable image capture of electromagnetic radiation at any wavelength, including but not limited to thermal radiation (e.g. near IR or infrared imaging) or terahertz frequency radiation, by the image capturing device.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a system for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent or phosphorescent test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the system comprising:

a support structure having:

a holding mechanism arranged to hold the fluorescent or phosphorescent test strip in a manner that exposes at least a front surface of the at least partially

transparent portion of the test strip;

a light emitter arranged to illuminate the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip.

The system may comprise an image capturing device.

The system may comprise a data storage for storing images captured by the image capturing device.

The system may further comprise a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front window that exposes the front surface of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, and a reflector disposed adjacent a back surface of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, the reflector configured to reflect the excitation electromagnetic waves not absorbed to the sample.

The system may instead comprise a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front and back window designed to act as a resonator to increase interaction between excitation energy and sample under test. This may be an etalon structure or a distributed mirror structure.

The system may further comprise variations of the above, which a person skilled in the art will identify as suitable.

According to an seventh aspect, there is provided a method of facilitating analysis of a fluorescent test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the method comprising:

positioning the test strip such that a back surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip is capable of being exposed to suitable electromagnetic radiation, and an image of a front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip is capable of being captured by an image capturing device, wherein the front surface is opposite the front surface;

illuminating the back surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip with the electromagnetic radiation;

capturing an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip while the back surface is illuminated with the electromagnetic radiation. According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a cartridge for holding a test strip, the cartridge comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the test strip is held between the first and second sides of the cartridge, the first side of the cartridge comprising first window and the second side of the cartridge comprising a second window, wherein the first window and the second window are aligned with each other such that opposite sides of at least a portion of the test strip are exposed .

According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a device for facilitating image capture of a test strip and/or material for identification of unknown substances, the device comprising: a support structure arranged to receive the test strip and/or material, the support structure comprising a device holder arranged to hold an image capturing device in a position to capture an image of the TLC material received by the support structure ;

a first light emitter secured by and positioned relative to the support structure so as to be capable of illuminating a front side of the test strip and/or material received by the support structure; and

a second light emitter secured by and positioned relative to the support structure so as to be capable of illuminating a back side of the test strip and/or material received by the support structure.

Also disclosed is a method, system or device according to any one of the previous aspects, that uses a form of transmission and receiving of data with the internet, cloud or Industry 4.0 by light such as LiFi. This may be but is not limited to a USB add-on placed inside the package. This may be applied to all smart devices and portable instruments .

According to a tenth aspect, the device may exploit the use of solid guide optics to transport light in ways not possible in free space. This may include fibre optics that carry light around corners more robustly than mirrors. It may include combinations of primes to manipulate and bend light to the sample from any direction and/or to the detector from any direction .

Embodiments of the disclosed devices, methods and systems may further relate to or comprise:

• The integration of some or all software features directly onto an integrated chip or other platform with an aim to reduce size. This may include but is not limited to silicon CMOS photonics, lab-on-a-chip, lab-in-a-fibre, and laser inscribed volume glasses.

• The networked capability between hardware devices,

software and the internet.

• A software application to run the analytical aspects of the disclosed system, which also connects the system to the internet or other communication systems.

• A plurality of the devices or systems disclosed herein, connected to each other through the internet and analysing unknown substances with reference to each other to create a diagnostic network. This may be applied to mapping of contamination, disease spread and industrial process monitoring, but is not limited thereto.

• The network of devices and/or systems, including the

disclosed devices and systems, and others.

• The integration of cloud software with the devices and systems disclosed herein.

• The integration of the devices or systems disclosed herein to electronic or photonic archiving to the internet or to a remote computer or drive or system. This archiving may be done with electronic log books or lab books or

archiving software.

Internet-based sharing of data from the devices and/or systems disclosed herein, to other devices.

The use of an automatic measuring system to determine and present TLC parameters and other customer specific requirements .

The use of colour-coding in a software application for a specific customer's requirements.

The use of the logos and colours on an instrument and/or a software application, for example, to protect against copyright breaches.

The use of devices, systems and methods disclosed herein in any field or for any application, such as but not limited to environmental analysis, forensic analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, education purposes, drug testing, industrial analysis, law and order, consumer applications, agricultural applications, marine applications, and extraterrestrial applications.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device and system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support structure of the device and system according to an embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a carrier insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a bottom view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a top view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a front view of a plurality of images of TLC plates under UV light obtained according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of components of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a top view of a system in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a device and system according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is a front view of a cartridge holding a test strip according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a back view of a cartridge holding a test strip according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a device holder according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a body portion of the support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a carrier holder according an embodiment of the present invention.

gure 16 is a top view of a system according to an embodiment the invention.

Figure 17 is a plot of fluorescence intensity verses

concentration of fluorescent dye for a test strip in a front- illumination setup.

Figure 18 is a plot of fluorescence intensity verses

concentration of fluorescent dye for a test strip in a back- illumination setup.

Figure 19 shows a schematic view of TLC material.

Figure 20 shows a schematic view of light emitters in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 21 shows a calibration plot that may be used to quantify an unknown substance applied to TLC material.

Figure 22 shows a schematic diagram of a chromatography testing component in the form of a tube, where a non- fluorescent chromatography gel or other medium is used.

Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of a chromatography testing component in the form of a tube, where a fluorescent

chromatography gel or other medium is used.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a hand-held device and other components in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In general terms, aspects of the invention relate to a method, device and system for facilitating identification of an unknown substance using chromatography techniques, which may involve use of chromatography testing components, such as but not limited to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) material or use of

chromatography tubes or other vessels. Embodiments of the invention may enable the integration of chromatography testing components with smart devices to facilitate, among other things, easy and/or convenient testing and identification of unknown substances at any location.

A method according to an embodiment of the invention may thus involve applying the unknown substance to a chromatography testing component, in this example TLC material, in order to determine a property of the unknown substance. The property is indicative of an identity of the substance, and a measure of the property is visible when the TLC material with the applied substance is illuminated using suitable electromagnetic radiation. Once illuminated, a portable image capturing device such as but not limited to a smartphone may capture an image of the illuminated TLC material. The image capturing device may then store and/or transmit information representative of the image in a digital format, for example, wirelessly to another device for further storage and/or analysis. The wireless transmission may for example be via WiFi, Bluetooth®, sonar, AG, 5G, Zigbee, and/or LiFi.

In further aspects, embodiments of the invention may relate to a method, device and system that facilitate the image capture of fluorescent or phosphorescent material under light to at least assist in identifying unknown substances applied to the material. In the embodiments described below, the light will be UV light, however it will be understood that the light may be from any part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to an embodiment, the fluorescent or phosphorescent material is TLC material. Using embodiments of the device and system disclosed herein, the images of the TLC material can be conveniently obtained and/or stored for immediate or future analysis, locally or remotely. For example, the images may be digital images captured using a smart device having a camera, such as a smartphone. In some embodiments, images of TLC materials may be captured, stored and analysed using image processing software installed on the smart device, or at a remote location, for "on the spot" analysis and identification of substances. For example, data representing the images may be transmitted wirelessly (e.g. via the Internet, cloud or Industry 4.0) by the smart device to a remote location for analysis. The smart device may thus be equipped with wireless transmission capabilities, such as WiFi, Bluetooth®, sonar, AG, 5G, Zigbee, and/or LiFi. A USB add-on provided, which may be applied to all smart device and portable instruments. Alternatively, multiple images of TLC materials may be captured and stored on the smart device for future analysis.

Although fluorescent TLC techniques are well-known, a brief description will be provided for context. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific description provided herein, but embodies all possible variants that may be reasonably constructed by a person skilled in the art, acknowledging that variants may be optimal for different applications in different ways.

The TLC material can be used to identify unknown substances, and in this example is provided in the form of a sheet of material comprising aluminium foil with a layer of adsorbent material, such as but not limited to silica, also called the "stationary phase". The sheet of material may have a length of between 3cm and 8cm, and/or a width of between 1cm and 5cm. For example, the sheet of material may have dimensions of approximately 6.5 x 3.8 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the sheet may be any suitable dimension. The adsorbent material also has a

fluorescent substance that will be excited under UV light.

However, the fluorescence will be quenched in areas where the substances to be identified are applied, thus producing dark spots when exposed to UV light. It will be understood that a reverse scenario, i.e. implementing a non-fluorescent stationary phase and testing fluorescent substances, can also be applied. Further, it will be understood that in other embodiments the chromatography test component may be provided in other forms, such as but not limited to a strip, a glass plate, or a tube.

In order to test an unknown substance using the fluorescent TLC material, a small spot of the unknown material may be deposited on a baseline printed near an end of the TLC material. The end of the TLC material can then be submerged in a solvent, which will absorb across the TLC material and cause the unknown material to separate into components (if it is a mixture) and be entrained by the solvent along the TLC material. The distance (s) that the spot(s) of material, or parts thereof, have moved relate to the chemical nature of the substances, since the distance (s) travelled depends on a level of interaction of the chemicals in the substance with the solvent and/or adsorbent material. As described above, the distance (s) travelled can be visually determined under UV light as they correspond to dark spots (or fluorescence spots in the reverse scenario) .

In specially constructed TLC materials, emission from an otherwise inactive centre can be used in place of a dark spot arising from suppression of fluorescence. For example, an agent may be used to suppress all fluorescence but then re-emit light when an unknown sample to be detected is present, i.e. an inverted form of "normal" TLC, which normally supresses the fluorescence of an unknown substance.

Figures 1 to 5 show a hand-held device 10 for facilitating image capture of TLC material according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hand-held device 10 according to this embodiment comprises a hand-held support structure 12 and at least one UV light emitter 14, in this example, two UV light emitters. The support structure 12 in this example comprises a device holder 16, an insert holder 18 and a light emitter mounting 20. The device holder 16 is arranged to hold an image capturing device, in this example a smartphone 21, in a position to be able to capture an image of the TLC material received in the insert holder 18 of the support structure 12, while UV light emitters 14 mounted on the light emitter mounting 20 illuminate the TLC material.

The hand-held device 10 in this embodiment for example may have dimensions that allow it to be conveniently transported, lifted and handled by a user, thus providing the advantage of

portability and facilitating "on the spot" chromatography analysis at any desirable location away from a laboratory. For example, the support structure may have: an overall length of between approximately 8cm and 16cm, preferably between 10 cm to 15 cm; an overall width of between approximately 5cm and 10cm, preferably between 6 cm to 8cm; and/or an overall depth of between approximately 2cm and 6cm, preferably between 3 cm to 5 cm.

In this example, the UV light emitters each comprise a light emitting diode (LED) 14 as a source of light, capable of emitting UV light having a wavelength range of 230nm - 400nm, preferably 230nm - 365 nm. Up until recently, UV LEDs of this wavelength range were not commercially available in a portable size and format. Newly available LEDs such as the 6060 series from LG Whilst not limited to, an example is Innotek which may be suitable for this application, which may be made of the alloy InGaN or AlGaN. Their main application is sterilisation of surfaces or water. The UV LEDs require a voltage between approximately 6V and 8V. Therefore, in this example, one or more battery packs are provided to power the UV LEDs (and other electronics, such as a microcontroller described below), such as a 9V battery. Alternatively, using a booster circuit, the voltage supplied by the smartphone 21 can be utilized for this purpose and increased to a voltage required by the UV LEDs.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the LED may be a micro LED for example those used in very flat LED screens on smart devices.

The UV LEDs are capable of exciting the green fluorescing dye incorporated in the solid/stationary phase of the TLC material. In other versions of a TLC excitation may occur in the blue or longer wavelengths and near IR emission may be observed - recent work with chlorophyll shows some chlorphyll has a near IR emsission. In this particular example, the green fluorescent dye comprises manganese doped zinc silicate mixed with the silica used as the solid/stationary phase of the TLC material.

Implementation of such UV LEDs 14 within the support structure 12 thus further contributes to the portable nature of the handheld device 10.

Additionally, the hand-held device 10 and/or smartphone 21 is preferably capable of being charged by a portable charging device. For instance, the battery packs provided to power the UV LEDs and other electronics may be rechargeable batteries, and the smartphone may be recharged in the usual manner.

In this example, a microcontroller such as, but not limited to, an Arduino chip or Raspberry Pi is connected to the UV LEDs 14 to control operation of the LEDs. The microcontroller may be equipped with wireless communication capabilities such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth® technology in order to be

controlled wirelessly, which will be described in more detail below.

The device 10 in this example also comprises a housing 22 arranged to house the support structure 12 and LEDs 14

(including battery packs) so that the smartphone 21 can capture an image of the TLC material substantially in the absence of light except for the UV light provided by the LEDs 14. The housing 22 will be described in more detail below.

With particular reference to Figure 2, in this example, the device holder 16 comprises a support bed 24 having opposite first and second sides A and B, and side walls 26 extending from the support bed 24 on the first side A with gaps 28 for access to buttons and charging ports of the smartphone 21. The device holder 16 further comprises a viewing window 30 in the form of an aperture in the support bed 24 arranged to align with a lens of a camera of the smartphone 21 when placed on the device holder 16. It will be appreciated that the position of the viewing window 30 may vary in other embodiments of the device 10 to suit different smartphones .

The insert holder 18 and light emitter mounting 20 are disposed on the second side B of the support bed 24 of the device holder 16. A carrier insert 32 configured to receive the TLC material is removably inserted in the insert holder 16. With particular reference to Figure 3, the carrier insert 32 comprises a base 34 and opposing side walls 36a and 36b each having an overhang 38a and 38b to define respective slots 40a and 40b between the overhangs 42a and 42b and the base 34. The carrier insert 32 further comprises a ridge 44 disposed along a first edge of the base 34 between the side walls 36a and 36b. A second edge of the base 34 opposite the first edge does not have a ridge, thus allowing for the TLC material to be received by the carrier insert 32. The TLC material can be slid over the second edge into engagement with the carrier insert 32 such that opposing edges of the material are engaged in respective slots 42a and 42b. Once the TLC material is in position, the ridge 44 of the carrier insert 32 stops the TLC material from sliding out of position across the first edge.

The carrier insert 32 also comprises a handle 46 extending from one of the side walls, in this example the side wall 36b, in order to facilitate insertion and removal of the carrier insert 32 and TLC material into and out of the insert holder 18. In this example, the insert holder 18 comprises a slot 48 defined by substantially parallel opposing walls 50a and 50b spaced apart to receive the carrier insert and TLC material held therein. The insert holder 18 also comprises a window 52 in the wall 50a or 50b (in this example the wall 50a) that faces the light emitter mounting 20 to allow light from the LEDs 14 to illuminate the TLC material. When inserted into the insert holder 18, the handle 46 remains outside the slot 48 and housing 22 so that the carrier insert 32 can be easily removed by gripping the handle 46 when required.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 4, the light emitter mounting 20 serves the function of positioning the LEDs 14 in the support structure 12 so as to be capable of illuminating the TLC material received in the insert holder 18. The mounting 20 in this example comprises a body 54 having a substantially central portion 56 having a cavity (not shown) opening up to an opening 58 (see Figure 2) on a side of the body 54 facing the insert holder 18. The opening 58 and the TLC material received in the insert holder 18 thus face each other. The body 54 further comprises two wing portions 60a and 60b one on each side of the central portion 56. Each wing portion 60a and 60b comprises an aperture (not shown) in which a UV LED 14 is disposed in a manner that emits UV light towards the TLC material .

In this example, the light emitter mounting 20 also serves to facilitate the projection of an image of the illuminated TLC material towards the viewing window 30 of the device holder 16 so that the image capturing device can capture an image of the illuminated TLC material. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the support structure 12 is arranged such that the TLC material is to be positioned at an angle (in this example substantially perpendicularly) with respect to a direction that the camera of the smartphone 21 faces when held by the device holder 16.

Accordingly, a reflective element such as a mirror is utilised to direct an image of the TLC material towards the camera. In this example, the mirror (not shown) is placed between the insert holder 18 and viewing window 30. For example, the mirror may be placed inside the cavity of the central portion 56 of the body 54 at an approximately 45° angle, partially facing towards both the viewing window 30 and the window 52 of the insert holder 18. Accordingly, the device holder 16, insert holder 18 and light emitter mounting 20 are specifically arranged to position the smartphone 21, TLC material and UV LEDs 14, respectively, in a manner that allows the smartphone 21 to capture images of the TLC material while being illuminated under UV light from the LEDs 14.

The housing 22 serves not only to provide a dark environment around the TLC material while being imaged, but also to contain the support structure 12 and UV LEDs 14 (including batteries and wiring) within a portable, ergonomic casing. Additionally, the housing 22 may serve a safety purpose as it may limit the user's exposure to UV light. With particular reference to Figures 1 and 5, the housing 22 comprises a container portion 62 and a cover 64 demountably attachable to the container portion 62. The container portion 62 comprises a bottom wall 66, back wall 68 and opposite side walls 70 and 72. The cover 64 comprises an upper frame portion 74, configured to frame a user interface, in this example a screen 76, of the smartphone as well as secure the smartphone within the housing 22. The cover 64 also comprises a front wall 78 contiguous with and substantially perpendicular to the upper frame portion 74. Each side wall 70, 72 of the container portion 62 comprises a rail 80 and 82 spaced apart from the bottom wall 66. The rails 80 and 82 oppose each other so as to receive opposite edge portions of the device holder 16 with sufficient space for the insert holder 18 and light emitter mounting 20 to be disposed between the device holder 16 and bottom wall 66. The cover 64 can then be placed over the smartphone 21 and secured to the container portion 62, with the front wall 78 disposed between the side walls 72 and 74.

Examples of images of fluorescent TLC materials under UV light obtained by a smartphone using the device 10 are shown in Figure 6. The three TLC materials 84, 86 and 88 shown in Figure 6 have had different pesticides applied to them in accordance with usual TLC techniques. For the purpose of demonstration, the pesticides applied to the TLC materials 84, 86 and 88 are known. The TLC material 84 bears dark spots 90 and 92 under UV light, the dark spot 90 corresponding to cis-permethrin and the dark spot 92 corresponding to tra^s-permethrin . The TLC material 86 bears a dark spot 94 corresponding to a mixture of cis- and trans- permethrin and d-phenothrin . The TLC material 88 bears a dark spot 96 correspond to etofenprox.

As described above, the position of each dark spot is indicative of the distance that a particular chemical has been entrained by a solvent applied to the TLC material. In particular, a distance (Dc) that the dark spot has travelled along the respective TLC material compared to a total distance (Ds) of the solvent travelled (also known as the "solvent front") is known as the Retention or Retardation Factor (Rf), where Rf = Dc/Ds. By calculating the Retention Factor for an unknown substance, the substance can be identified. It is contemplated that a database of Retention Factors of known substances may be collected and stored on the smartphone 21 or remotely, for the purpose of comparison with calculated Retention Factors of unknown substances in order to identify the unknown substances.

To that end, there is also disclosed herein a system 100 for facilitating the identification of unknown substances. The system 100 according to an embodiment comprises: the device 10 according to the embodiments described above; an electronic device (in this example the smartphone 21) comprising an image capturing device, and data storage 102 for storing images captured by the electronic device. In this example, the data storage 102 is located on the smartphone 21. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the data storage may be located remotely from the electronic device.

The system 100 allows for digitisation of a plurality of images of the fluorescent TLC materials. This may provide the advantage that the system 100 can be used in many places away from the laboratory, such as but not limited to airports, hospitals and restaurants, to record raw data from TLC testing of unknown substances. The raw data (i.e. the images) may be digitally stored for future analysis. Figure 8 shows an example of an image of a fluorescent TLC material under UV light displayed on the screen 76 of the smartphone 21.

According to a specific example, the system 100 further comprises an image processor 104 comprising an imaging module 106. The data storage 102 also comprises: an image storage 110 where captured images of TLC materials may be stored; an instructions storage 112 where program instructions are stored to operate the system 100; and a reference database 114 where reference data is stored.

The imaging module 106 is arranged to control the operation of the UV LEDs 14 to switch the LEDs 14 on and off at desired times. In this example, the imaging module 106 is in

communication with a Bluetooth® receiver of the microcontroller connected to the UV LEDs to control operation of the LEDs 14. In use, assuming that a TLC material has been prepared and inserted into the device holder 16, a suitable software application installed on the smartphone 21 may be selected by a user.

Running the application causes the imaging module 106 to execute relevant program instructions stored in the storage 112, which presents options to a user of the smartphone 21, such as

"capture image". If the user selects "capture image", the imaging module 106 executes instructions to cause the LEDs 14 to switch on via the Bluetooth® receiver for a predetermined length of time. While the UV LEDs 14 are switched on, the imaging module 106 also communicates with the camera of the smartphone 21 to automatically capture a photograph of the illuminated TLC material during the predetermined length of time. After the photograph is captured the imaging module 106 stores the photograph in the image storage 110.

The TLC materials may comprise inbuilt indicia, bearings or markings to assist in determining the retention factor of the unknown substance. In one example, the indicia may comprise a measurement scale (not shown) printed on the surface of the TLC material along a length of the TLC material. The measurement scale may comprise long-lasting fluorescent material such as coloured wax applied to the surface of the TLC material, or it may be printed on the TLC material using fluorescent 3D printing filament, so that an image of the measurement scale will also be captured under UV light alongside the dark spots when capturing an image of the TLC material. Alternatively, the imaging module 106 may be arranged to display a virtual measurement scale (not shown) on the screen 76 alongside the image of the TLC material. In the case of the virtual measurement scale, it is thus particularly useful that the device 10 allows for the distance between the TLC material held by the insert holder 18, and the camera of the smartphone 21, to be fixed so that the virtual measurement scale can remain accurate across different TLC materials .

The inbuilt or virtual measurement scale can be used by the user to approximate the distance (Dc) that the dark spot has travelled and the distance (Ds) of the solvent front. Using the scale, the retention factor for the TLC material under

observation can be estimated and used to identify the unknown substance. For example, the data storage 102 may store a database of retention factors of known substances. The database may be sorted in any useful order, such as in order of retention factor based on a particular solvent used. The user may have access to the database by selecting a "view database" option presented on the user interface 76 of the smartphone when the application is run. The database may then be displayed on the screen 76 of the smartphone for the user browse to find a matching retention factor, which will correspond to a particular known chemical.

Alternatively, the software application may be configured such that the user may enter inputs, such as the estimated

measurements Dc and Ds, and the solvent used, via the user interface 76. The image processor 104 may then automatically calculate the retention factor based on the inputs, and search the database for a match in the database of retention factors .

Additionally, due to the consistent lighting conditions provided by the device 10, the system 100 may assist in providing reproducible images of the TLC material. This may further assist in allowing for quantification of the unknown substance, i.e. measurement of the amount and/or concentration of the unknown substance that results in a dark spot on the illuminated TLC material. In one example, quantification of the unknown substance may be achieved by performing an initial calibration process . An example of a calibration plot is provided in Figure 21. In particular, the calibration process may include measuring the intensities of resulting dark (or alternatively fluorescent) spots of known amounts in increasing concentrations (i.e. mg/m²) of a chemical compound. Then, when analysing an unknown substance, after the identity of the unknown substance is identified (i.e. qualitative analysis), a quantitative analysis process can then be performed to determine the concentration of the substance.

In order to perform the quantitative analysis, the predetermined calibration measurements or formulae may be stored in a database of the smartphone 21 and retrieved by the image processor 104 to determine a concentration of the substance. For example, calibration equations at particular measurement conditions may be developed using test data. The measurement conditions may for example include: camera exposure time, camera slit width, and the chemical solvent used. These calibration equations may then by implemented in a software application installed, for example, in the smartphone 21. Then, by measuring the intensity of the dark or fluorescent spots on captured images of the TLC material, selecting a suitable calibration equation for that corresponds to current conditions, inputting the intensity value into the pre-determined calibration equation, and solving for the concentration value, the

concentration of the substance may be calculated.

The measurement of the intensity of the dark spots can be achieved in different ways. One method involves image analysis of the size of the dark spots. Another potentially more accurate method involves measuring the number of pixels with particular colour value, such as green colour values, and their intensity from an image of the TLC material (or other chromatography testing component) . As demonstrated by Figure 21, this intensity value is inversely proportional to the concentration of the dark spot. In the case of fluorescent TLC materials or other testing components, since the number of green pixels in the absence of the unknown substance can be determined beforehand, any reduction in the number of green pixels, after the unknown substance has been applied, relates directly to the

concentration of the substance. Conversely, in the reverse case of fluorescent spots, the background is dark and only the number and intensity of the bright (or coloured) pixels is measured.

According to a further embodiment, the image processor 104 may also comprise a processing module 108. In this embodiment, if the user selects a particular option presented in the

application, such as "analyse image", the processing module 108 of the image processor 104 will process a particular image of a TLC material. The particular image may be the image most recently captured, or an image retrieved from the image storage 110 upon selection by the user.

The image processor 104 is configured to then execute program instructions stored in the storage 112 to automatically determine a value indicative of the substance, in this example, a retention factor of the dark spots, in the selected image of a TLC material. With reference to Figure 19, according to a particular example, this may be done as follows. A position of a baseline 256 and a solvent end point 258 will have to be known, for example, by utilising printed lines on the TLC material. The known distance that the solvent travels on the TLC (Ds) can be stored as a reference in the smartphone 21 and retrieved by the image processor 104. The position of the dark spot 260 and its distance (Dc) from the baseline 256 can be determined with data analytics according to the software program instructions, and thus the retention factor Rf = Dc/Ds can be determined.

The window 52 of the insert holder 18 ought to be large enough for the image capturing device to capture an image of both lines .

The processing module 108 then compares the determined retention factor with information stored in the reference database 114, in this example, retention factors of known substances. Based on the comparison, the processing module 108 then either:

identifies a substance that the unknown substance is likely to be; or indicates that there is no match for the retention factor of the unknown substance currently in the database 114.

It will be appreciated that the image processor 104 may also be configured to calculate a concentration of the unknown

substance, as described above. For example, the image processor 104 may be configured to automatically calculate the number of "dark spot" pixels. Then, after a user selects the applicable calibration equation for the current measurement conditions, the image processor 104 may execute the applicable calibration equation and output a concentration value.

It is contemplated that further embodiments of the system 100 may be configured to identify medical markers.

Use of TLC materials, and thus the device 10 and system 100 specifically configured for TLC materials, may provide several advantages. For instance, the identification and/or detection of chemicals using the TLC material is a direct detection method. In other words, no additional receptors are required for the detection, as in the case of the lateral flow test strips where labelled antibodies bind to the chemical. Further, in the case of lateral flow test strips, new antibodies need to be generated each time a new compound of interest is tested, the process for which may take months or years.

Other advantages include the low cost of TLC materials compared to lateral flow test strips. Further, TLC materials are very stable towards degradation, especially with regard to

temperature changes. TLC materials also allow for relatively simple identification of chemical or medical markers, such as determination of a retention factor in order to identify the unknown substance. Furthermore, if there is no match for the retention factor of an unknown substance, the system 100 may be easily updated after further testing to identify the substance.

With reference to Figures 9 to 16, according to another aspect there is disclosed herein a device 200 for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent test strip, at least a portion of which may be at least partially transparent. The test strip may be a lateral flow test strip.

Test strips that provide a visual indication of a chemical nature of a liquid sample are widely known. For example, in the case of urine test strips for indicating pregnancy or the presence of a drug in the urine, a sample of urine is applied to a designated portion of the test strip. The sample is then absorbed through the test strip and flows over a control line and one or more test lines. The test lines may become visible or change colour based on whether a particular chemical constituent is present in the sample.

Visual light analysis of the test strips has previously been investigated, whereby a coloured digital image of the test strip is captured and automated analysis of the test strip is conducted. More recently, fluorescent analysis of test strips has been investigated, whereby fluorescent dye (e.g. green dye) applied to the test strips allows the control and test lines to be illuminated under UV light. It is believed that digital image processing of fluorescent test strips under UV light may have the potential to significantly increase the sensitivity of test strip measurements by up to lOx compared to visual light analysis. Known fluorescent analysis techniques are based on illumination and visualisation of the test strip from the same side of the test strip; hence conventional test strip cartridges only expose a "front" side of the test strip while completely covering a "back" side of the test strip.

One or more embodiments of the device 200 disclosed herein are based on the realisation that when test strips are wet, they become transparent, and illumination of the test strip from behind while capturing an image of the front of the test strip, may provide advantages .

According to the embodiment of the device 200 shown in Figures 9 to 16, the whole of the fluorescent test strip is partially transparent (when wet, i.e. having had a liquid sample applied to the test strip) The test strip is encased in a cartridge 202 that comprises a front window 204 and a back window 206 aligned with each other so that a front surface 209a and back surface 209b of a portion 210 of the test strip is exposed.

The device 200 comprises a support structure 212 having a holding mechanism 214 for holding the test strip, and a device holder 216 for holding a device on a front side 217a of the device holder 216. Similar to the device holder 16 of the device 10, the device holder 216 is configured to hold an image capturing device, in this example a camera of a smartphone, in a position for capturing an image of the test strip held in the holding mechanism 214.

The device 200 also comprises a UV light emitter arranged to illuminate the back surface 209b of the portion 210 of the test strip. Accordingly, in this example the test strip will be illuminated by the light emitter from a location behind the test strip. Such "back-illumination" of the test strip will result in at least some fluorescent radiation of the sample on the test strip outwards from the front surface 209a.

The holding mechanism 214 is arranged to hold the fluorescent test strip in a manner that exposes at least some of the front and back surfaces 209a, 209b of the portion 210 of the test strip. In particular, the holding mechanism 214 in this example comprises a carrier insert 218 for receiving the cartridge 202, and an insert holder 220 for receiving and holding the carrier insert 218 in the support structure 212.

With particular reference to Figures 10 and 15, the carrier insert 218 comprises a window 222 located in a backing portion 224 of the carrier insert 218, side walls 226, a handle 228 extending from one of the side walls 226 to facilitate insertion and removal of the carrier insert 218 to and from the insert holder 220. When the cartridge 202 is received in the carrier insert 214, the window 222 is aligned with at least a portion of the front window 204 of the cartridge 202.

The insert holder in this example comprises a slot 220 in a body 230 (see Figure 14), which body forms part of the support structure 212. The body 230 serves, among other things, to house various optical elements, such as filters and diffusers, which will be described in more detail below. The body 230 comprises an upper portion 232 and a lower portion 234. The lower portion 234 comprises lobes 236 with fastener holes for attaching the body 230 to a back side 217b of the device holder 216. The slot 220 is positioned between the upper portion 232 and the lower portion 234. The slot 220 is sized to allow the carrier insert 218 to slide sideways into the slot 220, as shown in Figure 16. The slot 220 is defined by opposing first and second walls 236a and 236b, respectively. The first wall 232a forms part of the upper portion 232 and the second wall 236b forms part of the lower portion 234. The upper portion 232 comprises a through- hole 238 disposed through the upper portion 232, and the second wall 236b of the lower portion 234 comprises a window (not shown) . The through-hole 238 and window are aligned with each other. In use, through-hole 238 and window are also aligned with the window 222 of the carrier insert 214, and the front and back windows 204 and 206 of the cartridge 202. In this manner, the front and back surfaces 209a, 209b of the portion 210 of the test strip remain exposed while the test strip is held in the support structure 212.

With particular reference to Figures 15 and 16, the lower portion 234 comprises a compartment 240 for housing the UV light emitter, in this example a LED 242 capable of emitting blue UV light, a battery for powering the LED 242 and electronics for controlling the switching on and off of the LED 242. Between the compartment 240 and the second wall 236b of the lower portion 234, the lower portion 234 comprises a substantially hollow portion in which a diffuser housing 244 and a filter housing 246 is disposed. The upper portion 232 also comprises an opening 248 in communication with the through-hole 238 of the upper portion 232. Optionally, an optical filter may be inserted into the through-hole 238 of the upper portion 232.

With particular reference to Figures 10 and 13, the device holder 216 comprises a mirror housing 250 located on the back side 217b of the device holder 216. The mirror housing 250 contains a mirror (not shown) , in this example, disposed at an approximately 45° acute angle facing towards the carrier insert 218. The mirror housing 250 also opens up to a viewing window 252 in the device holder 216, at which a lens of the camera of the smartphone is positioned when the smartphone is held by the device holder 216.

In use, light emitted from the LED 242 travels through the diffuser housing 244 and filter housing 246, through the window in the second wall 236b and the portion 210 of the test strip, and through the through-hole 238 of the upper portion. An image of the test strip is then projected onto the mirror in the mirror housing 250. The image on the mirror can then be viewed and captured by the camera of the smartphone 21 through the viewing window 252.

Experiments to obtain measurements of increasing concentrations of green dye on test strips were conducted to compare the back- illumination setup (e.g. as provided by the device 200) with a front-illumination set-up. Figure 17 shows a plot of

measurements of increasing concentrations of green florescent dye in the front illumination setup. Figure 18 shows a plot of measurements of increasing concentrations of green florescent dye of the back-illumination setup. It can be seen from the plots in Figures 17 and 18 that the back-illumination leads to a lower detection limit at around 100 nM (refer to the horizontal axis showing concentration) , while the detection limit of the front illumination is found to be approximately 1000 nM. This illustrates an improvement in illumination of test strips from behind, utilising the transparent nature of wet test strips.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of a TLC material, the TLC material may instead be provided as a sheet or strip of material.

In another example, instead of a smartphone 21, the hand-held device 10 may be modified to hold another type of smart device. Alternatively, the hand-device 10 may incorporate an inbuilt, dedicated camera configured to image the chromatography testing component. The hand-held device 10 further incorporate a wireless transmitter in communication with the camera, which may be capable of transmitting data representative of images captured by the camera to a further device, such as a computer or smart device. In this case, the size of the device can be very small and may, for example, fit into a user's pocket, since the size may only be limited by the dimension of the

chromatography testing component. Even then, the testing component may be miniaturized depending on the purpose. For instance, the device in this example may have a length, width and depth of 7cm x 4cm x 2cm, respectively.

In the device 10 described above, the TLC material is

illuminated from the front with two UV LEDs 14. However, by using a UV-transparent plastic as support material for the TLC coating (silica), the TLC material can also be illuminated from behind, which may result in an improvement over front- illuminated TLC materials.

It will be appreciated that fluorescence of test strips or TLC materials can be fluorescence, phosphorescence or any other emission. The emission may be in any part of the spectrum from UV to microwave and terahertz.

In another example, the TLC material and/or test strip cartridge may be modified compared to conventional TLC materials, such as by including UV transparent or reflecting backing materials .

TLC materials can also be designed for special cases where emission is in the near IR or elsewhere on the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, TLC material according to a specific embodiment may comprise distributed rare earth doped nanoparticles that emit in the near IR with various forms of optical and other excitation.

As another example, the TLC material may comprise phosphorescent dye. The phosphorescent nature of the TLC dye may allow for time-delayed detection methods to improve detection limits and remove auto-fluorescence of biological samples. In this case, instead of examining the TLC material for "dark spots" where fluorescence is quenched, the fluorescence of the unknown substance itself is sought to be measured.

Further, instead of printed lines on the TLC material, it is also possible that a user can draw lines on the TLC material, which can be recognised by the suitably programmed software. Additionally, it may be helpful to align the window of the insert holder with the lines on the TLC material to facilitate image analysis, as only the relevant region of the TLC will be imaged.

In yet a further example and as briefly described above, although some embodiments of aspects of the invention have been described above in relation to identifying unknown substances by analyzing "dark spots", it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. For instance, detection of the

fluorescent radiation of compounds via TLC analysis can also be performed. In this regard, fluorescent compounds may be visualised in a laboratory with a 365nm light emitter using non- fluorescent TLC materials. Fluorescent TLC materials may also be used for this application because a 365nm wavelength light emitter will not excite the TLC dye on the material. Since embodiments of the invention may comprise a 365nm light emitter, this application is possible.

In yet a further embodiment, a plurality of light sources configured to emit light with different wavelengths may be used. For example, the device and/or system for analysing TLC material or test strips may include one or more sets of light emitters, each set including a 254nm light emitter and a 365nm light emitter. A microcontroller may control operation of the light emitters so as to selectively switch between the different light emitters .

As also illustrated in Figure 20, devices and/or systems according to further embodiments may comprise one or more light emitters 262a, 264b, 262a, 264b in front of the test strip or TLC holder, as well as one or more light emitters 262c and 264c behind the test strip or TLC holder. This may allow for the hand-held device to accommodate multiple testing components, such as both a chromatography testing tube and a test strip. In the example shown in Figure 20, a first set of light emitters 262a, 264a, and a second set of light emitters 262b, 264b, are provided in front of the TLC material or test strip, and a third set of light emitters 262c and 264c is provided behind the test strip or TLC material for back illumination. Each set in this particular example comprises two light emitters arranged to emit different wavelengths of light. For instance, in each set, a 275nm light emitter (262a, 262b, 262c in respective sets) and a 365nm light emitter (264a, 264b, 264c in respective sets) is provided. The light emitters in front of and behind the test strip or TLC holder may be independently switched on and off to performed front and/or back illumination as desired.

In yet another example, UV light of particular wavelengths, such as but not limited to 254nm, may be used to disinfect an area surrounding the TLC material or test strip, particularly in cases where biological samples have been applied.

In yet another example, instead of TLC material the

chromatography test component may be provided in the form of a tube 270, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. Accordingly, support structure 12 may also be modified to receive the tube 270, instead of TLC material, at a predefined location with respect to the smartphone or other image capturing device. For instance, the insert holder and/or carrier insert of the support structure may comprise a cylindrical structure for receiving the tube.

In this example, the tube 270 comprises an inlet 272 at one end, an outlet 274 at an opposite end, and a testing region 276 therebetween. The testing region 276 contains a suitable medium, such as silica gel, for the chromatography process. In this regard, a sample 278 of an unknown substance may be placed at or near an end 279 of the testing region 276 closest to the inlet 272, for example, by detaching an inlet end of the tube 270. A known volume of solvent may then be introduced through the inlet 272 of the tube 270. The solvent may be collected at the outlet of the tube 270. The tube 270 is then inserted into a hand-held device (e.g. a modified version of the hand-held device 10) for imaging and analysis, as with the TLC material described above. As the solvent moves through the sample 278 and along the testing region 276, separation of substance constituents and solvent may occur, as demonstrated in Figure 22 by lines 280.

Retention factors for identification of the unknown substance can be calculated in a similar manner as described above in relation to the TLC material, using the end 279 as a baseline, except that a thickness of the testing region 276 will need to be taken into account along with the solvent volume. Hence, a different database is required, which may be created by performing tests on various substances of interest and

determining their distance travelled at pre-set conditions (tube length, solvent type, solvent volume) .

Additionally, quantification of the unknown substance may be possible by calculating a width and/or density of the lines 280.

The tube 270, or at least the testing region 276 of the tube 270, preferably has a very similar length to the TLC material described above; however, a width of the testing region 276 may vary depending on the amount of sample used. The testing region 276 could also be very thin for separation of very small amounts of substances but it can also be used for larger amounts of chemicals in the order of a few milligrams. In one example, a width of the testing region 276 may be up to 2 cm.

This method can be applied for identifying fluorescent chemicals (Figure 22) or non-fluorescent chemicals (Figure 23) . The latter involves the use of fluorescent medium, such as fluorescent silica gel, and visualisation via quenching, as in the case of TLC. The light source will be chosen accordingly.

Advantages of using the tube may include:

• Provision of a portable, contained chromatography testing component for field-use.

• Recycling of the solvents as well as the chromatography material used in the process. When TLC materials are used, solvents evaporate and materials would have to be scraped off, which is not convenient. The tube 270 on the other hand can be cleaned by flushing with other solvent and it can then be reused.

• Larger volumes of the substance can be tested, which means that conventional plastic pipettes can be used instead of expensive micropipettes and other extraction processes may also be easier to handle. All of this increases the accuracy during the quantification process.

• The development process may be easier to control by

adjusting the amount of solvent pushed through the tube.

In a further example of yet another variation, in the case of back-illumination of test strips discussed above, it will be appreciated that the test strip cartridge may comprise

additional apertures at the back of a conventional or newly designed test strip in any position or angle to aid exposed of the test strip from behind.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, test strips suitable for use with the device 200 described above may be intrinsically transparent regardless of whether the test strip is in a wet or dry condition.

In another example, the test strip material and/or casing may have a colour (wavelength) that optimises analysis of the test strip. The colour used may be, but is not limited to, any colour in the electromagnetic spectrum, depending on what is sought to be optimised. For example, black strips may be used to increase absorption and reduce reflected and scattered light. This may be particularly useful in fluorescent analysis and analysis using infrared light.

The coloured test strip material may include but is not limited to test strip materials and test strip labels that are

fluorescent, phosphorescent, or capable of any other emission. The emission maybe in any part of the spectrum from UV to microwave and terahertz. Notably, phosphorescence has relatively long lifetimes and can be used to separate processes.

Further, in some embodiments, the chromatography testing components, such as the TLC materials or tubes, or any test strips described above may comprise indicia in the form of a barcode or other identification means. Thus, when a camera takes an image of the chromatography testing components or test strips, an image of the barcode may also be captured for later identification by scanning. Furthermore, the barcode may assist in providing a consistent image upon which to focus the camera. In yet another example, multiphoton excitation of test strip materials can be utilized. For example, a miniature laser with sufficient intensity on the sample can be used to operate at a wavelength not absorbed directly into the transition but rather requiring either a two photon process or a two-step excitation process (especially if there are long lived processes involved) to generate higher frequency light, e.g. near IR used to generate visible light.

In yet another example, the test strip casing and/or insert holder may comprise organic solvent resistant material. This may assist in allowing the devices and/or systems described above to be fully portable. For example, usually a beaker with organic solvents or mixtures of water with organic solvents to emerge the bottom of the TLC may be required. However, by providing a container as a solvent reservoir with the device, a beaker may not be required. The reservoir may be provided near the insert holder and is preferably enclosed to avoid evaporation of the solvent. The reservoir container is preferably made of material resistant to different organic solvents, such as but not limited to carbon-based acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) .

In yet another example, coloured test strip materials may additionally act as a filter, so that only some wavelengths of light are absorbed on the test strip.

In yet another example, a backing of the test strip material and/or cartridge that holds the strip may be transparent to UV light, or otherwise allow UV light to pass.

In yet another example, additional windows (such as but not limited to quartz glass windows) or filters may be positioned on the back and/or front side of a cartridge for a test strip, at any position or angle to assist in taking measurements. For example, the additional windows may be designed to assist in transmitting light to the test strip and/or affecting the flow of a sample and/or solvents during a test.

In yet another example, test strip surfaces may be printed upon using laser printer inks to control the test strip surfaces and properties, including but not limited to the creation of microfluidics on the strip. A specific example involves laser printed ink which has been shown to be hydrophobic so it can direct water to, or away from, the area under test.

In yet another example, the device or system according to embodiments described above may be provided in modular form for easy assembly and/or portability. Further, the devices 10 and/or 200 according to embodiments described above may be 3D printed, and may comprise UV resistance materials. Alternatively or additional, different parts of the modular device may comprise different materials. For example, internal components can be made of rubber or the like to absorb shock and enhance

durability. Parts of the modular analyser may also be injection moulded.

In yet another example, the hand-held device may be configured to receive and facilitating imaging of not only chromatography testing components (such as TLC sheets, tubes etc.), but also test strips. With reference to Figure 24, there is shown a handheld device 282 similar to the device 10. The hand-held device 282 in this example is capable of receiving and facilitating imaging of different types of carrier inserts, such as the carrier insert 284 for carrying a TLC sheet, and an insert 286 for carrying a test strip.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A hand-held device for facilitating image capture of a chromatography testing component, for identification of unknown substances, the device comprising:

a light emitter secured by, and positioned relative to, the support structure so as to be capable of illuminating the chromatography testing component received by the support structure while the image capturing device captures an image of the chromatography testing component.

2. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the image capturing device is, or is a component of, a hand-held smart device.

3. The hand-held device of claim 1, further comprising the image capturing device, wherein the image capturing device comprises a camera secured to the hand-held device.

4. The hand-held device of claim 3, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with the camera, wherein the wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting data representative of images captured by the camera to a further device .

5. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chromatography testing component comprises thin- layer chromatography (TLC) material in the form of a sheet of material, a strip or a plate.

6. The hand-held device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chromatography testing component comprises a tube or other container .

7. The hand-held device of any one the preceding claims, wherein the light emitter comprises a light emitting diode (LED) .

8. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure has:

9. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held device and/or the image capturing device is capable of being charged by a portable charging device.

10. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitter emits ultra-violet (UV) light.

11. The hand-held device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light emitter emits visible light and/or near IR light and/or light from any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

12. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a carrier insert arranged to receive the

chromatography testing component, the support structure configured to receive the carrier insert in a predefined position in order to receive the chromatography testing component .

13. The hand-held device of claim 12, wherein the support structure comprises an insert holder into which the carrier insert can be inserted.

14. The hand-held device of claim 13, wherein the device holder has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the image capturing device is capable of being supported on the first side of the device holder and the insert holder is located on the second side of the device holder.

15. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure comprises a light emitter mounting that mounts the light emitter in a position so as to direct light towards the chromatography testing component when received by the support structure.

16. The hand-held device of claim 15, wherein the light emitter mounting is positioned in opposing relationship with the insert holder on the second side of the device holder.

17. The hand-held device of claim 15 or 16, further comprising a reflector positioned along a path between the insert holder and the device holder, the reflector arranged to reflect an image of the chromatography testing component towards the image capturing device held by the device holder.

18. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a housing arranged to receive the support structure such that the chromatography testing component is capable of being illuminated by the UV light emitter and imaged by the image capturing device substantially in the absence of external light.

19. The hand-held device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the support structure comprises a housing, wherein the housing houses the light emitter and the chromatography testing component received in the support structure, such that the chromatography testing component is capable of being illuminated by the light emitter and imaged by the image capturing device, substantially in the absence of external light.

20. The hand-held device of any one of any one of the

preceding claims, wherein the light emitter comprises a light source capable of emitting light having a wavelength range of 230nm - 365nm.

21. The hand-held device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chromatography testing component comprises

thermoluminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent or any other emission material.

22. A system for facilitating the identification of unknown substances, the system comprising:

the hand-held device according to any one of claims to 21; and

data storage for storing images captured by image

capturing device.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the data storage comprises a data storage device of a remote computing device.

24. The system of claim 22, further comprising a smart device having an image capturing device.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the smart device comprises an image processor configured to execute program instructions installed in the smart device.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the image processor is arranged to analyse an image of the chromatography testing component captured by the smart device to determine a value indicative of a retention factor of a substance placed on the chromatography testing component.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the image processor is arranged to compare the value indicative of the retention factor with a database of reference values in order to identify the substance placed on the chromatography testing component.

28. The system according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising the chromatography testing component, where the component comprises indicium on a surface of the chromatography testing component to assist in determining the retention factor of the unknown substance.

29. A method of identifying an unknown substance using chromatography testing component, the method comprising:

providing the hand-held device of any one of claims 1 to

21;

applying a sample of the unknown substance to the

chromatography testing component;

positioning the image capturing device at the device holder;

identifying the unknown substance based on the determined retention factor.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein identifying the unknown substance based on the retention factor comprises comparing the determined retention factor with a database of reference values, wherein each reference value represents a retention factor of a known substance.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining or estimating a concentration of the identified unknown substance by:

measuring an intensity of an image of the portion of the unknown substance; and

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining or estimating a concentration of the identified unknown substance, by:

33. A device for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent or phosphorescent test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the device comprising:

a support structure having:

transparent portion of the test strip; and

a device holder arranged to hold an image capturing device in a position for capturing an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip held in the holding mechanism; and alight emitter arranged to illuminate the back surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip.

34. The device of claim 33, wherein the light emitter emits ultra-violet (UV) light and/or visible light and/or near IR light and/or light from any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

35. The device of claim 33 or 34, wherein the device holder comprises a viewing window at which a lens of the image capturing device is positioned when the image capturing device is held by the device holder.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein the holding mechanism is arranged to hold the test strip between the light emitter and the viewing window.

37. The device of any one of claims 33 to 36, further

comprising a reflective surface positioned between the viewing window and the holding mechanism, the reflective surface arranged to reflect an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip held in the holding mechanism towards the viewing window.

38. The device of any one of claims 33 to 37, further

comprising a reflective surface positioned behind the test strip to reflect non-absorbed light back through the test strip.

39. A system for facilitating analysis of a fluorescent, chemiluminescent or phosphorescent test strip, the system comprising :

the device according to any one of claims 33 to 38;

an image capturing device and data storage for storing images captured by the electronic device.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the image capturing device and/or data storage device is a component of an electronic, photonic, or quantum device, or a combination thereof.

41. The system of claim 39 or 40, further comprising a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front window that exposes a first side of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, and a back window that exposes a second side of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the front window and the back window are aligned with one another.

42. A system for facilitating analysis of a thermoluminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent or any other emission test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the system comprising:

a support structure having:

transparent portion of the test strip;

43. The system of claim 42, further comprising an image capturing device.

44. The system of claim 42 or 43, further comprising a data storage device for storing images captured by the image capturing device.

45. The system of any one of claims 42 to 44, comprising a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front window that exposes the front surface of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, and a reflector disposed adjacent a back surface of the portion of the test strip that is at least partially transparent, the reflector configured to reflect the excitation electromagnetic waves not absorbed to the sample.

46. The system of any one of claims 42 to 45, further

comprising a cartridge for holding the test strip, the cartridge comprising a front and back window designed to act as a resonator to increase interaction between excitation energy and sample under test.

47. A method of facilitating analysis of a fluorescent test strip, wherein the test strip comprises at least a portion that is at least partially transparent, the method comprising:

illuminating the back surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip with the electromagnetic radiation ;

capturing an image of the front surface of the at least partially transparent portion of the test strip while the back surface is illuminated with the electromagnetic radiation.

48. A cartridge for holding a test strip, the cartridge comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the test strip is held between the first and second sides of the cartridge, the first side of the cartridge comprising first window and the second side of the cartridge comprising a second window, wherein the first window and the second window are aligned with each other such that opposite sides of at least a portion of the test strip are exposed.

49. A device for facilitating image capture of a test strip and/or material for identification of unknown substances, the device comprising:

a support structure arranged to receive the test strip and/or material, the support structure comprising a device holder arranged to hold an image capturing device in a position to capture an image of the TLC material received by the support structure ;

50. A method, system or device according to any one of the preceding claims, that uses a form of transmission and receiving of data with the internet, cloud or Industry 4.0 by light such as LiFi .

51. The hand-held device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the device is further configured to receive and facilitate imaging of a testing component other than a

chromatography testing component.

52. The hand-held device according to claim 51, wherein the testing component other than a chromatography testing component is a test strip.