US007927 787B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7927,787 B2 Jung et al. (45) Date of Patent: *Apr. 19, 2011
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PCT International Search Report; International App. No. PCT/US08/ "Body Building Hormone Tests”; Home Health Testing; Bearing 07993; Sep. 8, 2008; pp. 1-3. dates of Dec. 1, 2005 and 2000; pp. 1-3: AbDiagnostics, Inc.; at: PCT International Search Report; International App. No. PCT/US06/ http://www.homehealthtesting.com/performance-hormone-tests. 47451; Sep. 5, 2008; pp. 1-2. htm; printed on Jul. 24, 2006. PCT International Search Report; International App. No. PCT/US06/ Bridges, Andrew; "HIV/AIDS patients get 1' once-dailypill'; Asso 44658; Aug. 29, 2008; pp. 1-2. ciated Press; Bearing a date of 2006; pp. 1-3; Yahoo! Inc.; at http:// PCT International Search Report; International App. No. PCT/US06/ news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060712/ap on he me?hiv one pill; 44279; Aug. 19, 2008; pp. 1-3. printed on Jul. 12, 2006. 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Using Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes as “A1C At-Home Test Kit—Introductory Offer (1 per customer, first Membranes'; Journal of Membrane Science; Bearing dates of 2005 time buyers Only); Amazon.com; Bearing dates of 1996-2006; pp. and 2006; pp. 152-160; vol. 269; Elsevier B.V.; at: www. 1-4; Amazon.com, Inc.; at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product? Sciencedirect.com and www.elsevier.com/locate/memsci. B0006JMPRG/ref=sr 11 1/103-2429377-9250503?ie=UTF8; Chiu, KM; Keller, ET; Crenshaw, TD; Gravenstein, S.; "Carnitine printed on Jul. 10, 2006. and dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate induce protein synthesis in por Abrams, Bernard; “Standing RX packaging on its head’; cine primary osteoblast-like cells”; Calcified Tissue International; Packagingdigest.com; Bearing a date of Jun. 2005; pp. 1-3, at http:// Bearing a date of Jun. 1999: pp. 527-533 (pp. 1-2); vol. 64, Issue 6; www.packagingdigest.com/articles/200506/38.php; printed on Jun. PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entreZ/query. 21, 2006. fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list uids=10341026 Actis-Goretta, Lucas; Ottaviani, Javier I.; Fraga, Cesar G., “Inhibi &dopt=Abstract; printed on Aug. 22, 2006. tion of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity by Flavanol-Rich “Clearrx System: Body”: pp. 1-4; at http://www.index2005.dk/Mem Foods'; Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; Bearing a date bers/tenamikesy/bodyObject; printed on Jun. 21, 2006. of 2006; pp. 229-234; vol. 54: American Chemical Society. "Anemia Tests': Home Health Testing; Bearing dates of Dec. 1, 2005 “Clinical Laboratory: Beckman Coulter clinical systems help to sim and 2000; pp. 1-3: AbDiagnostics, Inc.; at: http://www. plify and automate laboratory processes'. Beckman Coulter.com; homehealthtesting.com/anemia-tests.htm; printed on Jul. 24, 2006. Bearing dates of 1998-2006; p. 1; Beckman Coulter, Inc.; at: http:// "Antioxidant Tests”; Home Health Testing; Bearing dates of Dec. 1, www.beckmancoulter.com/products/pr clinical lab.asp; printed 2005 and 2000; pp. 1-2; AbDiagnostics, Inc.; at: http://www. on Jul. 14, 2006. homehealthtesting.com/antioxidant-tests.htm; printed on Jul. 24. Colucci, S. Mori, G. Vaira, S: Brunetti, G. Greco, G; Mancini, L; 2006. Simone, GM; Sardelli, F. Koverech, A.; Zallone, A.; Grano, M: Appleton, David; Lockwood, Brian; "Building Bones with “L-carnitine and isovaleryl L-carnitine fumarate positively affect Nutraceuticals'; The Pharmaceutical Journal; Bearing a date of Jul. human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation invitro'; Calcified 15, 2006; pp. 78-83; vol. 277; at: http://www.pjonline.com/pdfar Tissue International; Bearing a date of Jun. 2005; pp. 458-465 (pp. ticles/p 20060715 bones.pdf, printed on Aug. 22, 2006. 1-2); vol. 76, Issue 6: PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ “Blood Testing and Sampling Kits’; BloodBook.com; Bearing dates entrez/cuery.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list uids of Nov. 19, 2005 and 2000-2005; pp. 1-2; at: http://www.bloodbook. 15906015&dopt=Abstract; printed on Aug. 22, 2006. com/test-kits.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. “Confidential Home DNA Infidelity Testing, Infidelity Test Kit'; "Body Balance: Antioxidant Check'; Health HomeTest.com; Bear Gtldna.com; Bearing dates of Jul. 10, 2006 and 2002-2005; pp. 1-3: ing dates of 2003-2005; pp. 1-4; B Scientific, Inc.; at: http://www. The Genetic Testing Laboratories, Inc.; at: http://www.gtldna.com/ healthhometest.com/product info.php?products id=39; printed on infidelity.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. Jul. 24, 2006. Davidow, Julie; "Surge in home diagnostic kits provides doctor in a "Body Balance: FemaleCheck / Estradiol, Progesterone & box”: Seattlepi.com; Bearing dates of Mar. 29, 2006 and 1996-2006; Testosterone'; Health HomeTest.com; Bearing dates of 2003-2005; pp. 1-4; Seattle Post-Intelligencer; at: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ pp. 1-5; B Scientific, Inc.; at: http://www.healthhometest.com/prod health/264716 hometesting29.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. uct info.php?products id=36; printed on Jul. 24, 2006. Demello, Andrew J.; “Microfluidics: DNA Amplification Moves “Body Balance: MaleCheck / Testosterone & DHEA'; Health On”; Nature; Bearing dates of Mar. 6, 2003 and 2003; pp. 28-29; vol. 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"Direct to Consumer Blood Test Index'; PreventiveLabs.com; Bear National Academy of Sciences of the USA; at http://www.pnas.org/ ing a date of 2004; pp. 1-6; Preventive Services, LLC; at: http://www. cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0606215103. preventivelabs.com/lab test blood test.cfm; printed on Jul. 10, “Heart-Help's Handbook . Living with CM & CHF 2006. (Cardiomyopathy & Congestive Heart Failure); Bearing a date of “DR? 2400 Portable Spectrophotometer, 115 Vac'; Hach.com; Bear Sep. 23, 2001; pp. 1-5; at: http://www.heart-help.net/handbook.html; ing a date of 2006; p. 1; Hach Company; at: http://www.hach.com/ printed on Nov. 13, 2005. hc/search product.details.invoker/PackagingCode=5940000/ Heller, Daniel A.; Jeng, Esther S.; Yeung, Tsun-Kwan; Martinez, NewLinkLabel=DR-626fras1%3B2400+Portable Brittany M.; Moll, Anthonie E.; Gastala, Joseph B.; Strano, Michael Spectrophotometer%2C+115+Vac/PREVIOUS S.; "Optical Detection of DNA Conformational Polymorphism on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes'; Science; Bearing a date of Jan. BREADCRUMB ID=HC SEARCH KEYWORD, 27, 2006; pp. 508-511; vol. 311; at: www.sciencemag.org. SESSIONIDIBZFOVFUzTnpFMk56WXINU1puZFdWemRFTk Holt, Jason K.; Park, Hyung Gyu; Wang, Yinmin; Stadermann, 9Vdz09QTFsTk1URQ==l; printed on Jul. 14, 2006. Michael; Artyukhin, Alexander B.; Grigoropoulos, Costas P.; Noy, “DR5000 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (115 Vac); Hach.com; Bear Aleksandr; Bakajin, Olgica; "Fast Mass Transport Through Sub-2- ing a date of 2006; p. 1; Hach Company; at: http://www.hach.com/ Nanometer Carbon Nanotubes'; Science; Bearing a date of May 19, hc/search product.details.invoker/PackagingCode=DR5000-01/ 2006; pp. 1034-1037; vol. 312; at: www.sciencemag.org. NewLinkLabel=DR--5000+UV-Vis+Spectrophotometer'62C+ “Home Allergy Tests': Home Health Testing; Bearing dates of Dec. 115+Vac/PREVIOUS BREADCRUMB ID=HC SEARCH 1, 2005 and 2000; pp. 1-3: AbDiagnostics, Inc.; at: http://www. BROWSE PRODUCTSpectrophotometersColorimeters/ homehealthtesting.com/allergy-tests.htm; printed on Jul. 24, 2006. SESSIONIDIB3hOVFUxTnpjeE5qYzJNakVtWNWbGMZUkR “Home DNA Maternity Testing, Test Kit, Blood Paternity Testing'; UZZ09QWxOWIRURO=l; printed on Jul 14, 2006. Gtldna.com; Bearing dates of 2002-2005; pp. 2-5; The Genetic Test "Drugstore.com—online pharmacy & drugstore, prescriptions ing Laboratories, Inc.; at: http://www.gtldna.com/maternity test. filled’’: drugstore.com; Bearing dates of 1999-2006; pp. 1 (Sheets html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. 1-3), pp. 2 (Sheets 1-4), pp. 3 (Sheets 1-2) (pp. total 1-9); drugstore. “Home DNA Prenatal Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship Test, Twin COm, inc.; at: http://www.drugstore.com/search/search. Zygosity, Kinship, Immigration DNATesting'; Gtldna.com; Bearing asp?searchtype=1&trx=28198&trxpl=60&ipp=20&srchtree=1 dates of Jul. 10, 2006 and 2002-2005; pp. 1-5: The Genetic Testing &search=home+test--kit&Go.x=17&Go.y=16; printed on Jul. 10, Laboratories, Inc.; at: http://www.gtldna.com/dinatests.html; printed 2006. on Jul. 10, 2006. Duffy, SJ; Vita, JA; “Effects of phenolics on vascular endothelial “Home Test Kits, Blood Groups, Diabetes, Menopause, Prostate, function'; Current Opinion in Lipidology; Bearing a date of Feb. Osteoporosis’; WorldWideShopping.Mall.co.uk; pp. 1-2; World 2003; pp. 21-27 (p. 1); vol. 14, Issue 1: PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi. Wide Shopping Mall (WWSM); at: http://www.worldwideshop nlm.nih.gov/entrez/cuery.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list pingmall.co.uk/Body-Soul/shelves/home...; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. uids=12544657&dopt=Abstract; printed on Aug. 22, 2006. “Home Test Kits, Hepatitis Test, HIV Test, Blood Type Test'; Quick Eskin, N.A. Michael; Dictionary of Nutraceuticals and Functional Medical: Professional and Home Health Products; Bearing a date of Foods (Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals); Bearing a date of Dec. 2006; pp. 1-2; at: http://www.quickmedical.com/monitors blood 19, 2005; 520 pages; ISBN No. 08493 15727; CRC Press. testing?; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. 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Aug. 5, 2003; pp. 9134-9137; vol. 100, No. 16; at: www.pnas.org/ homehealthtesting.com/hormone-tests.htm?gcnd-civ; printed on Jul. cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas. 1633515100. 24, 2006. “FDAOKs 3-Drug Combo Pill to Treat HIV: Bearing a date of Jun. “Hormone Test Kit-Blood':The Official Web Site of John R. Lee, 30, 2006; pp. 1-2; FoxNews.com; at http://www.foxnews.com/wires/ MD: Your Information Source for Natural Hormone Balance and 2006Jun30/0,4670, AIDSRelief,00.html; printed on Jun. 30, 2006. Natural HRT. pp. 1-3; Hormones Etc.; at: http://www.johnleemd. Felkey, Bill G.; Berger, Bruce A.; Krueger, Kem P.; "The Pharma com/store/prod btest.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. cist's Role in Treatment Adherence—Part 5: The Impact of Phar “Instant Anemia Test': Health HomeTest.com; Bearing dates of macy-Specific Technology”; U.S. Pharmacist; Bearing dates of 2005, 2003-2005; pp. 1-9; B Scientific, Inc.; at: http://www.health 2000-2005; and a posted date of Aug. 18, 2005; pp. 36-39 (pp. 1-6); hometest.com/product info.php?products id=81; printed on Jul. vol. 30:08; Jobson Publishing, L.L.C.; at: http://www.uspharmacist. 24, 2006. com/index.asp?show-article&page=8 1547.htm; printed on Nov. “Introducing Integrated Instrument + Reagent Analysis: Hach DR 13, 2005. 5000TM UV-VIS Spectrophotometer and DR 2800TM Portable “Female Hormone Tests”; Home Health Testing; Bearing dates of Spectrophotometer + new Hach TNTplusTM Vial Reagents'; Hach. Dec. 1, 2005 and 2000; pp. 1-3: AbDiagnostics, Inc.; at: http://www. com; Bearing a date of 2006; pp. 1-3; Hach Company; at: http://www. homehealthtesting.com/female-hormone-tests.htm; printed on Jul. hach.com/photometry; printed on Jul. 14, 2006. 24, 2006. Jain, KK; "Conference Scene: Lab-on-a-Chip and Microarrays: Dis Fitzgerald, Katherine A.; O'Neill, Luke A.J.; Gearing, Andy J.H.; covery and Development'; Pharmacogenomics; Bearing a date of Callard, Robin E.; "The Cytokine Factsbook'; Bearing a date of Sep. 2003; pp. 123-125; vol. 4. No. 2; Ashley Publications Ltd; at: www. 2001: 515 pages; 2nd Edition; ISBN No. 0121551423: Academic pharmaco-genomics.com. Press; San Francisco, CA. Jarvius, Jonas; DNA Tools and Microfluidic Systems for Molecular Gao, Huajian; Kong, Yong; “Simulation of DNA-Nanotube Interac Analysis; Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Disserta tions'; Annual Review of Materials Research.; Bearing a date of tions from the Faculty of Medicine 161; Bearing a date of 2006; pp. 2004; pp. 123-150 (33 total pages); vol. 34: Annual Reviews. 1-66; ISBN 91-554-6616-8: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis Uppsala. Gennaro, Alfonso R. (Ed); Remington: The Science and Practice of Keung, WM; "Anti-dipsotropic isoflavones: the potential therapeutic Pharmacy; Bearing a date of Dec. 15, 2000; 2077 pages; 20' Edition; agents for alcohol dependence'; Medicinal Research Reviews; Bear ISBN No. 0683306472: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Philadel ing a date of Nov. 2003; pp. 669-696 (pp. 1-2); vol. 23, Issue 6; phia, PA. PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entreZ/query. 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“Resveratrol and estradiol rapidly activate MAPK signaling through “Pain Relief/ Injuries / Home Test Kits’; Round-Earth.com; pp. 1-2; estrogen receptors alpha and beta in endothelial cells'. The Journal of Round Earth Publishing; at: http://roundearth.stores.yahoo.net/re Biological Chemistry; Bearing a date of Mar. 4, 2005; pp. 7460-7468 laxers.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. (pp. 1-2); vol. 280, Issue 9; PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. "Personal Test Kits: Hormone Saliva Test, Home Hormone Test Kit'; gov/entrez/cuery.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list Womenshealth.com; Bearing a date of 2005; pp. 1-3; Women's uids=15615701&dopt=Abstract; printed on Aug. 22, 2006. Health America, Inc.; at: http://www.womenshealth.com/ Li, JX; Xue, B: Chai, Q; Liu, ZX; Zhao, AP; Chen, LB; personal testkit.html; printed on Jul. 10, 2006. "Antihypertensive effect of total flavonoid fraction of Astragalus Physicians' Desk Reference; The PDR Family Guide to Nutritional complanatus in hypertensive rats'. The Chinese Journal of Physiol Supplements: An Authoritative A-to-Z Resource on the 100 Most Popular Nutritional Therapies and Nutraceuticals; Bearing a date of ogy; Bearing a date of Jun. 30, 2005; pp. 101-106 (pp. 1-2); vol. 48, Nov. 2003; 3000 pages; 58' Edition; ISBN No. 1563634724; Issue 2: PubMed; at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/cuery. Thomson PDR; Montvale, NJ. fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list uids=16201455 Physicians' Desk Reference; The PDR Family Guide to Nutritional &dopt=Abstract; printed on Aug. 22, 2006. Supplements: An Authoritative A-to-Z Resource on the 100 Most Lin, RC; Guthrie, S: Xie, CY; Mai, K. 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Weil, Andrew, M.D.; “Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor & Complete Pro- &gclid=CM3NpLZm9aACFRYhDQodyGkiv w; printed on May 13, gram Supplements'; bearing a date of 2010; 1 page; at: https://www. 2010; Weil Lifestyle Custom Pak. drweilvitaminadvisor.com/drw/ecs/Va2/land goog 08girl. U.S. Appl. No. 12/924,700, Jung et al. html?aid=9999.10&aparam=TSASGoogleApr10VA vitamins &refcd=GO000000101882 154s vitamins&tsacr=GO37849.57603 * cited by examiner U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 1 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
FIG. 1
100 \ 102 Sample
104 Nutraceutical ASSociated Component
- - -D 106 Microfluidic Chip
(- - -D 108 Detection Unit
116 Signal -->k- - --> 1 10 Display Unit
- - --> 112 Recording Unit
Y- - -> 114. User Interface
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 2 of 24 US 7,927,787 B2
FIG. 2
200
processing one or more samples with one or more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated components
detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or more detection units
End U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 3 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
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F.G. 6
600 N.
processing one or more samples with one or more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated components
detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or more detection units
displaying results of the detecting with one or more display units that are operably coupled with the one or more detection units U.S. Patent US 7927,787 B2
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 8 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 9 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
FIG. 9
900
N
detecting one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or more detection units
displaying results of the detecting with one or more display units that are operably coupled with the one or more detection units
U.S. Patent Apr . 19, 2011 Sheet 11 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
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F.G. 13
1300 \
(N-1310 processing one or more samples with one or more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of the one or more nutraceutical associated components
detecting one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or more detection units
displaying results of the detecting with one or more display units that are operably coupled with the one or more detection units
End U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 14 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 15 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 16 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
FIG. 16
1600
processing one or more samples obtained from an individual with one or more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated components
1620 detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or more detection units
1630 displaying one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for supplementation of the individual in response to the detecting U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 17 of 24 US 7,927,787 B2
F.G. 17
1700
one or more detection units configured to detachably connect to one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated components
one or more display units operably associated with the one or more detection units
End
U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 20 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
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FIG. 21
2100
one or more detection units configured to detachably connect to one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated components
one or more display units operably associated with the one or more detection units
(N-2130 one or more microfluidic chips configured for analysis of the one or more nutraceutical associated components
End U.S. Patent Apr. 19, 2011 Sheet 22 of 24 US 7927,787 B2
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FIG. 24
2400
2410
one or more microfluidic chips configured for processing of a single nutraceutical associated component
2420
one or more detection units configured to detachably connect to the one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated components that include the single nutraceutical associated component
2430
one or more display units operably associated with the one or more detection units that indicate one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for supplementation of an individual associated with the single nutraceutical associated component
End US 7,927,787 B2 1. 2 METHODS AND SYSTEMIS FOR ANALYSIS SELECTION AND DOSING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, OF NUTRACEUTICAL ASSOCATED Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. COMPONENTS Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Sep. 18, 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the APPLICATIONS benefit of the filing date. The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a The present application is related to and claims the benefit notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the fol require that patent applicants reference both a serial number lowing listed application(s) (the “Related Applications') 10 and indicate whether an application is a continuation or con (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than tinuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, avail USC S 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and able at all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/ of the Related Application(s)). 15 week 1 1/patbene.htm. The present Applicant Entity (herein after Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to RELATED APPLICATIONS the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of require either a serial number or any characterization, such as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 1 1/478,341, entitled COM “continuation' or “continuation-in-part for claiming prior PUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS ity to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the forego RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRACEUTICAL ing, Applicant understands that the USPTO's computer pro SELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. grams have certain data entry requirements, and hence Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, 25 Applicant is designating the present application as a continu John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, ation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but filed Jun. 28, 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an expressly points out that such designations are not to be application of which a currently co-pending application is construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or entitled to the benefit of the filing date. admission as to whether or not the present application con For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, 30 tains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of application(s). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/478,296, entitled COM All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any PUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applica RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRACEUTICAL tions of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by SELECTION AND PACKAGING, naming Edward K. Y. 35 reference to the extent Such subject matter is not inconsistent Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, herewith. John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Jun. 28, 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an TECHNICAL FIELD application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 40 The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, may be used for analysis of nutraceutical associated compo the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of nentS. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/515,357, entitled COM PUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS AND SUMMARY METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT 45 SELECTION AND DOSING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, In some embodiments one or more methods are provided Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. that include processing one or more samples with one or more Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Sep. 1, microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of more nutraceutical associated components and detecting the which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the 50 one or more nutraceutical associated components with one or benefit of the filing date. more detection units. In addition to the foregoing, other For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text form the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of ing a part of the present disclosure. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 1 1/523,766, entitled COM In some embodiments one or more methods are provided PUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS AND 55 that include processing one or more samples with one or more METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or SELECTION AND DOSING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, more nutraceutical associated components, detecting the one Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. or more nutraceutical associated components with one or Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Sep. more detection units, and displaying results of the detecting 18, 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an application 60 with one or more display units that are operably coupled with of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the the one or more detection units. In addition to the foregoing, benefit of the filing date. other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, forming a part of the present disclosure. the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of In some embodiments one or more methods are provided U.S. patent application Ser. No. 1 1/523,809, entitled COM- 65 that include detecting one or more nutraceutical associated PUTATIONAL AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS AND components with one or more detection units and displaying METHODS RELATED TO NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT results of the detecting with one or more display units that are US 7,927,787 B2 3 4 operably coupled with the one or more detection units. In In some embodiments, related systems include but are not addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present dis herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or pro closure. gramming can be virtually any combination of hardware, In some embodiments one or more methods are provided software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein that include detecting one or more nutraceutical associated referenced method aspects depending upon the design components with one or more detection units, displaying choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, results of the detecting with one or more display units that are other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, operably coupled with the one or more detection units, and and/or text forming a part of the present application. processing one or more samples with one or more microflu 10 The foregoing Summary is illustrative only and is not idic chips that are configured for analysis of the one or more intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustra tive aspects, embodiments, and features described above, fur nutraceutical associated components. In addition to the fore ther aspects, embodiments, and features will become appar going, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, ent by reference to the drawings, claims, and the following and text forming a part of the present disclosure. 15 detailed description. In some embodiments one or more methods are provided that include processing one or more samples obtained from an BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES individual with one or more microfluidic chips that are con figured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodi components, detecting the one or more nutraceutical associ ments may be implemented. ated components with one or more detection units, and dis FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example playing one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical operations related to methods and systems for analysis of agents for Supplementation of the individual in response to nutraceutical associated components. the detecting. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are FIG. 3 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of 25 operational flow of FIG. 2. the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example In some embodiments one or more systems are provided operational flow of FIG. 2. that include one or more detection units configured to detach FIG. 5 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example ably connect to one or more microfluidic chips and config operational flow of FIG. 2. ured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo 30 FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flow representing example nents and one or more display units operably associated with operations related to methods and systems for analysis of the one or more detection units. In addition to the foregoing, nutraceutical associated components. other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text FIG. 7 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example forming a part of the present disclosure. operational flow of FIG. 6. In some embodiments one or more systems are provided 35 FIG. 8 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example that include one or more detection units configured to detach operational flow of FIG. 6. ably connect to one or more microfluidic chips and config FIG. 9 illustrates an operational flow representing example ured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo operations related to methods and systems for analysis of nents, one or more display units operably associated with the nutraceutical associated components. one or more detection units, and one or more microfluidic 40 FIG. 10 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example chips configured for analysis of the one or more nutraceutical operational flow of FIG.9. associated components. In addition to the foregoing, other FIG. 11 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text form operational flow of FIG.9. ing a part of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example In some embodiments one or more systems are provided 45 operational flow of FIG.9. that include one or more microfluidic chips configured for FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flow representing processing of a single nutraceutical associated component, example operations related to methods and systems for analy one or more detection units configured to detachably connect sis of nutraceutical associated components. to the one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect FIG. 14 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example one or more nutraceutical associated components that include 50 operational flow of FIG. 13. the single nutraceutical associated component, and one or FIG. 15 illustrates alternate embodiments of the example more display units operably associated with the one or more operational flow of FIG. 13. detection units that indicate one or more dosages of one or FIG. 16 illustrates an operational flow representing more nutraceutical agents for Supplementation of an indi example operations related to methods and systems for analy vidual associated with the single nutraceutical associated 55 sis of nutraceutical associated components. component. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are FIG. 17 illustrates an example system 1700 in which described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of embodiments may be implemented. the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates alternate embodiments of the system of In some embodiments, means include but are not limited to FIG. 17. circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein-refer 60 FIG. 19 illustrates alternate embodiments of the system of enced functional aspects; the circuitry and/or programming FIG. 17. can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/ FIG. 20 illustrates alternate embodiments of the system of or firmware configured to effect the herein-referenced func FIG. 17. tional aspects depending upon the design choices of the sys FIG. 21 illustrates an example system 2100 in which tem designer. In addition to the foregoing, other system 65 embodiments may be implemented. aspects means are described in the claims, drawings, and/or FIG.22 illustrates alternate embodiments of the system of text forming a part of the present disclosure. FIG 21. US 7,927,787 B2 5 6 FIG. 23 illustrates alternate embodiments of the system of may be directly coupled to one or more display units 110. In FIG 21. some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be FIG. 24 illustrates an example system 2400 in which remotely coupled to one or more display units 110. In some embodiments may be implemented. embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may transmit one or more signals 116 that are received by one or more DETAILED DESCRIPTION display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may include one or more user interfaces 114. In In the following detailed description, reference is made to Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof. In the include one user interface 114. In some embodiments, one or drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar compo 10 more display units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116. nents, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative In some embodiments, system 100 may include one or more embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, recording units 112. In some embodiments, one or more and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments recording units 112 may be directly coupled to one or more may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without detection units 108. In some embodiments, one or more departing from the spirit or scope of the Subject matter pre 15 recording units 112 may be directly coupled to one or more sented here. display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more record While various aspects and embodiments have been dis ing units 112 may be directly coupled to one or more detec closed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be appar tion units 108 and one or more display units 110. In some ent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodi embodiments, one or more recording units 112 may include ments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are one or more user interfaces 114. In some embodiments, one or not intended to be limiting, with the true Scope and spirit more recording units 112 may include one or more directly being indicated by the following claims. coupled user interfaces 114. In some embodiments, one or FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodi more recording units 112 may include one or more remotely ments may be implemented. In some embodiments, the sys coupled user interfaces 114. In some embodiments, one or tem 100 is operable to provide a method that may be used to 25 more recording units 112 may receive one or more signals analyze one or more nutraceutical associated components 116. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 112 104. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be may transmit one or more signals 116. processed with one or more microfluidic chips 106 that are configured to process one or more nutraceutical associated Sample components 104. In some embodiments, one or more samples 30 102 associated with an individual may be processed. In some Numerous types of samples 102 may be analyzed through embodiments, one sample 102 associated with an individual use of system 100. In some embodiments, one or more may be processed. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be associated with an individual. In some microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process one or more embodiments, one or more samples 102 may include a liquid. samples 102. In some embodiments, one microfluidic chip 35 In some embodiments, one or more samples 102 may include 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102. In some a solid. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102 may embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be include a vapor. In some embodiments, one or more samples used to process one or more nutraceutical associated compo 102 may include a semi-solid. In some embodiments, one or nents 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic more samples 102 may include a gas. Examples of Such chips 106 may be used to process one nutraceutical associated 40 samples 102 include, but are not limited to, blood, urine, component 104. In some embodiments, one or more detection Sweat, tears, excrement, saliva, skin, hair, mucus, or breath, or units may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical asso Substantially any combination thereof. ciated components 104. In some embodiments, one detection unit may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associ Microfluidic Chip ated components 104. In some embodiments, one or more 45 detection units 108 may be portable detection units 108. In Numerous types of microfluidic chips 106 may be utilized some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be within system 100. For example, microfluidic chips 106 may non-portable detection units 108. In some embodiments, one be used that utilize a variety of methods to process one or or more detection units 108 may be hand-held detection units more nutraceutical associated components 104. Examples of 108. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 50 Such methods include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid may include one or more user interfaces 114. In some hybridization based methods, immunological based methods, embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may include chromatographic based methods, affinity based methods, one user interface 114. In some embodiments, one or more extraction based methods, separation based methods, isola detection units 108 may include one or more user interfaces tion based methods, filtration based methods, enzyme based 114 that are directly coupled with the one or more detection 55 methods, isoelectric focusing methods, and Substantially any units 108. In some embodiments, one or more detection units combination thereof. 108 may include one or more user interfaces 114 that are Methods to construct microfluidic chips 106 have been remotely coupled with the one or more detection units 108. described (i.e., U.S. Statutory Invention Registration No. For example, in some embodiments, a user 118 may interact H201; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,454,945; 6,818,435; 6,812,458: with the one or more detection units 108 through direct physi 60 6,794, 196; 6,709,869; 6,582,987; 6,482,306; Jain, Pharma cal interaction with the one or more detection units 108. In cogenomics, 4:123-125 (2003); Jarvius, DNA Tools and other embodiments, a user 118 may interact with one or more Microfluidic Systems for Molecular Analysis, Digital Com detection units 108 through remote interaction. In some prehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may transmit Faculty of Medicine 161, Uppsala Universitet, ACTA Univer one or more signals 116. In some embodiments, one or more 65 sitatis Upsaliensis Uppsala (2006) ISSN 1651-6206/ISBN detection units 108 may include one or more display units 91-554-6616-8; herein incorporated by reference). In some 110. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may US 7,927,787 B2 7 8 include a lancet. Methods to construct lancets are known and ated component 104 may be increased or decreased in a have been described (U.S. Patent Application Nos.: manner that is dependent upon the presence or absence of one 20020177763 and 20030083685; herein incorporated by ref or more nutraceutical agents. Nutraceutical associated com erence). In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic ponents 104 may also include one or more components that chips may include carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, 5 are indicative of a need for Supplementation and/or reduction. one or more microfluidic chips may include carbon nanotubes For example, in Some embodiments, a nutraceutical associ that are configured to provide for transport. For example, in ated component 104 may be an enzyme and/or an enzyme Some embodiments, one or more carbon nanotubes may be activity where high or low levels of the enzyme and/or configured to provide for transport of one or more gases enzyme activity indicate a need for Supplementation or reduc and/or one or more fluids (Holtet al., Science, 312:1034-1037 10 tion in the level of one or more nutraceutical agents (i.e., the (2006) and Sholl and Johnson, Science, 312:1003-100 activity of an enzyme that produces a stress hormone may (2006). In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic indicate a need for Supplementation with a stress-reducing chips may include one or more carbon nanotubes that are Vitamin). Numerous types of nutraceutical associated com operably coupled to nucleic acid. For example, in some ponents 104 may be analyzed through use of system 100. embodiments, one or more carbon nanotubes may be used to 15 Examples of Such nutraceutical associated components 104 immobilize nucleic acid. In some embodiments, one or more include, but are not limited to, enzymes, hormone, prohor carbon nanotubes may be used to provide for detection of one mone, hemoglobin, polynucleotide, proteins, peptides, anti or more nucleic acids (Heller et al., Science, 311:508-511 oxidant, minerals, vitamins, and Substantially any combina (2006) and Gao and Kong, Annu. Rev. Mater: Res., 34:123 tion thereof. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical associated 150 (2004). In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic 20 component 104 includes a nutraceutical agent. chips may include one or more carbon nanotubes to provide Nutraceutical agents typically include natural, bioactive for separation of two or more components (Chen and Sholl, J. chemical compounds, vitamins, minerals, or any Substance Membrane Science, 269:152-160 (2006). Numerous addi that is a plant, food, an extracted part of a food, that provides tional methods may be used to construct microfluidic chips medical or health benefits but which generally fall outside 106 that may be used for analysis of one or more nutraceutical 25 regulations controlling pharmaceuticals. In some embodi associated components 104. ments, nutraceutical agents may include Substances that are Microfluidic chips 106 may utilize numerous methods for regulated as pharmaceuticals when they are formulated in analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated components certain regulated combinations and/or quantities but that are 104. For example, in some embodiments, one or more microf not regulated as pharmaceuticals when formulated in combi luidic chips 106 may utilize chemiluminescent methods (U.S. 30 nations and/or quantities that are not regulated. Included in Pat. Nos. 6,090,545 and 5,093.268; herein incorporated by this category of Substances may be foods, isolated nutrients, reference), plasmon resonance sensors (U.S. Pat. No. 7,030, supplements and herbs. Nutraceuticals are often referred to as 989; herein incorporated by reference), nuclear magnetic phytochemicals or functional foods and include dietary resonance detectors (U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,900; herein incor Supplements. Numerous nutraceuticals have been described porated by reference), gradient-based assays (U.S. Pat. No. 35 (i.e., Roberts et al., Nutraceuticals: The Complete Encyclo 7,112,444; herein incorporated by reference), reporter beads pedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,349; herein incorporated by reference), 1 Edition, Perigee Trade (2001) and Susan G. Wynn, Emerg transverse electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, nucleic acid ing Therapies: Using Herbs and Nutraceuticals for Small amplification, and/or diffusion based systems (U.S. Pat. Nos. Animals, American Animal Hospital Assn. Press (1999); and 6,221,677; 5,972,710; deMello, Nature, 422:28-29 (2003) 40 Handbook of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods., edited by herein incorporated by reference). Robert E. C. Wildman, CRC Press (2001)). Examples of Microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis of nutraceutical agents include, but are not limited to, Amino numerous nutraceutical associated components 104. For Acids, Terpenoids, Carotenoid Terpenoids (Lycopene, Beta example, in Some embodiments, one or more microfluidic Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Astaxan chips 106 may be configured for analysis of coenzyme Q10, 45 thin), Herbal Supplements, Homeopathic Supplements, reduced coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol-10), and/or oxidized Glandular Supplements, Non-Carotenoid Terpeniods (Peril coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone-10) in one or more samples 102 lyl Alcohol, Saponins, Terpeneol. Terpene Limonoids), through use of described assay methods (i.e., U.S. Patent Polyphenolics, Flavonoid Polyphenolics (Anthocyanins, Application No.: 20040033553; herein incorporated by ref Catechins, Isoflavones, Hesperetin, Naringin, Rutin, Querce erence). In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic 50 tin, Silymarin, Tangeretin, Tannins), Phenolic Acids (Ellagic chips 106 may be configured for analysis of glucose (U.S. Pat. Acid, Chlorogenic Acid, Para-Coumaric Acid, Phytic Acid, No. 6.295,506; herein incorporated by reference). In some Cinnamic Acid). Other Non-Flavonoid Polyphenolics (Cur embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be cumin, Resveratrol, Lignans), Glucosinolates, Isothiocyan configured for analysis of one or more polynucleotides (U.S. ates (Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, Sul Pat. No. 6,958.216; herein incorporated by reference). 55 foraphane), Indoles (Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), Accordingly, microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for Thiosulfonates, Phytosterols (Beta-Sitosterol), Anthraquino analysis of numerous nutraceutical associated components nes (Senna, Barbaloin, Hypericin), Capsaicin, Piperine, 104. Chlorophyll, Betaine, Pectin, Oxalic Acid, Acetyl-L-Car nitine, Allantoin, Androsterondiol, Androsterondione, Nutraceutical Associated Component 60 Betaine (Trimethylglycine), Caffeine, Calcium pyvurate (Pyruvic Acid), Carnitine, Carnosine, Carotene (alpha & System 100 may be used to analyze numerous types of beta), Carotenoid (Total for beadlets), Choline, Chlorogenic nutraceutical associated components 104. Generally, a nutra Acid, Cholic Acid (Ox Bile), Chondroitin Sulfate, Chon ceutical associated component 104 is a bodily component that droitin Sulfate (Total Mucopolysaccharides), Cholestin, is affected by the action, presence, absence, and/or deficiency 65 Chrysin, Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10), Conjugated Linoleic of a nutraceutical agent. For example, the amount, activity, Acid (CLA), Corosolic Acid, Creatine, Dehydroepiandros availability, and/or concentration of a nutraceutical associ terone (DHEA), Dichlorophen, Diindolymethane (DIM), US 7,927,787 B2 9 10 Dimethyglycine (DMG), Dimercapto Succinic Acid Such as through use of a keyboard, use of wireless methods, (DMSA), Ebselen, Ellagic Acid, Enzymes, Fisetin, Formon use of the internet, and the like. In some embodiments, a user etin, Glucaric Acid (Glucarate), Glucosamine (HCl or Sul 118 may be a health-care worker. Examples of such health fate), Glucosamine (N-Acetyl), Glutathione (Reduced), Hes care workers include, but are not limited to, physicians, peridine, Hydroxy-3-Methylbutyric Acid (HMB), nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, and the like. In some embodi 5-Hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP), Indole-3-Carbinol, Inosi ments, users 118 may include those persons who work in tol, Isothiocyanates, Linolenic Acid-Gamma (GLA), Lipoic health-related fields, such as coaches, personal trainers, Acid (alpha), Melatonin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), clerks at food Supplement stores, clerks at grocery stores, and Minerals, Naringin, Pancreatin, Para-aminobenzoic Acid the like. (PABA), Paraben (methyl or propyl), Phenolics, Phosphati 10 dylcholine (Lecithin), Phosphatidylserine, Phospholipids, Signal Phytosterols, Pregersterone, Pregnenolone, Quercetin, Res Veratrol, D-Ribose, Rutin, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), The system 100 may include one or more signals 116. Salicylic Acid, Sulforaphane, Tartaric Acid, Taxifolin, Tet Numerous types of signals 116 may be transmitted. Examples rahydropalmatine, Thephyline, Theobromine, Tigogenin, 15 of such signals 116 include, but are not limited to, hardwired Troxerutin, Tryptophan, Tocotrienol (alph, beta & gamma), signals 116, wireless signals 116, infrared signals 116, optical Vitamins, Zeaxanthin, Gingo Biloba, Ginger, Cat's Claw, signals 116, radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, audible signals Hypericum, Aloe Vera, Evening Primrose, Garlic, Capsicum, 116, digital signals 116, analog signals 116, or Substantially Dong Quai, Ginseng, Feverview, Fenugreek, Echinacea, any combination thereof. Green Tea, Marshmallow, Saw Palmetto, Tea Tree Oil, Pay lium, Kava-Kava, Licorice Root, Manonia Aquifolium, Display Unit Hawthorne, Hohimbr, Tumeric, Witch Hazel, Valerian, Mistletoe, Bilberry, Bee Pollen, Peppermint Oil, Beta-Caro The system 100 may include one or more display units 110. tene, Genistein, Lutein, Lycopene, the Polyphenols (biofla Numerous types of display units 110 may be used in associa vonoids), and the like. 25 tion with system 100. Examples of such display units 110 Nutraceutical agents may also include microbes (i.e., pro include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal displays, printers, biotics). Examples of such microbes include, but are not audible displays, cathode ray displays, plasma display panels, limited to, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plan Braille displays, and the like. In some embodiments, display tarum, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifido units 110 may display information in numerous languages. bacterium longum, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomy 30 Examples of Such languages include, but are not limited to, ces cerevisiae, and the like (i.e., Samuel and Gordon, A English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and the humanized gnotobiotic mouse model of host-archaeal-bacte like. rial mutualism, PNAS, 103(26):10011-10016 (2006)). In In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may Some embodiments, nutraceutical agents may include non be physically coupled to one or more detection units 108. In living microbes. For example, non-living Saccharomyces 35 Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be cerevisiae may be used as a source of vitamin B12. In some remotely coupled to one or more detection units 108. For embodiments, recombinant microbes may be nutraceutical example, in Some embodiments, one or more display units agents. For example, in some embodiments, microbes may be 110 may receive one or more signals 116 from one or more genetically modified to produce, or overexpress, one or more detection units 108 that are remotely positioned relative to the nutraceutical agents. 40 detection units 108. Accordingly, one or more display units 110 may be positioned in one or more locations that are Detection Unit remote from the position where analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 takes place. Numerous types of detection units 108 may be used within Examples of Such remote locations include, but are not lim system 100. Accordingly, numerous types of detection meth 45 ited to, the offices of physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharma ods may be used within system 100. Examples of such detec cists, coaches, personal trainers, clerks at food Supplement tion methods include, but are not limited to, colorimetric stores, clerks at grocery stores, and the like. methods, spectroscopic methods, resonance based methods, or Substantially any combination thereof. In some embodi Recording Unit ments, a detection unit 108 may be stationary. For example, in 50 some embodiments, a detection unit 108 may be a laboratory The system 100 may include one or more recording units instrument. In some embodiments, a detection unit 108 may 112. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 112 be portable. For example, in Some embodiments, a detection can communicate with one or more detection units 108, one unit 108 may be a hand-held device. or more display units 110, one or more user interfaces 114, 55 and/or substantially any combination thereof. Many types of User Interface/User recording units 112 may be used within system 100. Examples of such recording devices include those that utilize Numerous types of users 118 may interact with system a recordable medium that includes, but is not limited to, many 100. In some embodiments, a user 118 may be human. In types of memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, magnetic Some embodiments, a user 118 may be non-human. In some 60 tape, and the like. embodiments, a user 118 may interact with one or more In some embodiments, one or more recording units 112 detection units 108, one or more display units 110, one or may be physically coupled to one or more detection units 108. more user interfaces 114, one or more recording units 112, In some embodiments, one or more recording units 112 may and/or substantially any combination thereof. The user 118 be physically coupled to one or more display units 110. In can interact through use of numerous types of user interfaces 65 Some embodiments, one or more recording units 112 may be 114. For example, one or more users 118 may interact through remotely coupled to one or more detection units 108 and/or use of numerous interfaces that utilize hardwired methods, one or more display units 110. For example, in some embodi US 7,927,787 B2 11 12 ments, one or more recording units 112 may receive one or syndromes, vitamin A may be orally supplemented at a dos more signals 116 from one or more detection units 108 and/or age 122 of 600 micrograms for children aged 3 years or one or more display units 110 that are remotely positioned younger, 900 micrograms for children aged 4-8 years, 1700 relative to the one or more recording units 112. Accordingly, micrograms for children aged 9-13 years, 2800 micrograms one or more recording units 112 may be positioned in one or 5 for persons aged 14-18 years, and 3000 micrograms for all more locations that are remote from the position where analy adults. Therapeutic doses for severe diseases include 60,000 sis of one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 micrograms, which has been shown to reduce child mortality takes place. Examples of Such remote locations include, but rates by 35-70%. One or more display units 110 may indicate are not limited to, the offices of physicians, nurses, dieticians, dosages for numerous types of nutraceutical agents that may pharmacists, coaches, personal trainers, clerks at food 10 be formulated in numerous ways. Supplement stores, clerks at grocery stores, and the like. FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing Dosage examples of operations that are related to the performance of a method for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated Dosages may be expressed in numerous ways. In some 15 components 104. In FIG. 2 and in following figures that embodiments, a dosage may be expressed as an absolute include various examples of operations used during perfor quantity (i.e., 500 milligrams of a nutraceutical agent). In mance of the method, discussion and explanation may be other embodiments, a dosage may be expressed inaccordance provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. with the body weight of an individual (i.e., 10 milligram 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. How nutraceutical agent per kilogram body weight). In some ever, it should be understood that the operations may be embodiments, a dosage may be expressed as a range of quan executed in a number of other environments and contexts, tities (i.e., 10 milligrams to 100 milligrams of a nutraceutical and/or modified versions of FIG.1. Also, although the various agent). In some embodiments, a dosage may be an amount of operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it a nutraceutical agent that produces a desired response when should be understood that the various operations may be administered to a specific individual. For example, a dosage 25 performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or of melatonin may be the amount of melatonin that induces may be performed concurrently. sleep in a specific individual. The dosage of a nutraceutical After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes a agent may vary according to numerous considerations that processing operation 210 involving processing one or more include, but are not limited to, the route of administration, the samples with one or more microfluidic chips that are config age of the individual, the size of the individual, the metabolic 30 ured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated characteristics of the individual, the condition of the indi components. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic vidual, and the like. In some embodiments, the dosage of a chips 106 that are configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical agent may be determined that produces a mea nutraceutical associated components 104 may be used to Surable effect, such as a physical effect, a psychological process one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one effect, a physiological effect, and the like. Accordingly, in 35 or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more Some embodiments, a dosage may be expressed as an amount samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic of a nutraceutical agent that produces a mental response in an chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 acquired individual. For example, in Some embodiments, a dosage may through use of one or more non-invasive techniques. In some be the amount of a nutraceutical agent that produces a sensa embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept tion of well-being when administered to an individual. In 40 one or more samples 102 that include at least one of Sweat, other embodiments, a dosage may be the amount of a nutra tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, mucus, or ceutical agent that elevates the mood of an individual to Substantially any combination thereof. In some embodi whom the nutraceutical is to be administered. Numerous ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or additional criteria may be used to determine the dosage of a more samples 102 that include blood. In some embodiments, nutraceutical for administration to an individual. 45 one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 can one or more samples 102 utilizing polynucleotide interaction, indicate one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, agents and one or more formulations of the one or more chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, nutraceutical agents. For example, in Some embodiments, one aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, isoelectric focus or more display units 110 may indicate a formulation and 50 ing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, competition assay, or dosage of chromium. Presently, the most widely available Substantially any combination thereof. In some embodi chromium Supplements are chromium salts such as chro ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to mium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate, and various chro process one or more samples 102 that include at least one of mium/amino acid chelates. Such formulations help increase Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, the absorption and availability of chromium when compared 55 blood, mucus, or Substantially any combination thereof. In to isolated chromium salts such as chromium chloride. The some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake of chromium be used to process one or more samples 102 that include at is 50-200 micrograms. Natural forms of supplemental chro least one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, mium, Such as chromium-rich yeast, may be absorbed some protein, Vitamin, mineral, metal, antioxidant, a Substantially what more efficiently than inorganic forms of chromium, 60 any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more Such as chromium chloride, found in Some Supplements. One microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process two or more ounce of brewer's yeast provides approximately 100-200 samples 102 that are collected at two or more different times. micrograms of chromium. Accordingly, in Some embodi In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 ments, one or more display units 110 may indicate a dosage of may be used to process one or more samples 102 that are chromium and a corresponding formulation of the chromium. 65 configured for analysis of a single nutraceutical associated In another embodiment, one or more display units 110 may component 104. In some embodiments, one or more microf indicate a dosage of vitamin A. For vitamin A deficiency luidic chips 106 may provide for user interaction. US 7,927,787 B2 13 14 The operational flow 200 includes a detecting operation samples 102 from an individual and then analyze the one or 220 involving detecting the one or more nutraceutical asso more samples 102 through use of system 100. ciated components with one or more detection units. In some At operation 304, the processing operation 210 may embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to include accepting the one or more samples acquired through detect one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. use of one or more non-invasive techniques. In some embodi In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com to accept one or more samples 102 that were collected ponents 104 with at least one technique that includes spec through use of non-invasive techniques. Such techniques troscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detec include, but are not limited to, collecting one or more samples tion, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron 10 102 from an individual that include breath, saliva, hair, Sweat, transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric tears, excrement, and the like. For example, in Some embodi focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a mouthpiece to oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, accept breath and/or saliva samples 102. In some embodi immunoassay, or Substantially any combination thereof. In ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a capillary tube to some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be 15 accept fluid samples 102. Such as Sweat, tears, urine, saliva, used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo and the like. In some embodiments, individuals may collect nents 104 that are associated with two or more samples 102 one or more samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in that were collected at two or more different times. In some some embodiments, system 100 may be used for point-of embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may provide care analysis by an individual. In some embodiments, one or for user interaction. In some embodiments, one or more more samples 102 may be analyzed by someone other than detection units 108 may be used to transmit one or more the individual from whom the one or more samples 102 were signals 116 to one or more display units 110. In some embodi collected. For example, in some embodiments, individuals ments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to trans may collect one or more samples 102 from themselves and mit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording units then send the one or more samples 102 for analysis by a 112. 25 person other than the individual from whom the samples 102 FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example were collected. In other embodiments, one or more samples operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example 102 may be collected from an individual and analyzed by a embodiments where the processing operation 210 may person other than the individual. For example, a physician, include at least one additional operation. Additional opera nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal trainer, or the like may tions may include an operation 302, an operation 304, an 30 collect one or more samples 102 from an individual and then operation 306, an operation 308, and/or an operation 310. analyze the one or more samples 102 through use of system At operation 302, the processing operation 210 may 100. include accepting the one or more samples. In some embodi At operation 306, the processing operation 210 may ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured include accepting the one or more samples that include at to accept one or more samples 102. For example, in some 35 least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a needle excrement, or mucus. In some embodiments, one or more to accept one or more blood and/or tissue samples 102. In microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, mouthpiece to accept one or more breath and/or saliva hair, saliva, excrement, or mucus. In some embodiments, samples 102. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 40 individuals may collect one or more samples 102 from them may include a scraperto accept one or more skin and/or tissue selves. Accordingly, in some embodiments, system 100 may samples 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or be used for point-of-care analysis by an individual. In some more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be analyzed by 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips someone other than the individual from whom the one or 106 may accept one or more samples 102 that are collected 45 more samples 102 were collected. For example, in some through use of invasive techniques. Such techniques include, embodiments, individuals may collect one or more samples but are not limited to, drawing blood, obtaining mucus, 102 from themselves and then send the one or more samples obtaining tissue samples 102, and the like. In some embodi 102 for analysis by a person other than the individual from ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or whom the samples 102 were collected. In other embodiments, more samples 102 that are collected through use of non 50 one or more samples 102 may be collected from an individual invasive techniques. Such techniques include, but are not and analyzed by a person other than the individual. For limited to, collecting one or more samples 102 that include example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal breath, saliva, hair, Sweat, tears, and the like. trainer, or the like may collect one or more samples 102 from In some embodiments, individuals may collect one or more an individual and then analyze the one or more samples 102 samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in Some embodi 55 through use of system 100. ments, system 100 may be used for point-of-care analysis by At operation 308, the processing operation 210 may an individual. In some embodiments, one or more samples include accepting the one or more samples that include blood. 102 may be processed by someone other than the individual In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 from whom the one or more samples 102 were collected. For may be configured to accept one or more blood samples 102. example, in Some embodiments, individuals may collect one 60 For example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 or more samples 102 from themselves and then send the one may include a needle that may be used to penetrate tissue to or more samples 102 for analysis by a person other than the accept a blood sample 102. In some embodiments, a microf individual from whom the samples 102 were collected. In luidic chip 106 may include a capillary tube that may be used other embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be col to accept blood for analysis. Such a capillary tube may be lected from an individual and analyzed by a person other than 65 used to accept blood for analysis without having to pierce the the individual. For example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutri skin or other tissue of an individual. For example, Such a tionist, personal trainer, or the like may collect one or more capillary tube may be used to accept a blood sample 102 for US 7,927,787 B2 15 16 analysis by inserting the capillary tube into a blood sample ciated components 104 is mixed with a reaction mixture that 102 resulting from a finger stick with a lancet. includes one or more labeled components that are being In some embodiments, individuals may collect one or more tested. The mixed reaction mixture is then passed over a field blood samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in some and/or array to which moieties that bind to the one or more embodiments, system 100 may be used for point-of-care nutraceutical associated components 104 and labeled com analysis by an individual. In some embodiments, one or more ponents are immobilized. The one or more unlabeled nutra blood samples 102 may be processed by someone other than ceutical associated components 104 in the sample 102 will the individual from whom the one or more samples 102 were compete with the one or more labeled components in the collected. For example, in Some embodiments, individuals reaction mixture for binding and will thereby decrease the may collect one or more blood samples 102 from themselves 10 amount of label bound within the field and/or array. Accord and then send the one or more blood samples 102 for process ingly, the amount of one or more nutraceutical associated ing by a person other than the individual from whom the components 104 being tested for in the sample 102 may be samples 102 were collected. In other embodiments, one or indicated by a decrease inbound label. In some embodiments, more blood samples 102 may be collected from an individual such microfluidic chips 106 may include a control field and/or and analyzed by a person other than the individual. For 15 array. In some embodiments, such microfluidic chips 106 example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal may be calibrated prior to application of the sample 102 and trainer, or the like may collect one or more blood samples 102 therefore not include a control field and/or array. In some from an individual and then analyze the one or more blood embodiments, such fields and/or arrays may include poly samples 102 through use of system 100. nucleotides, proteins, peptides, nucleic acid aptamers, pep At operation 310, the processing operation 210 may tide aptamers, antibodies, chemicals, chromatographic include processing the one or more samples with one or more media, and other materials that may be used to separate one or microfluidic chips that utilize polynucleotide interaction, more nutraceutical associated components 104 from one or protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, more samples 102. Accordingly, fields and/or arrays may chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, include numerous types of moieties that may be used to detect aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, isoelectric focus 25 numerous types of nutraceutical associated components 104. ing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or competition assay. In In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be con some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may figured to process one or more samples 102 for one type of process one or more samples 102 with at least one technique nutraceutical associated component 104. In some embodi that includes processing the one or more samples 102 with ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be configured to process one or more microfluidic chips 106 that utilize polynucleotide 30 one or more samples 102 for one or more types of nutraceu interaction, protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody tical associated components 104. interaction, chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chro In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 matography, aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, iso may be configured to process one or more samples 102 electric focusing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, competition through use of protein interaction. In some embodiments, assay, or Substantially any combination thereof. 35 Such interaction may occur through binding interaction. In In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 Some embodiments, such interaction may include enzymatic may process one or more samples 102 utilizing polynucle activity. For example, a microfluidic chip 106 may include otide interaction (Singh-Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., one or more enzymes that catalyze a reaction that includes 100:7605-7610 (2003) and Wang et al., Anal. Chem. nutraceutical associated components 104 as a Substrate or as 75:3941-3945 (2003)). Such polynucleotide interaction may 40 a product. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical associated occur through hybridization of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribo component 104 may be assayed based on the ability to stimu nucleic acid, derivatives thereof, or Substantially any combi late an enzyme. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical asso nation thereof. In some embodiments, polynucleotides may ciated component 104 may be assayed based on the ability to be configured as polynucleotide arrays. Methods to construct inhibit an enzyme. In some embodiments, such enzyme polynucleotide arrays are known and have been used to con 45 assays may be calorimetric assays. Accordingly, numerous struct various polynucleotide arrays (Affymetrix, Santa types of enzyme assays may be adapted for detection of one or Clara, Calif.). more nutraceutical associated components 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 One or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured to may be configured to process one or more samples 102 utilize electrical conductivity to assay one or more nutraceu through use of competition assays. In some embodiments, a 50 tical associated components 104. Briefly, in some embodi competition assay may utilize a reaction mixture that may ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may include elec include a first fluorescently labeled component that binds to a trodes that may be directly coupled to a processor so that the second fluorescently labeled component. The presence of one processor may determine the electrical conductivity between or more unlabeled nutraceutical associated components 104 electrodes of aparticular sensor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,958.216 and in the reaction mixture decreases the amount of labeled first 55 7,022.288; herein incorporated by reference). component and labeled second component that bind to each In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 other and thereby reduces fluorescence resonance energy may be configured to utilize isoelectric focusing to process transfer. Accordingly, detecting the level of fluorescence one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 (i.e., resonance energy transfer by a detection unit 108 allows the U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,074,583; 7,046,357; 6,852,206; 6,849,396; amount of a nutraceutical associated component 104 in a 60 and 7,074.311; herein incorporated by reference). Briefly, sample 102 to be determined. Numerous other configurations isoelectric focusing may be used to characterize nutraceutical may be prepared that utilize fluorescence resonance energy associated components 104. Such as proteins, based on dif transfer by one or more detection units 108. In some embodi ferences in their isoelectric points. The nutraceutical associ ments, fluorescence quenching may be used within a compe ated components 104 may then be separated according to tition assay. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic 65 their position within a pH gradient. chips 106 may be configured for competition assays where a Numerous chromatographic methods may be used to pro sample 102 being tested for one or more nutraceutical asso cess one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. US 7,927,787 B2 17 18 Examples of such chromatographic methods include, but are stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), not limited to, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange 5-HTP cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, human chori chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like. onic gonadotropin, prohormones thereof, or Substantially any In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 combination thereof. may be configured to utilize filtration to process one or more Examples of polynucleotides that may be processed nutraceutical associated components 104. For example, one through use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may be but are not limited to, those that encode hormones, enzymes processed based on their ability and/or inability to pass involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes involved in meta through a filter. Such filters may separate nutraceutical asso bolic pathways, and the like. ciated components 104 based on numerous properties. 10 Examples of enzymes that may be processed through use Examples of Such properties include, but are not limited to, of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not molecular weight, charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, limited to, enzymes involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes and the like. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic involved in metabolic pathways, or Substantially any combi chips 106 may be configured to use an H-filter to separate one nation thereof. or more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such 15 Examples of proteins that may be processed through use of H-filters have been described (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,221,677: one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim 6,695, 147; 6,541,213; herein incorporated by reference). ited to, proteins linked to urinary tract infection, prostate In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 specific antigen, microalbumin, hemoglobin, or Substantially may be configured to utilize electrophoresis to process one or any combination thereof. more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth Examples of vitamins that may be processed through use of ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition ited to, vitamin A, B vitamins, C Vitamins, vitamin D, E (Jan. 15, 2001)). Vitamins, vitamin K, or Substantially any combination In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 thereof. may be configured to utilize immunoassay to process one or 25 Examples of minerals that may be processed through use of more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory ited to, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, magne Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition sium, manganese, selenium, strontium, Sulfur, zinc, or Sub (Jan. 15, 2001)). Combinations of numerous methods may be stantially any combination thereof. used to process one or more nutraceutical associated compo 30 Examples of metals that may be processed through use of nents 104. one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example ited to, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example lead, mercury, nickel, tin, or Substantially any combination embodiments where the processing operation 210 may thereof. include at least one additional operation. Additional opera 35 Examples of antioxidants that may be processed through tions may include an operation 402, an operation 404, an use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not operation 406, an operation 408, and/or an operation 410. limited to, VitaminA, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, At operation 402, the processing operation 210 may coenzyme Q-10, or Substantially any combination thereof. include processing the one or more samples that include at At operation 406, the processing operation 210 may least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, 40 include processing two or more samples that are collected at excrement, blood, or mucus. One or more microfluidic chips two or more different times. In some embodiments, one or 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 that more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process two or include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, more samples 102 that are collected at two or more different saliva, excrement, blood, mucus, or Substantially any combi times. For example, a first sample 102 may be processed that nation thereof. In some embodiments, one or more samples 45 was collected at a first time and a second sample 102 may be 102 may be processed through use of extraction methods to processed that was collected at a second time. Numerous provide for detection of one or more nutraceutical associated samples 102 and time points may be processed through use of components 104. For example, in some embodiments, microfluidic chips 106. Accordingly, in some embodiments, nucleic acid may be extracted from a sample 102. In other the presence or absence of one or more nutraceutical associ embodiments, one or more enzymes may be extracted from 50 ated components 104 at two or more times may be deter one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more mined. In some embodiments, an increase or decrease in a nutraceutical associated components 104 may be solvent nutraceutical associated component 104 in a time relevant extracted from one or more samples 102. Numerous methods manner may be determined. Such an increase or decrease in a may be used to process one or more samples 102. nutraceutical associated component 104 may be determined At operation 404, the processing operation 210 may 55 through detection of concentration, activity, and the like. include processing the one or more samples that include at Accordingly, system 100 may be used to determine dosages least one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, of one or more nutraceutical agents for administration to an protein, vitamin, mineral, metal, or antioxidant. In some individual or group of individuals. In some embodiments, embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be system 100 may be used to determine one or more metabolic used to process one or more samples 102 that include at least 60 responses to one or more nutraceutical agents by an indi one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, vidual or group of individuals. Vitamin, mineral, metal, antioxidant, or Substantially any At operation 408, the processing operation 210 may combination thereof. include processing the one or more samples with one or more Examples of hormones that may be processed through use microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of a single of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not 65 nutraceutical associated component. In some embodiments, a limited to, testosterone (free and/or bound), estrogen, andro microfluidic chip 106 may be configured for analysis of a gens, estradiol, progesterone, melatonin, serotonin, follicle single nutraceutical associated component 104. For example, US 7,927,787 B2 19 20 in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be con Acad. Sci., 100:7605-7610 (2003) and Wang et al., Anal. figured for analysis of testosterone in at least one sample 102. Chem., 75:3941-3945 (2003)). Such polynucleotide binding In some embodiments, such a microfluidic chip 106 may be may occur through hybridization of deoxyribonucleic acid, configured for analysis of free versus bound testosterone. In ribonucleic acid, and derivatives thereof. In some embodi some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be config ments, one or more detection units 108 may detect fluorescent ured for analysis of estrogen in at least one sample 102. resonance energy transfer. For example, one or more microf Accordingly, microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for luidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis of one or analysis of numerous types of nutraceutical associated com more nutraceutical associated components 104 through use of ponents 104. competition assays. Such competition assays may utilize a At operation 410, the processing operation 210 may 10 reaction mixture that may include a first fluorescently labeled include providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, component that binds to a second fluorescently labeled com a microfluidic chip 106 may provide for user interaction. For ponent. The presence of unlabeled component in the reaction example, in Some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may mixture decreases the amount of labeled first component and include a receiver that receives signals 116 that are transmit labeled second component that bind to each other and thereby ted in response to a user interface 114. Such signals 116 may 15 reduces fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Accordingly, direct the microfluidic chip 106 to act in accordance with detecting the level of fluorescence resonance energy transfer commands input by a user 118. In some embodiments, a by a detection unit 108 allows the amount of a component in microfluidic chip 106 may include one or more user interfaces a sample 102 to be determined. Numerous other configura 114 that provide for direct interaction with a user 118. tions may be prepared that utilize fluorescence resonance Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not energy transfer by one or more detection units 108. Electron limited to, ports for accepting samples 102, ports for accept transfer may be utilized by one or more detection units 108 ing reagents, electrical connections, couplings, and the like. (Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003)). In some embodiments, electrical connections may be config One or more detection units 108 may detect numerous types ured for accepting various devices that may be used for of enzyme assays. For example, in Some embodiments, such numerous purposes, such as to control or monitor a microf 25 enzyme assays may be colorimetric assays. In some embodi luidic chip 106. In some embodiments, couplings may be ments, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 configured for attachment to Syringes, pumps, sample loops, that stimulate or inhibit the activity of an enzyme may be needles, and the like. detected. Accordingly, numerous types of enzyme assays FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example may be adapted for detection of one or more nutraceutical operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example 30 associated components 104. Electrical conductivity may be embodiments where the detecting operation 220 may include detected by one or more detection units 108. Briefly, in some at least one additional operation. Additional operations may embodiments, electrodes may be directly coupled to a pro include an operation502, an operation 504, an operation 506, cessor So that the processor may determine the electrical an operation 508, and/or an operation 510. conductivity between electrodes of a particular sensor (U.S. At operation 502, the detecting operation 220 may include 35 Pat. Nos. 6,958.216 and 7,022,288; herein incorporated by detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated compo reference). In some embodiments, isoelectric focusing may nents with at least one technique that includes spectroscopy, be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detection, fluores ponents 104 (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,074,583; 7.046,357; 6,852, cence resonance energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme 206: 6,849,396; and 7,074,311; herein incorporated by refer assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chroma 40 ence). Briefly, isoelectric focusing may be used to tography, immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer characterize nutraceutical associated components 104. Such binding, filtration, electrophoresis, or immunoassay. In some as proteins, based on differences in their isoelectric points. embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may detect one The nutraceutical associated components 104 may then be or more nutraceutical associated components 104 with at detected according to their position within a pH gradient. least one technique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemi 45 Numerous chromatographic methods may be used to detect cal detection, polynucleotide detection, fluorescence reso one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. nance energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, elec Examples of such chromatographic methods include, but are trical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, not limited to, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like. In filtration, electrophoresis, or immunoassay. Numerous spec 50 Some embodiments, immunoseparation may be used to detect troscopy based methods may be used by one or more detec one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. tion units 108. Examples of such spectroscopic methods Briefly, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 include, but are not limited to, mass spectroscopy, atomic may be detected upon binding to an antibody or an antibody absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spec fragment. In some embodiments, aptamer binding may be troscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, light absorbance, light 55 used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo transmittance, infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, nents 104. Briefly, one or more nutraceutical associated com electron spin resonance, plasmon resonance spectroscopy, ponents 104 may be detected upon binding to an aptamer. ultraviolet light spectroscopy, visible light spectroscopy, and Numerous types of aptamers may be utilized to detect nutra the like. Electrochemical detection may be utilized by one or ceutical associated components 104. Examples of aptamers more detection units 108 in some embodiments. For example, 60 include, but are not limited to, peptide aptamers and poly in some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may nucleotide aptamers. In some embodiments, filtration may be detect conductivity, electromotive force, oxidation potential, used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo reduction potential, redox current, and the like (i.e., Xiao et nents 104. For example, one or more nutraceutical associated al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 103:16677-16680 (2006) and Fan components 104 may be detected based on their ability and/or et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003)). In some 65 inability to pass through a filter. Such filters may separate embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may detect nutraceutical associated components 104 based on numerous polynucleotide binding (Singh-Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. properties. Examples of Such properties include, but are not US 7,927,787 B2 21 22 limited to, molecular weight, charge, hydrophobicity, hydro At operation 508, the detecting operation 220 may include philicity, and the like. In some embodiments, electrophoresis transmitting one or more signals to one or more display units. may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may components 104. Such methods are known in the art (Mo transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more display units lecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor 110. Examples of such signals 116 include, but are not limited Laboratory Press; 3rd edition (Jan. 15, 2001)). In some to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals 116, infrared sig embodiments, immunoassay may be used to detect one or nals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency (RF) signals more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, analog signals ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory 116, or substantially any combination thereof. Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition 10 At operation 510, the detecting operation 220 may include (Jan. 15, 2001)). Combinations of numerous methods may be transmitting one or more signals to one or more recording used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo units. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 nents 104. For example, in some embodiments, electrophore may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more record sis may be combined with colorimetric methods. ing units 112. Examples of Such signals 116 include, but are At operation 504, the detecting operation 220 may include 15 not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals 116, detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated compo infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency (RF) nents at two or more different times. In some embodiments, signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, analog one or more detection units 108 may be used to detect one or signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. more nutraceutical associated components 104 at two or more FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flow 600 representing different times. In some embodiments, two or more samples examples of operations that are related to the performance of 102 that include one or more nutraceutical associated com a method for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated ponents 104 may be collected from an individual at two or components 104. In FIG. 6 and in following figures that more different times and analyzed. Accordingly, changes in include various examples of operations used during perfor the one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 mance of the method, discussion and explanation may be may be followed relative to time. Such changes include, but 25 provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. are not limited to, changes in activity, concentration, and the 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. How like. In some embodiments, such changes may occur in ever, it should be understood that the operations may be response to an event. For example, in some embodiments, one executed in a number of other environments and contexts, or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may and/or modified versions of FIG.1. Also, although the various change in response to administration of one or more nutra 30 operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it ceutical agents to an individual. In some embodiments, a should be understood that the various operations may be nutraceutical associated component 104 is a nutraceutical performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or agent. Accordingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 may may be performed concurrently. be used to determine the concentration of one or more nutra After a start operation, the operational flow 600 includes a ceutical associated components 104 following administration 35 processing operation 610 involving processing one or more of one or more nutraceutical agents to an individual. In some samples with one or more microfluidic chips that are config embodiments, system 100 may be used to determine the ured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated concentration of one or more nutraceutical associated com components. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic ponents 104 following an event or stimulus to which an indi chips 106 that are configured for analysis of one or more vidual is exposed. For example, the concentration and/or 40 nutraceutical associated components 104 may be used to activity of one or more nutraceutical agents may be deter process one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one mined during and/or following exercise, food intake, phar or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more maceutical intake, or ingestion of other Substances by an samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic individual. Accordingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 acquired may be used to monitor nutraceutical associated components 45 through use of one or more non-invasive techniques. In some 104 that are affected by an individuals metabolism. embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept At operation 506, the detecting operation 220 may include one or more samples 102 that include at least one of Sweat, providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, one or tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, mucus, or more detection units 108 may provide for user interaction. In Substantially any combination thereof. In some embodi some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may 50 ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or include one or more user interfaces 114. A detection unit 108 more samples 102 that include blood. In some embodiments, may include numerous types of user interfaces 114. Examples one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process of suchuser interfaces 114 include, but are not limited to, user one or more samples 102 utilizing polynucleotide interaction, interfaces 114 that utilize hardwired methods, such as key protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, boards, touch screens, personal digital assistant interfaces, 55 chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, telephone interfaces, electronic writing pads, Voice recogni aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, isoelectric focus tion interfaces, and the like. User interfaces 114 may also ing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, competition assay, or include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize Substantially any combination thereof. In some embodi numerous wireless methods. Such as use of the internet, ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and the like. In 60 process one or more samples 102 that include at least one of Some embodiments, user interaction may include input of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, parameters associated with an individual. Examples of Such blood, mucus, or Substantially any combination thereof. In parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more indi some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may vidual’s height, weight, age, fat percentage, physical fitness be used to process one or more samples 102 that include at level, known allergies, activities, schedule, pharmaceutical 65 least one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, ingestion, nutraceutical ingestion, food ingestion, alcohol protein, Vitamin, mineral, metal, antioxidant, a Substantially consumption, and the like. any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more US 7,927,787 B2 23 24 microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process two or more tions may include an operation 702, an operation 704, an samples 102 that are collected at two or more different times. operation 706, an operation 708, and/or an operation 710. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 At operation 702, the displaying operation 630 may may be used to process one or more samples 102 that are include displaying the results in human-readable format. In configured for analysis of a single nutraceutical associated Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may dis component 104. In some embodiments, one or more microf play one or more results in human-readable format. Examples luidic chips 106 may provide for user interaction. of human-readable formats include, but are not limited to, The operational flow 600 includes a detecting operation written language, Verbal communications, Braille output, 620 involving detecting the one or more nutraceutical asso pictographic output, graphical output, colorographic output, ciated components with one or more detection units. In some 10 and the like. embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. At operation 704, the displaying operation 630 may In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may include displaying the results in machine-readable format. In be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may dis ponents 104 with at least one technique that includes spec 15 play one or more results in machine-readable format. troscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detec Examples of machine-readable formats include, but are not tion, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron limited to, electrical signals 116, bar codes, graphical pat transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric terns, punch cards, encoding on a computer-readable focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun medium, magnetic encoding, digital coding, optical coding, oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, and the like. immunoassay, or Substantially any combination thereof. In At operation 706, the displaying operation 630 may some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be include displaying if the one or more nutraceutical associated used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo components are present or absent within the one or more nents 104 that are associated with two or more samples 102 samples. In some embodiments, one or more display units that were collected at two or more different times. In some 25 110 may display if one or more nutraceutical associated com embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may provide ponents 104 that are present or absent within one or more for user interaction. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more display detection units 108 may be used to transmit one or more units 110 may display the identity of one or more nutraceu signals 116 to one or more display units 110. In some embodi tical associated components 104 that are present or absent ments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to trans 30 within one or more samples 102. For example, in some mit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording units embodiments, system 100 may be used to determine if one or 112. more nutraceutical associated components 104, such as one The operational flow 600 includes a displaying operation or more nutraceutical agents, are present or absent from one 630 involving displaying results of the detecting with one or or more food supplements, foods, bodily samples 102, and the more display units that are operably coupled with the one or 35 like. more detection units. In some embodiments, one or more At operation 708, the displaying operation 630 may display units 110 may be used to display the results of the include displaying one or more concentrations of the one or detecting. In some embodiments, one or more display units more nutraceutical associated components. In some embodi 110 may be used to display results in human-readable format. ments, one or more display units 110 may display one or more In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be 40 concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com used to display results in machine-readable format. In some ponents 104 that are present or absent within one or more embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to samples 102. Concentrations of one or more nutraceutical display if one or more nutraceutical associated components associated components 104 may be displayed in numerous are present or absent within one or more samples 102. In some formats. For example, in Some embodiments, concentration embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to 45 may be expressed in quantity terms that include, but are not display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu limited to, grams, milligrams, nanograms, and the like. In tical associated components 104. In some embodiments, one Some embodiments, concentrations may be expressed in or more display units 110 may be used to receive one or more quantity per Volume of sample 102. For example, in some signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. In some embodiments, concentration may be expressed as molarity, embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to 50 molality, grams per liter, milligrams per liter, milligrams per display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu deciliter, and the like. tical associated components 104 associated with two or more At operation 710, the displaying operation 630 may samples 102 that were collected at two or more different include receiving one or more signals from the one or more times. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 detection units. In some embodiments, one or more display may be used to display one or more messages indicating one 55 units 110 may receive one or more signals 116 from one or or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for more detection units 108. Examples of such signals 116 Supplementation of an individual. In some embodiments, one include, but are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wire or more display units 110 may provide for user interaction. In less signals 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116. Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital used to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more 60 signals 116, analog signals 116, or Substantially any combi display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more display nation thereof. units 110 may be used to transmit one or more signals 116 to FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example one or more recording units 112. operational flow 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates example FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example embodiments where the displaying operation 630 may operational flow 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 illustrates example 65 include at least one additional operation. Additional opera embodiments where the displaying operation 630 may tions may include an operation 802, an operation 804, an include at least one additional operation. Additional opera operation 806, an operation 808, and/or an operation 810. US 7,927,787 B2 25 26 At operation 802, the displaying operation 630 may individual’s height, weight, age, fat percentage, physical fit include displaying one or more concentrations of the one or ness level, known allergies, activities, schedule, pharmaceu more nutraceutical associated components at two or more tical ingestion, nutraceutical ingestion, food ingestion, alco different times. In some embodiments, one or more display hol consumption, and the like. units 110 may display one or more concentrations of one or 5 At operation 808, the displaying operation 630 may more nutraceutical associated components 104 at two or more include transmitting one or more signals to the one or more different times. In some embodiments, one or more display display units. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may display one or more concentrations of one or units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more more nutraceutical associated components 104 present within display units 110. Examples of such signals 116 include, but two or more samples 102 that were collected at two or more 10 are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals different times. In some embodiments, one or more display 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency units 110 may display two or more concentrations of one or (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, more nutraceutical associated components 104 in graphical analog signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. form. For example, in Some embodiments, concentrations In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may may be displayed as a bar graph, a line graph, a pie chart, and 15 transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more remote the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user 118 may display units 110. For example, in Some embodiments, one or plot two or more concentrations of one or more nutraceutical more display units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 associated components 104. Numerous plot formats may be to one or more remote display units 110 that are located in the used. Examples of such formats include, but are not limited office of a physician, nurse, dietician, pharmacist, coach, to, concentration versus time from ingestion of one or more personal trainer, clerk at a food Supplement store, clerk at a nutraceutical agents, concentration versus time from an grocery store, and the like. event, such as exercise, sleep, injury, and the like. Accord At operation 810, the displaying operation 630 may ingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 may be used to include transmitting one or more signals to one or more predict the concentration of one or more nutraceutical agents recording units. In some embodiments, one or more display within a sample 102 obtained from an individual at one or 25 units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more more times. For example, in Some embodiments, an indi recording units 112. In some embodiments, one or more vidual can predict the concentration of one or more nutraceu display units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one tical associated components 104 in blood samples 102 or more recording units 112. Examples of Such signals 116 obtained from an individual following ingestion of one or include, but are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wire more nutraceutical agents. 30 less signals 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116. At operation 804, the displaying operation 630 may radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital include displaying one or more messages indicating one or signals 116, analog signals 116, or substantially any combi more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for Supple nation thereof. mentation of an individual. In some embodiments, one or FIG. 9 illustrates an operational flow 900 representing more display units 110 may display one or more messages 35 examples of operations that are related to the performance of indicating one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical a method for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated agents for Supplementation of an individual. In some embodi components 104. In FIG. 9 and in following figures that ments, system 100 may be used to determine one or more include various examples of operations used during perfor concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com mance of the method, discussion and explanation may be ponents 104 included within one or more samples 102 40 provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. obtained from an individual and then display one or more 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. How concentrations of one or more nutraceutical agents for ever, it should be understood that the operations may be Supplementation of the individual. For example, in some executed in a number of other environments and contexts, embodiments, the concentration of calcium may be deter and/or modified versions of FIG.1. Also, although the various mined to be low in a sample 102 obtained from an individual 45 operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it and the display unit 110 may indicate a dosage of a calcium should be understood that the various operations may be Supplement for administration to the individual. Accordingly, performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or one or more display units 110 may display one or more may be performed concurrently. dosages of numerous types of nutraceutical agents for admin The operational flow 900 includes a detecting operation istration to one or more individuals. 50 910 involving detecting one or more nutraceutical associated At operation 806, the displaying operation 630 may components with one or more detection units. In some include providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to one or more display units 110 may provide for user interac detect one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. tion. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may may include one or more user interfaces 114. A display unit 55 be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com 110 may include numerous types of user interfaces 114. ponents 104 with at least one technique that includes spec Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not troscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detec limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize hardwired methods, tion, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron Such as keyboards, touch screens, personal digital assistant transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric interfaces, telephone interfaces, electronic writing pads, 60 focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun voice recognition interfaces, and the like. User interfaces 114 oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, may also include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 immunoassay, or Substantially any combination thereof. In that utilize numerous wireless methods, such as use of the some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be internet, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo the like. In some embodiments, user interaction may include 65 nents 104 that are associated with two or more samples 102 input of parameters associated with an individual. Examples that were collected at two or more different times. In some of such parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may provide US 7,927,787 B2 27 28 for user interaction. In some embodiments, one or more light spectroscopy, and the like. Electrochemical detection detection units 108 may be used to transmit one or more may be utilized by one or more detection units 108 in some signals 116 to one or more display units 110. In some embodi embodiments. For example, in Some embodiments, one or ments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to trans more detection units 108 may detect conductivity, electromo mit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording units tive force, oxidation potential, reduction potential, redox cur 112. rent, and the like (i.e., Xiao et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., The operational flow 900 includes a displaying operation 103:16677-16680 (2006) and Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. 920 involving displaying results of the detecting with one or Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003)). In some embodiments, one or more display units that are operably coupled with the one or more microfluidic chips 106 may detect polynucleotide bind more detection units. In some embodiments, one or more 10 ing (Singh-Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:7605 display units 110 may be used to display the results of the 7610 (2003) and Wang et al., Anal. Chem., 75:3941-3945 detecting. In some embodiments, one or more display units (2003)). Such polynucleotide binding may occur through 110 may be used to display results in human-readable format. hybridization of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, and In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, one or more detec used to display results in machine-readable format. In some 15 tion units 108 may detect fluorescent resonance energy trans embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to fer. For example, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be display if one or more nutraceutical associated components configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associ are present or absent within one or more samples 102. In some ated components 104 through use of competition assays. embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to Such competition assays may utilize a reaction mixture that display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu may include a first fluorescently labeled component that tical associated components 104. In some embodiments, one binds to a second fluorescently labeled component. The pres or more display units 110 may be used to receive one or more ence of unlabeled component in the reaction mixture signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. In some decreases the amount of labeled first component and labeled embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to second component that bind to each other and thereby display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu 25 reduces fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Accordingly, tical associated components 104 associated with two or more detecting the level of fluorescence resonance energy transfer samples 102 that were collected at two or more different by a detection unit 108 allows the amount of a component in times. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 a sample 102 to be determined. Numerous other configura may be used to display one or more messages indicating one tions may be prepared that utilize fluorescence resonance or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for 30 energy transfer by one or more detection units 108. Electron Supplementation of an individual. In some embodiments, one transfer may be utilized by one or more detection units 108 or more display units 110 may provide for user interaction. In (Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003)). Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be One or more detection units 108 may detect numerous types used to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more of enzyme assays. For example, in Some embodiments, such display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more display 35 enzyme assays may be colorimetric assays. In some embodi units 110 may be used to transmit one or more signals 116 to ments, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 one or more recording units 112. that stimulate or inhibit the activity of an enzyme may be FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example detected. Accordingly, numerous types of enzyme assays operational flow 900 of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 illustrates example may be adapted for detection of one or more nutraceutical embodiments where the detecting operation 910 may include 40 associated components 104. Electrical conductivity may be at least one additional operation. Additional operations may detected by one or more detection units 108. Briefly, in some include an operation 1002, an operation 1004, an operation embodiments, electrodes may be directly coupled to a pro 1006, an operation 1008, and/or an operation 1010. cessor So that the processor may determine the electrical At operation 1002, the detecting operation 910 may conductivity between electrodes of a particular sensor (U.S. include detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated 45 Pat. Nos. 6,958.216 and 7,022,288; herein incorporated by components with at least one technique that includes spec reference). In some embodiments, isoelectric focusing may troscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detec be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com tion, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron trans ponents 104 (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,074,583; 7.046,357; 6,852, fer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric 206: 6,849,396; and 7,074,311; herein incorporated by refer focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun 50 ence). Briefly, isoelectric focusing may be used to oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, or characterize nutraceutical associated components 104. Such immunoassay. In some embodiments, one or more detection as proteins, based on differences in their isoelectric points. units 108 may detect one or more nutraceutical associated The nutraceutical associated components 104 may then be components 104 with at least one technique that includes detected according to their position within a pH gradient. spectroscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide 55 Numerous chromatographic methods may be used to detect detection, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric Examples of such chromatographic methods include, but are focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun not limited to, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, or chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like. In immunoassay. Numerous spectroscopy based methods may 60 Some embodiments, immunoseparation may be used to detect be used by one or more detection units 108. Examples of such one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. spectroscopic methods include, but are not limited to, mass Briefly, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, nuclear mag may be detected upon binding to an antibody or an antibody netic resonance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, fragment. In some embodiments, aptamer binding may be light absorbance, light transmittance, infrared spectroscopy, 65 used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo raman spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, plasmon reso nents 104. Briefly, one or more nutraceutical associated com nance spectroscopy, ultraviolet light spectroscopy, visible ponents 104 may be detected upon binding to an aptamer. US 7,927,787 B2 29 30 Numerous types of aptamers may be utilized to detect nutra may also include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 ceutical associated components 104. Examples of aptamers that utilize numerous wireless methods, such as use of the include, but are not limited to, peptide aptamers and poly internet, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and nucleotide aptamers. In some embodiments, filtration may be the like. In some embodiments, user interaction may include used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo input of parameters associated with an individual. Examples nents 104. For example, one or more nutraceutical associated of such parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more components 104 may be detected based on their ability and/or individual’s height, weight, age, fat percentage, physical fit inability to pass through a filter. Such filters may separate ness level, known allergies, activities, schedule, pharmaceu nutraceutical associated components 104 based on numerous tical ingestion, nutraceutical ingestion, food ingestion, alco properties. Examples of Such properties include, but are not 10 hol consumption, and the like. limited to, molecular weight, charge, hydrophobicity, hydro At operation 1008, the detecting operation 910 may philicity, and the like. In some embodiments, electrophoresis include transmitting one or more signals to the one or more may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated display units. In some embodiments, one or more detection components 104. Such methods are known in the art (Mo units 108 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more lecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor 15 display units 110. Examples of such signals 116 include, but Laboratory Press; 3rd edition (Jan. 15, 2001)). In some are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals embodiments, immunoassay may be used to detect one or 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory analog signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition At operation 1010, the detecting operation 910 may (Jan. 15, 2001)). Combinations of numerous methods may be include transmitting one or more signals to one or more used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo recording units. In some embodiments, one or more detection nents 104. For example, in some embodiments, electrophore units 108 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more sis may be combined with colorimetric methods. recording units 112. Examples of Such signals 116 include, At operation 1004, the detecting operation 910 may 25 but are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals include detecting the one or more nutraceutical associated 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency components at two or more different times. In some embodi (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, ments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to detect analog signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 at two FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example or more different times. In some embodiments, two or more 30 operational flow 900 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 illustrates example samples 102 that include one or more nutraceutical associated embodiments where the displaying operation 920 may components 104 may be collected from an individual at two include at least one additional operation. Additional opera or more different times and analyzed. Accordingly, changes tions may include an operation 1102, an operation 1104, an in the one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 operation 1106, an operation 1108, and/or an operation 1110. may be followed relative to time. Such changes include, but 35 At operation 1102, the displaying operation 920 may are not limited to, changes in activity, concentration, and the include displaying the results in human-readable format. In like. In some embodiments, such changes may occur in Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may dis response to an event. For example, in some embodiments, one play one or more results in human-readable format. Examples or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may of human-readable formats include, but are not limited to, change in response to administration of one or more nutra 40 written language, Verbal communications, Braille output, ceutical agents to an individual. In some embodiments, a pictographic output, graphical output, colorographic output, nutraceutical associated component 104 is a nutraceutical and the like. agent. Accordingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 may At operation 1104, the displaying operation 920 may be used to determine the concentration of one or more nutra include displaying the results in machine-readable format. In ceutical associated components 104 following administration 45 Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may dis of one or more nutraceutical agents to an individual. In some play one or more results in machine-readable format. embodiments, system 100 may be used to determine the Examples of machine-readable formats include, but are not concentration of one or more nutraceutical associated com limited to, electrical signals 116, bar codes, graphical pat ponents 104 following an event or stimulus to which an indi terns, punch cards, encoding on a computer-readable vidual is exposed. For example, the concentration and/or 50 medium, magnetic encoding, digital coding, optical coding, activity of one or more nutraceutical agents may be deter and the like. mined during and/or following exercise, food intake, phar At operation 1106, the displaying operation 920 may maceutical intake, or ingestion of other Substances by an include displaying if the one or more nutraceutical associated individual. Accordingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 components are present or absent within one or more may be used to monitor nutraceutical associated components 55 samples. In some embodiments, one or more display units 104 that are affected by an individuals metabolism. 110 may display if one or more nutraceutical associated com At operation 1006, the detecting operation 910 may ponents 104 are present or absent within one or more samples include providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, 102. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 one or more detection units 108 may provide for user inter may display the identity of one or more nutraceutical associ action. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 60 ated components 104 are present or absent within one or more 108 may include one or more user interfaces 114. A detection samples 102. For example, in some embodiments, system 100 unit 108 may include numerous types of user interfaces 114. may be used to determine if one or more nutraceutical asso Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not ciated components 104. Such as one or more nutraceutical limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize hardwired methods, agents, are present or absent from one or more food Supple Such as keyboards, touch screens, personal digital assistant 65 ments, foods, bodily samples 102, and the like. interfaces, telephone interfaces, electronic writing pads, At operation 1108, the displaying operation 920 may voice recognition interfaces, and the like. User interfaces 114 include displaying one or more concentrations of the one or US 7,927,787 B2 31 32 more nutraceutical associated components. In some embodi ments, system 100 may be used to determine one or more ments, one or more display units 110 may display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com ponents 104 included within one or more samples 102 ponents 104 that are present or absent within one or more obtained from an individual and then display one or more samples 102. Concentrations of one or more nutraceutical concentrations of one or more nutraceutical agents for associated components 104 may be displayed in numerous Supplementation of the individual. For example, in some formats. For example, in some embodiments, concentration embodiments, the concentration of calcium may be deter may be expressed in quantity terms that include, but are not mined to be low in a sample 102 obtained from an individual limited to, grams, milligrams, nanograms, and the like. In and the display unit 110 may indicate a dosage of a calcium Some embodiments, concentrations may be expressed in 10 Supplement for administration to the individual. Accordingly, quantity per Volume of sample 102. For example, in some one or more display units 110 may display one or more embodiments, concentration may be expressed as molarity, dosages of numerous types of nutraceutical agents for admin molality, grams per liter, milligrams per liter, milligrams per istration to one or more individuals. deciliter, and the like. At operation 1206, the displaying operation 920 may At operation 1110, the displaying operation 920 may 15 include providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, include receiving one or more signals from the one or more one or more display units 110 may provide for user interac detection units. In some embodiments, one or more display tion. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 units 110 may receive one or more signals 116 from one or may include one or more user interfaces 114. A display unit more detection units 108. Examples of such signals 116 110 may include numerous types of user interfaces 114. include, but are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wire Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not less signals 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116. limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize hardwired methods, radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital Such as keyboards, touch screens, personal digital assistant signals 116, analog signals 116, or Substantially any combi interfaces, telephone interfaces, electronic writing pads, nation thereof. voice recognition interfaces, and the like. User interfaces 114 FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example 25 may also include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 operational flow 900 of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 illustrates example that utilize numerous wireless methods, such as use of the embodiments where the displaying operation 920 may internet, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and include at least one additional operation. Additional opera the like. In some embodiments, user interaction may include tions may include an operation 1202, an operation 1204, an input of parameters associated with an individual. Examples operation 1206, an operation 1208, and/oran operation 1210. 30 of such parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more At operation 1202, the displaying operation 920 may individual’s height, weight, age, fat percentage, physical fit include displaying one or more concentrations of the one or ness level, known allergies, activities, schedule, pharmaceu more nutraceutical associated components at two or more tical ingestion, nutraceutical ingestion, food ingestion, alco different times. In some embodiments, one or more display hol consumption, and the like. units 110 may display one or more concentrations of one or 35 At operation 1208, the displaying operation 920 may more nutraceutical associated components 104 at two or more include transmitting one or more signals to the one or more different times. In some embodiments, one or more display display units. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may display one or more concentrations of one or units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more more nutraceutical associated components 104 present within display units 110. Examples of such signals 116 include, but two or more samples 102 that were collected at two or more 40 are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals different times. In some embodiments, one or more display 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency units 110 may display two or more concentrations of one or (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, more nutraceutical associated components 104 in graphical analog signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. form. For example, in Some embodiments, concentrations In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may may be displayed as a bar graph, a line graph, a pie chart, and 45 transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more remote the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user 118 may display units 110. For example, in Some embodiments, one or plot two or more concentrations of one or more nutraceutical more display units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 associated components 104. Numerous plot formats may be to one or more remote display units 110 that are located in the used. Examples of such formats include, but are not limited office of a physician, nurse, dietician, pharmacist, coach, to, concentration versus time from ingestion of one or more 50 personal trainer, clerk at a food Supplement store, clerk at a nutraceutical agents, concentration versus time from an grocery store, and the like. event, such as exercise, sleep, injury, and the like. Accord At operation 1210, the displaying operation 920 may ingly, in Some embodiments, system 100 may be used to include transmitting one or more signals to one or more predict the concentration of one or more nutraceutical agents recording units. In some embodiments, one or more display within a sample 102 obtained from an individual at one or 55 units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more more times. For example, in Some embodiments, an indi recording units 112. In some embodiments, one or more vidual can predict the concentration of one or more nutraceu display units 110 may transmit one or more signals 116 to one tical associated components 104 in blood samples 102 or more recording units 112. Examples of Such signals 116 obtained from an individual following ingestion of one or include, but are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wire more nutraceutical agents. 60 less signals 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116. At operation 1204, the displaying operation 920 may radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital include displaying one or more messages indicating one or signals 116, analog signals 116, or Substantially any combi more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for Supple nation thereof. mentation of an individual. In some embodiments, one or FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flow 1300 representing more display units 110 may display one or more messages 65 examples of operations that are related to the performance of indicating one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical a method for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated agents for Supplementation of an individual. In some embodi components 104. In FIG. 13 and in following figures that US 7,927,787 B2 33 34 include various examples of operations used during perfor used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated compo mance of the method, discussion and explanation may be nents 104 that are associated with two or more samples 102 provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. that were collected at two or more different times. In some 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. How embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may provide ever, it should be understood that the operations may be for user interaction. In some embodiments, one or more executed in a number of other environments and contexts, detection units 108 may be used to transmit one or more and/or modified versions of FIG.1. Also, although the various signals 116 to one or more display units 110. In some embodi operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it ments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to trans should be understood that the various operations may be mit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording units performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or 10 112. may be performed concurrently. The operational flow 1300 includes a displaying operation The operational flow 1300 includes a processing operation 1330 involving displaying results of the detecting with one or 1310 involving processing one or more samples with one or more display units that are operably coupled with the one or more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of the more detection units. In some embodiments, one or more one or more nutraceutical associated components. In some 15 display units 110 may be used to display the results of the embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 that are detecting. In some embodiments, one or more display units configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associ 110 may be used to display results in human-readable format. ated components 104 may be used to process one or more In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic used to display results in machine-readable format. In some chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept display if one or more nutraceutical associated components one or more samples 102 acquired through use of one or more are present or absent within one or more samples 102. In some non-invasive techniques. In some embodiments, one or more embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, 25 tical associated components 104. In some embodiments, one hair, saliva, excrement, mucus, or Substantially any combina or more display units 110 may be used to receive one or more tion thereof. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. In some chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 that include embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to blood. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 utilizing 30 tical associated components 104 associated with two or more polynucleotide interaction, protein interaction, peptide inter samples 102 that were collected at two or more different action, antibody interaction, chemical interaction, diffusion, times. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 filtration, chromatography, aptamer interaction, electrical may be used to display one or more messages indicating one conductivity, isoelectric focusing, electrophoresis, immu or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for noassay, competition assay, or Substantially any combination 35 Supplementation of an individual. In some embodiments, one thereof. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic or more display units 110 may provide for user interaction. In chips 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, used to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more hair, saliva, excrement, blood, mucus, or Substantially any display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more display combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more 40 units 110 may be used to transmit one or more signals 116 to microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process one or more one or more recording units 112. samples 102 that include at least one hormone, prohormone, FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, vitamin, mineral, metal, operational flow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 illustrates example antioxidant, or Substantially any combination thereof. In embodiments where the processing operation 1310 may some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may 45 include at least one additional operation. Additional opera be used to process two or more samples 102 that are collected tions may include an operation 1402, an operation 1404, an at two or more different times. In some embodiments, one or operation 1406, an operation 1408, and/or an operation 1410. more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process one or At operation 1402, the processing operation 1310 may more samples 102 that are configured for analysis of a single include accepting the one or more samples. In some embodi nutraceutical associated component 104. In some embodi 50 ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may provide for to accept one or more samples 102. For example, in some user interaction. embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a needle The operational flow 1300 includes a detecting operation to accept one or more blood and/or tissue samples 102. In 1320 involving detecting one or more nutraceutical associ some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a ated components with one or more detection units. In some 55 mouthpiece to accept one or more breath and/or saliva embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to samples 102. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 detect one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. may include a scraperto accept one or more skin and/or tissue In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may samples 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or be used to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples ponents 104 with at least one technique that includes spec 60 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips troscopy, electrochemical detection, polynucleotide detec 106 may accept one or more samples 102 that are collected tion, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron through use of invasive techniques. Such techniques include, transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conductivity, isoelectric but are not limited to, drawing blood, obtaining mucus, focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipitation, immun obtaining tissue samples 102, and the like. In some embodi oSeparation, aptamer binding, filtration, electrophoresis, 65 ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or immunoassay, or Substantially any combination thereof. In more samples 102 that are collected through use of non some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be invasive techniques. Such techniques include, but are not US 7,927,787 B2 35 36 limited to, collecting one or more samples 102 that include example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal breath, saliva, hair, Sweat, tears, and the like. trainer, or the like may collect one or more samples 102 from In some embodiments, individuals may collect one or more an individual and then analyze the one or more samples 102 samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in Some embodi through use of system 100. ments, system 100 may be used for point-of-care analysis by At operation 1408, the processing operation 1310 may an individual. In some embodiments, one or more samples include accepting the one or more samples that include blood. 102 may be processed by someone other than the individual In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 from whom the one or more samples 102 were collected. For may be configured to accept one or more blood samples 102. example, in Some embodiments, individuals may collect one For example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 or more samples 102 from themselves and then send the one 10 may include a needle that may be used to penetrate tissue to or more samples 102 for analysis by a person other than the accept a blood sample 102. In some embodiments, a microf individual from whom the samples 102 were collected. In luidic chip 106 may include a capillary tube that may be used other embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be col to accept blood for analysis. Such a capillary tube may be lected from an individual and analyzed by a person other than used to accept blood for analysis without having to pierce the the individual. For example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutri 15 skin or other tissue of an individual. For example, Such a tionist, personal trainer, or the like may collect one or more capillary tube may be used to accept a blood sample 102 for samples 102 from an individual and then analyze the one or analysis by inserting the capillary tube into a blood sample more samples 102 through use of system 100. 102 resulting from a finger stick with a lancet. At operation 1404, the processing operation 1310 may In Some embodiments, individuals may collect one or more include accepting the one or more samples acquired through blood samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in some use of one or more non-invasive techniques. In some embodi embodiments, system 100 may be used for point-of-care ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured analysis by an individual. In some embodiments, one or more to accept one or more samples 102 that were collected blood samples 102 may be processed by someone other than through use of non-invasive techniques. Such techniques the individual from whom the one or more samples 102 were include, but are not limited to, collecting one or more samples 25 collected. For example, in some embodiments, individuals 102 from an individual that include breath, saliva, hair, Sweat, may collect one or more blood samples 102 from themselves tears, excrement, and the like. For example, in Some embodi and then send the one or more blood samples 102 for process ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a mouthpiece to ing by a person other than the individual from whom the accept breath and/or saliva samples 102. In some embodi samples 102 were collected. In other embodiments, one or ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a capillary tube to 30 more blood samples 102 may be collected from an individual accept fluid samples 102. Such as Sweat, tears, urine, Saliva, and analyzed by a person other than the individual. For and the like. In some embodiments, individuals may collect example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal one or more samples 102 from themselves. Accordingly, in trainer, or the like may collect one or more blood samples 102 some embodiments, system 100 may be used for point-of from an individual and then analyze the one or more blood care analysis by an individual. In some embodiments, one or 35 samples 102 through use of system 100. more samples 102 may be analyzed by someone other than At operation 1410, the processing operation 1310 may the individual from whom the one or more samples 102 were include processing the one or more samples with one or more collected. For example, in Some embodiments, individuals microfluidic chips that utilize polynucleotide interaction, may collect one or more samples 102 from themselves and protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody interaction, then send the one or more samples 102 for analysis by a 40 chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chromatography, person other than the individual from whom the samples 102 aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, isoelectric focus were collected. In other embodiments, one or more samples ing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or competition assay. In 102 may be collected from an individual and analyzed by a some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may person other than the individual. For example, a physician, process one or more samples 102 with at least one technique nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal trainer, or the like may 45 that includes processing the one or more samples 102 with collect one or more samples 102 from an individual and then one or more microfluidic chips 106 that utilize polynucleotide analyze the one or more samples 102 through use of system interaction, protein interaction, peptide interaction, antibody 1OO. interaction, chemical interaction, diffusion, filtration, chro At operation 1406, the processing operation 1310 may matography, aptamer interaction, electrical conductivity, iso include accepting the one or more samples that include at 50 electric focusing, electrophoresis, immunoassay, competition least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, assay, or Substantially any combination thereof. excrement, or mucus. In some embodiments, one or more In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 may process one or more samples 102 utilizing polynucle that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, otide interaction (Singh-Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., hair, saliva, excrement, or mucus. In some embodiments, 55 100:7605-7610 (2003) and Wang et al., Anal. Chem. individuals may collect one or more samples 102 from them 75:3941-3945 (2003)). Such polynucleotide interaction may selves. Accordingly, in some embodiments, system 100 may occur through hybridization of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribo be used for point-of-care analysis by an individual. In some nucleic acid, derivatives thereof, or Substantially any combi embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be analyzed by nation thereof. In some embodiments, polynucleotides may someone other than the individual from whom the one or 60 be configured as polynucleotide arrays. Methods to construct more samples 102 were collected. For example, in some polynucleotide arrays are known and have been used to con embodiments, individuals may collect one or more samples struct various polynucleotide arrays (Affymetrix, Santa 102 from themselves and then send the one or more samples Clara, Calif.). 102 for analysis by a person other than the individual from In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 whom the samples 102 were collected. In other embodiments, 65 may be configured to process one or more samples 102 one or more samples 102 may be collected from an individual through use of competition assays. In some embodiments, a and analyzed by a person other than the individual. For competition assay may utilize a reaction mixture that may US 7,927,787 B2 37 38 include a first fluorescently labeled component that binds to a trodes that may be directly coupled to a processor so that the second fluorescently labeled component. The presence of one processor may determine the electrical conductivity between or more unlabeled nutraceutical associated components 104 electrodes of aparticular sensor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,958.216 and in the reaction mixture decreases the amount of labeled first 7,022.288; herein incorporated by reference). component and labeled second component that bind to each 5 In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 other and thereby reduces fluorescence resonance energy may be configured to utilize isoelectric focusing to process transfer. Accordingly, detecting the level of fluorescence one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 (i.e., resonance energy transfer by a detection unit 108 allows the U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,074,583; 7,046,357; 6,852,206; 6,849,396; amount of a nutraceutical associated component 104 in a and 7,074.311; herein incorporated by reference). Briefly, sample 102 to be determined. Numerous other configurations 10 isoelectric focusing may be used to characterize nutraceutical may be prepared that utilize fluorescence resonance energy associated components 104. Such as proteins, based on dif transfer by one or more detection units 108. In some embodi ferences in their isoelectric points. The nutraceutical associ ments, fluorescence quenching may be used within a compe ated components 104 may then be separated according to tition assay. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic their position within a pH gradient. chips 106 may be configured for competition assays where a 15 Numerous chromatographic methods may be used to pro sample 102 being tested for one or more nutraceutical asso cess one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. ciated components 104 is mixed with a reaction mixture that Examples of such chromatographic methods include, but are includes one or more labeled components that are being not limited to, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange tested. The mixed reaction mixture is then passed over a field chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like. and/or array to which moieties that bind to the one or more 20 In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 nutraceutical associated components 104 and labeled com may be configured to utilize filtration to process one or more ponents are immobilized. The one or more unlabeled nutra nutraceutical associated components 104. For example, one ceutical associated components 104 in the sample 102 will or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may be compete with the one or more labeled components in the processed based on their ability and/or inability to pass reaction mixture for binding and will thereby decrease the 25 through a filter. Such filters may separate nutraceutical asso amount of label bound within the field and/or array. Accord ciated components 104 based on numerous properties. ingly, the amount of one or more nutraceutical associated Examples of Such properties include, but are not limited to, components 104 being tested for in the sample 102 may be molecular weight, charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, indicated by a decrease inbound label. In some embodiments, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic such microfluidic chips 106 may include a control field and/or 30 chips 106 may be configured to use an H-filter to separate one array. In some embodiments, such microfluidic chips 106 or more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such may be calibrated prior to application of the sample 102 and H-filters have been described (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6.221,677: therefore not include a control field and/or array. In some 6,695,147; 6,541,213; herein incorporated by reference). embodiments, such fields and/or arrays may include poly In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 nucleotides, proteins, peptides, nucleic acid aptamers, pep- 35 may be configured to utilize electrophoresis to process one or tide aptamers, antibodies, chemicals, chromatographic more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth media, and other materials that may be used to separate one or ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory more nutraceutical associated components 104 from one or Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition more samples 102. Accordingly, fields and/or arrays may (Jan. 15, 2001)). include numerous types of moieties that may be used to detect 40 In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 numerous types of nutraceutical associated components 104. may be configured to utilize immunoassay to process one or In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be con more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth figured to process one or more samples 102 for one type of ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory nutraceutical associated component 104. In some embodi Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be configured to process 45 (Jan. 15, 2001)). Combinations of numerous methods may be one or more samples 102 for one or more types of nutraceu used to process one or more nutraceutical associated compo tical associated components 104. nents 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example may be configured to process one or more samples 102 operational flow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates example through use of protein interaction. In some embodiments, 50 embodiments where the processing operation 1310 may Such interaction may occur through binding interaction. In include at least one additional operation. Additional opera Some embodiments, such interaction may include enzymatic tions may include an operation 1502, an operation 1504, an activity. For example, a microfluidic chip 106 may include operation 1506, an operation 1508, and/or an operation 1510. one or more enzymes that catalyze a reaction that includes At operation 1502, the processing operation 1310 may nutraceutical associated components 104 as a Substrate or as 55 include processing the one or more samples that include at a product. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical associated least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, component 104 may be assayed based on the ability to stimu excrement, blood, or mucus. One or more microfluidic chips late an enzyme. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical asso 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 that ciated component 104 may be assayed based on the ability to include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, inhibit an enzyme. In some embodiments, such enzyme 60 saliva, excrement, blood, mucus, or Substantially any combi assays may be colorimetric assays. Accordingly, numerous nation thereof. In some embodiments, one or more samples types of enzyme assays may be adapted for detection of one or 102 may be processed through use of extraction methods to more nutraceutical associated components 104. provide for detection of one or more nutraceutical associated One or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured to components 104. For example, in Some embodiments, utilize electrical conductivity to assay one or more nutraceu- 65 nucleic acid may be extracted from a sample 102. In other tical associated components 104. Briefly, in some embodi embodiments, one or more enzymes may be extracted from ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may include elec one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more US 7,927,787 B2 39 40 nutraceutical associated components 104 may be solvent nutraceutical associated component 104 in a time relevant extracted from one or more samples 102. Numerous methods manner may be determined. Such an increase or decrease in a may be used to process one or more samples 102. nutraceutical associated component 104 may be determined At operation 1504, the processing operation 1310 may through detection of concentration, activity, and the like. include processing the one or more samples that include at Accordingly, system 100 may be used to determine dosages least one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, of one or more nutraceutical agents for administration to an protein, vitamin, mineral, metal, or antioxidant. In some individual or group of individuals. In some embodiments, embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be system 100 may be used to determine one or more metabolic used to process one or more samples 102 that include at least responses to one or more nutraceutical agents by an indi one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, 10 vidual or group of individuals. Vitamin, mineral, metal, antioxidant, or Substantially any At operation 1508, the processing operation 1310 may combination thereof. include processing the one or more samples with one or more Examples of hormones that may be processed through use microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of a single of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not nutraceutical associated component. In some embodiments, a limited to, testosterone (free and/or bound), estrogen, andro 15 microfluidic chip 106 may be configured for analysis of a gens, estradiol, progesterone, melatonin, serotonin, follicle single nutraceutical associated component 104. For example, stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be con 5-HTP cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, human chori figured for analysis of testosterone in at least one sample 102. onic gonadotropin, prohormones thereof, or Substantially any In some embodiments, such a microfluidic chip 106 may be combination thereof. configured for analysis of free versus bound testosterone. In Examples of polynucleotides that may be processed some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be config through use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, ured for analysis of estrogen in at least one sample 102. but are not limited to, those that encode hormones, enzymes Accordingly, microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes involved in meta analysis of numerous types of nutraceutical associated com bolic pathways, and the like. 25 ponents 104. Examples of enzymes that may be processed through use At operation 1510, the processing operation 1310 may of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not include providing for user interaction. In some embodiments, limited to, enzymes involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes a microfluidic chip 106 may provide for user interaction. For involved in metabolic pathways, or Substantially any combi example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may nation thereof. 30 include a receiver that receives signals 116 that are transmit Examples of proteins that may be processed through use of ted in response to a user interface 114. Such signals 116 may one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim direct the microfluidic chip 106 to act in accordance with ited to, proteins linked to urinary tract infection, prostate commands input by a user 118. In some embodiments, a specific antigen, microalbumin, hemoglobin, or Substantially microfluidic chip 106 may include one or more user interfaces any combination thereof. 35 114 that provide for direct interaction with a user 118. Examples of vitamins that may be processed through use of Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim limited to, ports for accepting samples 102, ports for accept ited to, vitamin A, B vitamins, C Vitamins, vitamin D, E ing reagents, electrical connections, couplings, and the like. Vitamins, vitamin K, or Substantially any combination In some embodiments, electrical connections may be config thereof. 40 ured for accepting various devices that may be used for Examples of minerals that may be processed through use of numerous purposes, such as to control or monitor a microf one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim luidic chip 106. In some embodiments, couplings may be ited to, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, magne configured for attachment to Syringes, pumps, sample loops, sium, manganese, selenium, strontium, Sulfur, Zinc, or Sub needles, and the like. stantially any combination thereof. 45 FIG. 16 illustrates an operational flow 1600 representing Examples of metals that may be processed through use of examples of operations that are related to the performance of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim a method for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated ited to, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, components 104. In FIG. 16 and in following figures that lead, mercury, nickel, tin, or Substantially any combination include various examples of operations used during perfor thereof. 50 mance of the method, discussion and explanation may be Examples of antioxidants that may be processed through provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. How limited to, VitaminA, Vitamin C. vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, ever, it should be understood that the operations may be coenzyme Q-10, or Substantially any combination thereof. executed in a number of other environments and contexts, At operation 1506, the processing operation 1310 may 55 and/or modified versions of FIG.1. Also, although the various include processing two or more samples that are collected at operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it two or more different times. In some embodiments, one or should be understood that the various operations may be more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process two or performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or more samples 102 that are collected at two or more different may be performed concurrently. times. For example, a first sample 102 may be processed that 60 After a start operation, the operational flow 1600 includes was collected at a first time and a second sample 102 may be a processing operation 1610 involving processing one or processed that was collected at a second time. Numerous more samples obtained from an individual with one or more samples 102 and time points may be processed through use of microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of one or microfluidic chips 106. Accordingly, in some embodiments, more nutraceutical associated components. In some embodi the presence or absence of one or more nutraceutical associ 65 ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 that are configured ated components 104 at two or more times may be deter for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associated compo mined. In some embodiments, an increase or decrease in a nents 104 may be used to process one or more samples 102. In US 7,927,787 B2 41 42 some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may units 110 may be used to display results in human-readable accept one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one format. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 or more microfluidic chips 106 may accept one or more may be used to display results in machine-readable format. In samples 102 acquired through use of one or more non-inva Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be sive techniques. In some embodiments, one or more microf used to display if one or more nutraceutical associated com luidic chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 that ponents are present or absent within one or more samples 102. include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be saliva, excrement, mucus, or Substantially any combination used to display one or more concentrations of one or more thereof. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic nutraceutical associated components 104. In some embodi chips 106 may accept one or more samples 102 that include 10 ments, one or more display units 110 may be used to receive blood. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips one or more signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 utilizing In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be polynucleotide interaction, protein interaction, peptide inter used to display one or more concentrations of one or more action, antibody interaction, chemical interaction, diffusion, nutraceutical associated components 104 associated with two filtration, chromatography, aptamer interaction, electrical 15 or more samples 102 that were collected at two or more conductivity, isoelectric focusing, electrophoresis, immu different times. In some embodiments, one or more display noassay, competition assay, or Substantially any combination units 110 may be used to display one or more messages thereof. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic indicating one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical chips 106 may be used to process one or more samples 102 agents for Supplementation of an individual. In some embodi that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, ments, one or more display units 110 may provide for user hair, saliva, excrement, blood, mucus, or Substantially any interaction. In some embodiments, one or more display units combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more 110 may be used to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process one or more more display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102 that include at least one hormone, prohormone, display units 110 may be used to transmit one or more signals polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, vitamin, mineral, metal, 25 116 to one or more recording units 112. antioxidant, or Substantially any combination thereof. In FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700 representing examples of some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may modules that may be used to perform a method for analysis of be used to process two or more samples 102 that are collected one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. In at two or more different times. In some embodiments, one or FIG. 17, discussion and explanation may be provided with more microfluidic chips 106 may be used to process one or 30 respect to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with more samples 102 that are configured for analysis of a single respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be nutraceutical associated component 104. In some embodi understood that the operations may be executed in a number ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may provide for of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions user interaction. of FIG.1. Also, although the various modules are presented in After a start operation, the operational flow 1600 includes 35 the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the a detecting operation 1620 involving detecting the one or various modules may be configured in numerous orientations. more nutraceutical associated components with one or more The system 1700 includes module 1710 that includes one detection units. In some embodiments, one or more detection or more detection units configured to detachably connect to units 108 may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect one or associated components 104. In some embodiments, one or 40 more nutraceutical associated components. In some embodi more detection units 108 may be used to detect one or more ments, one or more detection units 108 may be configured to nutraceutical associated components 104 with at least one detachably connect to one or more microfluidic chips 106 and technique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemical detec configured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated tion, polynucleotide detection, fluorescence resonance components 104. In some embodiments, one or more detec energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical 45 tion units 108 may be configured to detect one or more nutra conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, immuno ceutical associated components 104 with at least one tech precipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, filtration, nique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemical detection, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or Substantially any combina polynucleotide detection, fluorescence resonance energy tion thereof. In some embodiments, one or more detection transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conduc units 108 may be used to detect one or more nutraceutical 50 tivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipi associated components 104 that are associated with two or tation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, filtration, elec more samples 102 that were collected at two or more different trophoresis, immunoassay, or Substantially any combination times. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 thereof. In some embodiments, one or more detection units may provide for user interaction. In some embodiments, one 108 may be configured to detect one or more nutraceutical or more detection units 108 may be used to transmit one or 55 associated components 104 associated with two or more more signals 116 to one or more display units 110. In some samples 102 that were collected at two or more different embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be used to times. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording may include one or more user interfaces 114. In some units 112. embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con After a start operation, the operational flow 1600 includes 60 figured to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more a displaying operation 1630 involving displaying one or more display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more detec dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for Supplemen tion units 108 may be configured to transmit one or more tation of the individual in response to the detecting. In some signals 116 to one or more recording units 112. embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be used to The system 1700 includes module 1720 that includes one display one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical 65 or more display units operably associated with the one or agents for Supplementation of the individual in response to more detection units. In some embodiments, one or more the detecting. In some embodiments, one or more display display units 110 may be configured to operably associate US 7,927,787 B2 43 44 with one or more detection units 108. In some embodiments, Zocchi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:7605-7610 (2003) one or more display units 110 may be configured to display and Wang et al., Anal. Chem., 75:3941-3945 (2003)). Such information in human-readable format. In some embodi polynucleotide binding may occur through hybridization of ments, one or more display units 110 may be configured to deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, and derivatives display information in machine-readable format. In some thereof. embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 ured to display if one or more nutraceutical associated com may be configured to detect fluorescent resonance energy ponents 104 are present or absent in one or more samples 102. transfer. For example, one or more detection units 108 may be In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associ configured to display one or more concentrations of the one or 10 ated components 104 through use of competition assays. more nutraceutical associated components 104. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config Such competition assays may utilize a reaction mixture that ured to receive one or more signals 116 from one or more may include a first fluorescently labeled component that detection units 108. In some embodiments, one or more dis binds to a second fluorescently labeled component. The pres play units 110 may be configured to display one or more 15 ence of unlabeled component in the reaction mixture concentrations of the one or more nutraceutical associated decreases the amount of labeled first component and labeled components 104 associated with two or more samples 102 second component that bind to each other and thereby that were collected at two or more different times. In some reduces fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Accordingly, embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config detecting the level of fluorescence resonance energy transfer ured to display one or more messages indicating one or more by a detection unit 108 allows the amount of a component in dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents to Supplement an a sample 102 to be determined. One or more detection units individual with whom the one or more nutraceutical associ 108 may be prepared having numerous configurations that ated components 104 are associated. In some embodiments, utilize fluorescence resonance energy transfer. one or more display units 110 may include one or more user In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 interfaces 114. In some embodiments, one or more display 25 may be configured to utilize electron transfer to detect one or units 110 may include one or more recording units 112. more nutraceutical associated components 104 (Fan et al., FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the system Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100:9134-9137 (2003)). of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 illustrates additional example embodi One or more detection units 108 may be configured to ments of module 1710. Additional embodiments may include utilize numerous types of enzyme assays to detect one or embodiment 1802, embodiment 1804, embodiment 1806, 30 more nutraceutical associated components 104. For example, embodiment 1808, and/or embodiment 1810. in Some embodiments, such enzyme assays may be calori At embodiment 1802, module 1710 may include one or metric assays. In some embodiments, one or more nutraceu more detection units that are configured to detect the one or tical associated components 104 that stimulate or inhibit the more nutraceutical associated components with at least one activity of an enzyme may be detected. Accordingly, numer technique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemical detec 35 ous types of enzyme assays may be adapted for detection of tion, polynucleotide detection, fluorescence resonance one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, immuno may be configured to utilize electrical conductivity to detect precipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, filtration, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. electrophoresis, or immunoassay. In some embodiments, one 40 Briefly, in some embodiments, electrodes may be directly or more detection units 108 may be configured to detect one coupled to a processor so that the processor may determine or more nutraceutical associated components 104 with at the electrical conductivity between electrodes of a particular least one technique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemi sensor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,958.216 and 7,022,288; hereinincor cal detection, polynucleotide detection, fluorescence reso porated by reference). nance energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, elec 45 In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 trical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, may be configured to utilize isoelectric focusing to detect one immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, or more nutraceutical associated components 104 (i.e., U.S. filtration, electrophoresis, or immunoassay. Pat. Nos. 7,074,583; 7,046,357; 6,852,206; 6,849,396; and In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 7,074.311; herein incorporated by reference). Briefly, iso may be configured to utilize numerous spectroscopic based 50 electric focusing may be used to characterize nutraceutical methods. Examples of Such spectroscopic methods include, associated components 104. Such as proteins, based on dif but are not limited to, mass spectroscopy, atomic absorption ferences in their isoelectric points. The nutraceutical associ spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ated components 104 may then be detected according to their fluorescence spectroscopy, light absorbance, light transmit position within a pH gradient. tance, infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, electron 55 In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 spin resonance, plasmon resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet may be configured to utilize numerous chromatographic light spectroscopy, visible light spectroscopy, and the like. methods to detect one or more nutraceutical associated com In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 ponents 104. Examples of Such chromatographic methods may be configured to utilize electrochemical detection. For include, but are not limited to, gel filtration chromatography, example, in Some embodiments, one or more detection units 60 ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and 108 may be configured to detect conductivity, electromotive the like. force, oxidation potential, reduction potential, redox current, In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 and the like (i.e., Xiao et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 103: may be configured to utilize immunoseparation to detect one 16677-16680 (2006) and Fan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., or more nutraceutical associated components 104. Briefly, 100:9134-9137 (2003)). 65 one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may be In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 detected upon binding to an antibody or an antibody frag may be configured to detect polynucleotide binding (Singh ment. US 7,927,787 B2 45 46 In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 At embodiment 1806, module 1710 may include one or may be configured to utilize aptamer binding to detect one or more user interfaces. In some embodiments, one or more more nutraceutical associated components 104. Briefly, one detection units 108 may be configured to include one or more or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may be user interfaces 114. A detection unit 108 may include numer detected upon binding to an aptamer. Numerous types of 5 ous types of user interfaces 114. Examples of such user inter aptamers may be utilized to detect nutraceutical associated faces 114 include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 components 104. Examples of aptamers include, but are not that utilize hardwired methods, such as keyboards, touch limited to, peptide aptamers and polynucleotide aptamers. screens, personal digital assistant interfaces, telephone inter In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 faces, electronic writing pads, Voice recognition interfaces, 10 and the like. User interfaces 114 may also include, but are not may be configured to utilize filtration to detect one or more limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize numerous wireless nutraceutical associated components 104. For example, one methods, such as use of the internet, mobile telephones, per or more nutraceutical associated components 104 may be Sonal digital assistants, and the like. In some embodiments, detected based on their ability and/or inability to pass through user interaction may include input of parameters associated a filter. Such filters may separate nutraceutical associated 15 with an individual. Examples of such parameters include, but components 104 based on numerous properties. Examples of are not limited to, one or more individuals height, weight, Such properties include, but are not limited to, molecular age, fat percentage, physical fitness level, known allergies, weight, charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and the like. activities, schedule, pharmaceutical ingestion, nutraceutical In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 ingestion, food ingestion, alcohol consumption, and the like. may be configured to utilize electrophoresis to detect one or At embodiment 1808, module 1710 may include one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. Such meth more detection units that are configured to transmit one or ods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory more signals to the one or more display units. In some Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 3rd edition embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con (Jan. 15, 2001)). figured to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 25 display units 110. Examples of such signals 116 include, but may be configured to utilize one or more immunoassays to are not limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals detect one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. 116, infrared signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency Such methods are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A (RF) signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: analog signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. 3rd edition (Jan. 15, 2001)). In some embodiments, one or 30 At embodiment 1810, module 1710 may include one or more detection units 108 may be configured to utilize com more detection units that are configured to transmit one or binations of numerous methods to detect one or more nutra more signals to one or more recording units. In some embodi ceutical associated components 104. ments, one or more detection units 108 may be configured to At embodiment 1804, module 1710 may include one or transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more recording more detection units that are configured to detect the one or 35 units 112. Examples of such signals 116 include, but are not more nutraceutical associated components at two or more limited to, hardwired signals 116, wireless signals 116, infra different times. In some embodiments, one or more detection red signals 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency (RF) units 108 may be configured to detect one or more nutraceu signals 116, audible signals 116, digital signals 116, analog tical associated components 104 at two or more different signals 116, or Substantially any combination thereof. times. In some embodiments, two or more samples 102 that 40 FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the system include one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 illustrates additional example embodi may be collected from an individual at two or more different ments of module 1720. Additional embodiments may include times and analyzed. Accordingly, changes in the one or more embodiment 1902, embodiment 1904, embodiment 1906, nutraceutical associated components 104 may be followed embodiment 1908, and/or embodiment 1910. relative to time. Such changes include, but are not limited to, 45 At embodiment 1902, module 1720 may include one or changes in activity, concentration, and the like. In some more display units that display information in human-read embodiments, such changes may occur in response to an able format. In some embodiments, one or more display units event. For example, in some embodiments, one or more nutra 110 may be configured to display one or more results in ceutical associated components 104 may change in response human-readable format. Examples of human-readable for to administration of one or more nutraceutical agents to an 50 mats include, but are not limited to, written language, Verbal individual. In some embodiments, a nutraceutical associated communications, Braille output, pictographic output, graphi component 104 is a nutraceutical agent. Accordingly, in some cal output, colorographic output, and the like. embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con At embodiment 1904, module 1720 may include one or figured to determine the concentration of one or more nutra more display units that display information in machine-read ceutical associated components 104 following administration 55 able format. In some embodiments, one or more display units of one or more nutraceutical agents to an individual. In some 110 may be configured to display one or more results in embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con machine-readable format. Examples of machine-readable figured to determine the concentration of one or more nutra formats include, but are not limited to, electrical signals 116, ceutical associated components 104 following an event or bar codes, graphical patterns, punch cards, encoding on a stimulus to which an individual is exposed. For example, the 60 computer-readable medium, magnetic encoding, digital cod concentration and/or activity of one or more nutraceutical ing, optical coding, and the like. agents may be determined during and/or following exercise, At embodiment 1906, module 1720 may include one or food intake, pharmaceutical intake, or ingestion of other Sub more display units that display if the one or more nutraceuti stances by an individual. Accordingly, in Some embodiments, cal associated components are present or absent in one or one or more detection units 108 may be configured to monitor 65 more samples. In some embodiments, one or more display nutraceutical associated components 104 that are affected by units 110 may be configured to display if one or more nutra an individual's metabolism. ceutical associated components 104 are present or absent US 7,927,787 B2 47 48 within one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one individual at one or more times. For example, in some or more display units 110 may be configured to display the embodiments, one or more display units 110 may display the identity of one or more nutraceutical associated components concentration of one or more nutraceutical associated com 104 that are present or absent within one or more samples 102. ponents 104 in blood samples 102 obtained from an indi For example, in Some embodiments, one or more display vidual following ingestion of one or more nutraceutical units 110 may be configured to display if one or more nutra agents. ceutical associated components 104. Such as one or more At embodiment 2004, module 1720 may include one or nutraceutical agents, are present or absent from one or more more display units that display one or more messages indi food supplements, foods, bodily samples 102, and the like. cating one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical At embodiment 1908, module 1720 may include one or 10 agents to Supplement an individual with whom the one or more display units that display one or more concentrations of more nutraceutical associated components are associated. In the one or more nutraceutical associated components. In Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be configured to display one or more messages indicating one or configured to display one or more concentrations of one or more dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents for Supple more nutraceutical associated components 104 that are 15 mentation of an individual. In some embodiments, one or present or absent within one or more samples 102. Concen more display units 110 may be configured to display one or trations of one or more nutraceutical associated components more concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated 104 may be displayed in numerous formats. For example, in components 104 included within one or more samples 102 Some embodiments, concentration may be expressed in quan obtained from an individual and then display one or more tity terms that include, but are not limited to, grams, milli concentrations of one or more nutraceutical agents for grams, nanograms, and the like. In some embodiments, con Supplementation of the individual. For example, in some centrations may be expressed in quantity per Volume of embodiments, the concentration of calcium may be deter sample 102. For example, in some embodiments, concentra mined to be low in a sample 102 obtained from an individual tion may be expressed as molarity, molality, grams per liter, and the display unit 110 may be configured to indicate a milligrams per liter, milligrams per deciliter, and the like. 25 dosage of a calcium Supplement for administration to the At embodiment 1910, module 1720 may include one or individual. Accordingly, one or more display units 110 may more display units that receive one or more signals from the be configured to display one or more dosages of numerous one or more detection units. In some embodiments, one or types of nutraceutical agents for administration to one or more display units 110 may be configured to receive one or more individuals. more signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. 30 At embodiment 2006, module 1720 may include one or Examples of such signals 116 include, but are not limited to, more user interfaces. In some embodiments, one or more hardwired signals 116, wireless signals 116, infrared signals display units 110 may be configured to provide for user inter 116, optical signals 116, radiofrequency (RF) signals 116, action. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 audible signals 116, digital signals 116, analog signals 116, or may include one or more user interfaces 114. A display unit Substantially any combination thereof. 35 110 may include numerous types of user interfaces 114. FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the system Examples of such user interfaces 114 include, but are not of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 illustrates additional example embodi limited to, user interfaces 114 that utilize hardwired methods, ments of module 1720. Additional embodiments may include Such as keyboards, touch screens, personal digital assistant embodiment 2002, embodiment 2004, embodiment 2006, interfaces, telephone interfaces, electronic writing pads, and/or embodiment 2008. 40 voice recognition interfaces, and the like. User interfaces 114 At embodiment 2002, module 1720 may include one or may also include, but are not limited to, user interfaces 114 more display units that display one or more concentrations of that utilize numerous wireless methods, such as use of the the one or more nutraceutical associated components at two internet, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and or more different times. In some embodiments, one or more the like. In some embodiments, user interaction may include display units 110 may be configured to display one or more 45 input of parameters associated with an individual. Examples concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com of such parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more ponents 104 at two or more different times. In some embodi individual’s height, weight, age, fat percentage, physical fit ments, one or more display units 110 may be configured to ness level, known allergies, activities, schedule, pharmaceu display one or more concentrations of one or more nutraceu tical ingestion, nutraceutical ingestion, food ingestion, alco tical associated components 104 present within two or more 50 hol consumption, and the like. samples 102 that were collected at two or more different At embodiment 2008, module 1720 may include one or times. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 more recording units. In some embodiments, one or more may be configured to display two or more concentrations of display units 110 may be configured to include one or more one or more nutraceutical associated components 104 in recording units 112. graphical form. For example, in some embodiments, concen 55 FIG. 21 illustrates a system 2100 representing examples of trations may be displayed as a bar graph, a line graph, a pie modules that may be used to perform a method for analysis of chart, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. In more display units 110 may be configured to plot two or more FIG. 21, discussion and explanation may be provided with concentrations of one or more nutraceutical associated com respect to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with ponents 104. Numerous plot formats may be used. Examples 60 respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be of Such formats include, but are not limited to, concentration understood that the operations may be executed in a number Versus time from ingestion of one or more nutraceutical of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions agents, concentration versus time from an event, such as of FIG.1. Also, although the various modules are presented in exercise, sleep, injury, and the like. Accordingly, in some the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config 65 various modules may be configured in numerous orientations. ured to display one or more concentrations of one or more The system 2100 includes module 2110 that includes one nutraceutical agents within a sample 102 obtained from an or more detection units configured to detachably connect to US 7,927,787 B2 49 50 one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect one or one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, more nutraceutical associated components. In some embodi mucus, or Substantially any combination thereof. In some ments, one or more detection units 108 may be configured to embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be detachably connect to one or more microfluidic chips 106 and configured for analysis of one or more samples 102 that configured to detect one or more nutraceutical associated include at least one of blood, Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, components 104. In some embodiments, one or more detec hair, saliva, excrement, mucus, or Substantially any combina tion units 108 may be configured to detect one or more nutra tion thereof. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic ceutical associated components 104 with at least one tech chips 106 may be configured for analysis of one or more nique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemical detection, nutraceutical associated components 104 that include at least polynucleotide detection, fluorescence resonance energy 10 one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, electrical conduc Vitamin, mineral, metal, antioxidants, or Substantially any tivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, immunoprecipi combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more tation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, filtration, elec microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis of one trophoresis, immunoassay, or Substantially any combination or more nutraceutical associated components 104 associated thereof. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 15 with two or more samples 102 that were collected at two or 108 may be configured to detect one or more nutraceutical more different times. In some embodiments, one or more associated components 104 associated with two or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis of a samples 102 that were collected at two or more different single nutraceutical associated component 104. times. In some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the system may include one or more user interfaces 114. In some of FIG. 21. FIG. 22 illustrates additional example embodi embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con ments of module 2130. Additional embodiments may include figured to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more embodiment 2202, embodiment 2204, embodiment 2206, display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more detec and/or embodiment 2208. tion units 108 may be configured to transmit one or more At embodiment 2202, module 2130 may include one or signals 116 to one or more recording units 112. 25 more microfluidic chips that are configured for accepting one The system 2100 includes module 2120 that includes one or more samples. In some embodiments, one or more microf or more display units operably associated with the one or luidic chips 106 may be configured to accept one or more more detection units. In some embodiments, one or more samples 102. For example, in some embodiments, a microf display units 110 may be configured to operably associate luidic chip 106 may include a needle to accept one or more with one or more detection units 108. In some embodiments, 30 blood and/or tissue samples 102 from an individual. In some one or more display units 110 may be configured to display embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a mouth information in human-readable format. In some embodi piece to accept one or more breath and/or saliva samples 102 ments, one or more display units 110 may be configured to from an individual. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip display information in machine-readable format. In some 106 may include a scraper to accept one or more skin and/or embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config 35 tissue samples 102 from an individual. Accordingly, in some ured to display if one or more nutraceutical associated com embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be ponents 104 are present or absent in one or more samples 102. configured to accept one or more samples 102. In some In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured to display one or more concentrations of the one or configured to accept one or more samples 102 that are col more nutraceutical associated components 104. In some 40 lected through use of invasive techniques. Such techniques embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config include, but are not limited to, drawing blood, obtaining ured to receive one or more signals 116 from one or more mucus, obtaining tissue samples 102, and the like. In some detection units 108. In some embodiments, one or more dis embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be play units 110 may be configured to display one or more configured to accept one or more samples 102 that are col concentrations of the one or more nutraceutical associated 45 lected through use of non-invasive techniques. Such tech components 104 associated with two or more samples 102 niques include, but are not limited to, collecting one or more that were collected at two or more different times. In some samples 102 that include breath, Saliva, hair, Sweat, tears, and embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be config the like. ured to display one or more messages indicating one or more At embodiment 2204, module 2130 may include one or dosages of one or more nutraceutical agents to Supplement an 50 more microfluidic chips that are configured for accepting one individual with whom the one or more nutraceutical associ or more samples that include blood. In some embodiments, ated components 104 are associated. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured to one or more display units 110 may include one or more user accept one or more blood samples 102. For example, in some interfaces 114. In some embodiments, one or more display embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may include a needle units 110 may include one or more recording units 112. 55 that may be used to penetrate tissue to accept a blood sample The system 2100 may optionally include module 2130 that 102. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may includes one or more microfluidic chips configured for analy include a capillary tube that may be used to accept blood for sis of the one or more nutraceutical associated components. In analysis. Such a capillary tube may be used to accept blood some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may for analysis without having to pierce the skin or other tissue of be configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical asso 60 an individual. For example, such a capillary tube may be used ciated components 104. In some embodiments, one or more to accept a blood sample 102 for analysis by inserting the microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for accepting one capillary tube into a blood sample 102 resulting from a finger or more samples 102. In some embodiments, one or more Stick with a lancet. microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for accepting one At embodiment 2206, module 2130 may include one or or more samples 102 that include blood. In some embodi 65 more microfluidic chips that are configured for accepting one ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured or more samples that include at least one of Sweat, tears, urine, for accepting one or more samples 102 that include at least breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, or mucus. In some US 7,927,787 B2 51 52 embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be but are not limited to, those that encode hormones, enzymes configured to accept one or more samples 102 that include at involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes involved in meta least one of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, bolic pathways, and the like. excrement, or mucus. In some embodiments, one or more Examples of enzymes that may be processed through use microfluidic chips 106 may be configured to allow individu of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not als to collect one or more samples 102 from themselves. limited to, enzymes involved in oxidative pathways, enzymes Accordingly, in Some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 involved in metabolic pathways, or Substantially any combi may be used for point-of-care analysis by an individual. In nation thereof. some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may Examples of proteins that may be processed through use of 10 one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim be configured to allow one or more samples 102 to be ana ited to, proteins linked to urinary tract infection, prostate lyzed by someone other than the individual from whom the specific antigen, microalbumin, hemoglobin, or Substantially one or more samples 102 were collected. For example, in any combination thereof. some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may Examples of vitamins that may be processed through use of be configured so that individuals may collect one or more 15 one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim samples 102 from themselves and then send the one or more ited to, vitamin A, B vitamins, C Vitamins, vitamin D, E samples 102 for analysis by a person other than the individual Vitamins, vitamin K, or Substantially any combination from whom the samples 102 were collected. In other embodi thereof. ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured Examples of minerals that may be processed through use of so that one or more samples 102 may be collected from an one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim individual and analyzed by a person other than the individual. ited to, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, magne For example, a physician, nurse, coach, nutritionist, personal sium, manganese, selenium, strontium, Sulfur, zinc, or Sub trainer, or the like may collect one or more samples 102 from stantially any combination thereof. an individual and then analyze the one or more samples 102. Examples of metals that may be processed through use of At embodiment 2208, module 2130 may include one or 25 one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not lim more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of ited to, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, one or more samples that include at least one of blood, Sweat, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, or Substantially any combination tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, Saliva, excrement, or mucus. thereof. One or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for Examples of antioxidants that may be processed through analysis of one or more samples 102 that include at least one 30 use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not of Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, limited to, VitaminA, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, blood, mucus, or substantially any combination thereof. In coenzyme Q-10, or substantially any combination thereof. Some embodiments, one or more samples 102 may be pro At embodiment 2304, module 2130 may include one or cessed through use of extraction methods to provide for more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of the detection of one or more nutraceutical associated components 35 one or more nutraceutical associated components collected at 104. For example, in Some embodiments, nucleic acid may be two or more different times. In some embodiments, one or extracted from a sample 102. In other embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis more enzymes may be extracted from one or more samples of two or more samples 102 that are collected at two or more 102. In some embodiments, one or more nutraceutical asso different times. For example, a first sample 102 may be ana ciated components 104 may be solvent extracted from one or 40 lyzed that was collected at a first time and a second sample more samples 102. Numerous methods may be used to pro 102 may be analyzed that was collected at a second time. cess one or more samples 102. Numerous samples 102 and time points may be analyzed FIG. 23 illustrates alternative embodiments of the system through use of microfluidic chips 106. Accordingly, in some of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 illustrates additional example embodi embodiments, the presence or absence of one or more nutra ments of module 2130. Additional embodiments may include 45 ceutical associated components 104 at two or more times may embodiment 2302, embodiment 2304, and/or embodiment be determined. In some embodiments, an increase or decrease 2306. in a nutraceutical associated component 104 in a time relevant At embodiment 2302, module 2130 may include one or manner may be determined. Such an increase or decrease in a more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of the nutraceutical associated component 104 may be determined one or more nutraceutical associated components that include 50 through detection of concentration, activity, and the like. at least one hormone, prohormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, At embodiment 2306, module 2130 may include one or protein, vitamin, mineral, metal, or antioxidant. In some more microfluidic chips that are configured for analysis of a embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be single nutraceutical associated component. In some embodi configured for analysis of one or more nutraceutical associ ments, a microfluidic chip 106 may be configured for analysis ated components 104 that include at least one hormone, pro 55 of a single nutraceutical associated component 104. For hormone, polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, vitamin, mineral, example, in some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 may metal, or antioxidant. be configured for analysis of testosterone in at least one Examples of hormones that may be processed through use sample 102. In some embodiments, such a microfluidic chip of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, but are not 106 may be configured for analysis of free versus bound limited to, testosterone (free and/or bound), estrogen, andro 60 testosterone. In some embodiments, a microfluidic chip 106 gens, estradiol, progesterone, melatonin, serotonin, follicle may be configured for analysis of estrogen in at least one stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sample 102. Accordingly, microfluidic chips 106 may be 5-HTP cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, human chori configured for analysis of numerous types of nutraceutical onic gonadotropin, prohormones thereof, or Substantially any associated components 104. combination thereof. 65 FIG. 24 illustrates a system 2400 representing examples of Examples of polynucleotides that may be processed modules that may be used to perform a method for analysis of through use of one or more microfluidic chips 106 include, one or more nutraceutical associated components 104. In US 7,927,787 B2 53 54 FIG. 24, discussion and explanation may be provided with or more nutraceutical agents for Supplementation of an indi respect to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with vidual associated with the single nutraceutical associated respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be component. In some embodiments, one or more display units understood that the operations may be executed in a number 110 may be configured to operably associate with one or more of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions detection units 108 that indicate one or more dosages of one of FIG.1. Also, although the various modules are presented in or more nutraceutical agents for Supplementation of an indi the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the vidual associated with the single nutraceutical associated various modules may be configured in numerous orientations. component 104. In some embodiments, one or more display The system 2400 includes module 2410 that includes one units 110 may be configured to display information in human or more microfluidic chips configured for processing of a 10 readable format. In some embodiments, one or more display single nutraceutical associated component. In some embodi units 110 may be configured to display information in ments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured machine-readable format. In some embodiments, one or more for processing of a single nutraceutical associated component display units 110 may be configured to display if one or more 104. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips nutraceutical associated components 104 are present or 106 may be configured for accepting one or more samples 15 absent in one or more samples 102. In some embodiments, 102. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips one or more display units 110 may be configured to display 106 may be configured for accepting one or more samples 102 one or more concentrations of the one or more nutraceutical that include blood. In some embodiments, one or more associated components 104. In some embodiments, one or microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for accepting one more display units 110 may be configured to receive one or or more samples 102 that include at least one of Sweat, tears, more signals 116 from one or more detection units 108. In urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, mucus, or Substan Some embodiments, one or more display units 110 may be tially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or configured to display one or more concentrations of one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be configured for analysis more nutraceutical associated components 104 associated of one or more samples 102 that include at least one of blood, with two or more samples 102 that were collected at two or Sweat, tears, urine, breath, skin, hair, saliva, excrement, 25 more different times. In some embodiments, one or more mucus, or Substantially any combination thereof. In some display units 110 may be configured to display one or more embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips 106 may be messages indicating one or more dosages of one or more configured for analysis of a single nutraceutical associated nutraceutical agents to Supplement an individual with whom component 104 that may include a hormone, prohormone, the single nutraceutical associated component 104 is associ polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, Vitamin, mineral, metal, or 30 ated. In some embodiments, one or more display units 110 antioxidant. In some embodiments, one or more microfluidic may include one or more user interfaces 114. In some chips 106 may be configured for analysis of a single nutra embodiments, one or more display units 110 may include one ceutical associated component 104 associated with two or or more recording units 112. more samples 102 that were collected at two or more different With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or times. 35 singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can trans The system 2400 includes module 2420 that includes one late from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to or more detection units configured to detachably connect to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. the one or more microfluidic chips and configured to detect The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set one or more nutraceutical associated components that include forth hereinforsake of clarity. While particular aspects of the the single nutraceutical associated component. In some 40 present subject matter described herein have been shown and embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be con described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, figured to detachably connect to one or more microfluidic based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications chips 106 and configured to detect one or more nutraceutical may be made without departing from the Subject matter associated components 104 that include the single nutraceu described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the tical associated component 104. In some embodiments, one 45 appended claims are to encompass within their scope all Such or more detection units 108 may be configured to detect one changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and or more nutraceutical associated components 104 with at scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it least one technique that includes spectroscopy, electrochemi is to be understood that the invention is defined by the cal detection, polynucleotide detection, fluorescence reso appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art nance energy transfer, electron transfer, enzyme assay, elec 50 that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the trical conductivity, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are immunoprecipitation, immunoseparation, aptamer binding, generally intended as "open terms (e.g., the term “including filtration, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or Substantially any should be interpreted as “including but not limited to the combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more term “having should be interpreted as “having at least the detection units 108 may be configured to detect one or more 55 term “includes should be interpreted as “includes but is not nutraceutical associated components 104 associated with two limited to.” etc.). It will be further understood by those within or more samples 102 that were collected at two or more the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim reci different times. In some embodiments, one or more detection tation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in units 108 may include one or more user interfaces 114. In the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent some embodiments, one or more detection units 108 may be 60 is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the fol configured to transmit one or more signals 116 to one or more lowing appended claims may contain usage of the introduc display units 110. In some embodiments, one or more detec tory phrases “at least one' and “one or more to introduce tion units 108 may be configured to transmit one or more claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not signals 116 to one or more recording units 112. be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recita The system 2400 includes module 2430 that includes one 65 tion by the indefinite articles “a” or “an limits any particular or more display units operably associated with the one or claim containing Such introduced claim recitation to inven more detection units that indicate one or more dosages of one tions containing only one such recitation, even when the same US 7,927,787 B2 55 56 claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more' or “at Such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be imple least one' and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an' (e.g., “a” mented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of and/or “an should typically be interpreted to mean “at least hardware, Software, firmware, or virtually any combination one' or “one or more); the same holds true for the use of thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addi 5 matter described herein may be implemented via Application tion, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recita Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable tion is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed recitations, without other modifiers, typically means at least 10 herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more of A, B, and C, etc. is used, in general Such a construction is programs running on one or more computer systems), as one intended in the sense one having skill in the art would under or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as stand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, 15 one or more programs running on one or more microproces B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that sors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). software and/or firmware would be well within the skill of In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, one of A, B, or C, etc. is used, in general Such a construction those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would the subject matter described herein are capable of being dis understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one tributed as a program productina variety of forms, and that an of A, B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bear together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 25 ing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. It will be further understood by those within the art that Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two limited to, the following: a recordable type medium Such as a or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possi Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; bilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or 30 and a transmission type medium Such as a digital and/or an both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B will be under analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a stood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or "A and B.” waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless commu Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the nication link, etc.). art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize left between hardware and software implementations of 35 that the various embodiments described herein can be imple aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is gener mented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of ally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice electromechanical systems having a wide range of electrical between hardware and Software can become significant) a components such as hardware, Software, firmware, or virtu design choice representing cost VS. efficiency tradeoffs. ally any combination thereof, and a wide range of compo Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are 40 nents that may impart mechanical force or motion Such as various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or rigid bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and elec other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., tro-magnetically actuated devices, or virtually any combina hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred tion thereof. Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechani vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes cal system’ includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For 45 operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, example, if an implementer determines that speed and accu a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitry having at least racy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer 50 forming a general purpose computing device configured by a may opt for Some combination of hardware, Software, and/or computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer config firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which ured by a computer program which at least partially carries the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies out processes and/or devices described herein, or a micropro described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently cessor configured by a computer program which at least par superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a 55 tially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, random access memory), electrical circuitry forming a com or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. munications device (e.g., a modem, communications Switch, Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of or optical-electrical equipment), and any non-electrical ana implementations will typically employ optically-oriented 60 log thereto. Such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in hardware, software, and/or firmware. the art will also appreciate that examples of electro-mechani The foregoing detailed description has set forth various cal systems include, but are not limited to, a variety of con embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of Sumer electronics systems, as well as other systems such as block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as Such motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or 65 security systems, and communication/computing systems. more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by Those skilled in the art will recognize that electromechanical those within the art that each function and/or operation within as used herein is not necessarily limited to a system that has US 7,927,787 B2 57 58 both electrical and mechanical actuation except as context achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated may dictate otherwise. In a general sense, those skilled in the with each other such that the desired functionality is art will recognize that the various aspects described herein achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial compo which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, nents. Likewise, any two components so associated can also by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any 5 be viewed as being “operably connected, or “operably combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of coupled, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, various types of "electrical circuitry. Consequently, as used and any two components capable of being so associated can herein “electrical circuitry’ includes, but is not limited to, also be viewed as being “operably couplable', to each other to electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical cir achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of oper cuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, 10 electrical circuitry having at least one application specific ably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general pur mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or pose computing device configured by a computer program wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting compo (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer nents and/or logically interacting and/or logically inter program which at least partially carries out processes and/or 15 actable components. devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by All publications, patents and patent applications cited a computer program which at least partially carries out pro herein are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing cesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry specification has been described in relation to certain embodi forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access ments thereof, and many details have been set forth for pur memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communica poses of illustration, however, it will be apparent to those tions device (e.g., a modem, communications Switch, or opti skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional cal-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will embodiments and that certain of the details described herein recognize that the subject matter described herein may be may be varied considerably without departing from the basic implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combi principles of the invention. nation thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is 25 common within the art to implement devices and/or processes What is claimed is: and/or systems in the fashion(s) set forth herein, and thereaf 1. A method comprising: teruse engineering and/or business practices to integrate Such receiving one or more parameters of an individual includ implemented devices and/or processes and/or systems into ing at least one behavioral, characteristic, and/or appear more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or sys 30 ance related parameter, tems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes receiving two or more samples of the individual collected and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other at two or more different times, the two or more samples devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable including at least one of urine, saliva, and/or blood; amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art will assaying using one or more microfluidic chips the two or recognize that examples of Such other devices and/or pro 35 more samples to detect at least one amount of testoster cesses and/or systems might include—as appropriate to con one of each sample; text and application—all or part of devices and/or processes determining one or more testosterone amount changes over and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, time using the at least one amount of testosterone of each rocket, hovercraft, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance sample; and (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel car 40 identifying, based upon one or more potential relationships rier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), of the one or more testosterone amount changes and the (d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a Washing machine, a one or more parameters, one or more dosages and/or one dryer, etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a networked or more dosage modifications of one or more non-phar system, a telephone system, a Voice-over IP system, etc.), (f) maceutically regulated nutraceutical agents for Supple a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 45 mentation of the individual. entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving one or or (g) a wired/wireless services entity Such as Sprint, Cingu more parameters of an individual including at least one lar. Nextel, etc.), etc. behavioral, characteristic, and/or appearance related param Although a user 118 is shown/described herein as a single eter comprises: illustrated figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a 50 receiving via one or more user interfaces one or more user 118 may be representative of a human user 118, a robotic parameters of an individual including at least one behav user 118 (e.g., computational entity), and/or Substantially any ioral, characteristic, and/or appearance related param combination thereof (e.g., a user 118 may be assisted by one eter. or more robotic agents). In addition, a user 118 as set forth 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving two or herein, although shown as a single entity may in fact be 55 more samples of the individual collected at two or more composed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art will different times, the two or more samples including at least one appreciate that, in general, the same may be said of "sender of urine, saliva, and/or blood comprises: and/or other entity-oriented terms as such terms are used receiving two or more samples of the individual collected herein. The herein described subject matter sometimes illus at two or more different times, the two or more samples trates different components contained within, or connected 60 including at least one of urine, saliva, blood, Sweat, tears, with, different other components. It is to be understood that breath, skin, hair, excrement, and/or mucus. Such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving two or fact many other architectures can be implemented which more samples of the individual collected at two or more achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any different times, the two or more samples including at least one arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality 65 of urine, saliva, and/or blood comprises: is effectively “associated such that the desired functionality receiving two or more samples of the individual collected is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to at two or more different times, the two or more samples US 7,927,787 B2 59 60 including at least one hormone, prohormone, polynucle circuitry programmed to operate one or more microfluidic otide, enzyme, protein, Vitamin, mineral, metal, and/or chips for assaying the two or more samples to detect at antioxidant. least one amount of testosterone of each sample: 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the assaying using one circuitry programmed to determine one or more testoster or more microfluidic chips the two or more samples to detect one amount changes over time using the at least one at least one amount of testosterone of each sample comprises: amount of testosterone of each sample; and assaying at different times and using one or more microf circuitry programmed to identify, based upon one or more luidic chips the two or more samples to detect at least potential relationships of the one or more testosterone one amount of testosterone of each sample. amount changes and the one or more parameters, one or 10 more dosages and/or one or more dosage modifications 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the assaying using one of one or more non- pharmaceutically regulated nutra or more microfluidic chips the two or more samples to detect ceutical agents for Supplementation of the individual. at least one amount of testosterone of each sample comprises: 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry pro assaying using one or more detection units detachably grammed to receive one or more parameters of an individual associatable with one or more microfluidic chips the two 15 including at least one behavioral, characteristic, and/or or more samples to detect at least one amount of test appearance related parameter comprises: osterone of each sample. circuitry programmed to receive via one or more user inter 7. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more operations faces one or more parameters of an individual including of the method are performed using one or more hand-held at least one behavioral, characteristic, and/or appearance portable devices. related parameter. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more operations 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry pro of the method are performed using two or more devices. grammed to operate one or more devices for receiving two or 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: more samples of the individual collected at two or more displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or different times, the two or more samples including at least one one or more dosage modifications. 25 of urine, saliva, and/or blood comprises: 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or receiving two or more samples of the individual col one or more dosage modifications with one or more lected at two or more different times, the two or more operably coupled display units. samples including at least one of urine, saliva, blood, 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: 30 Sweat, tears, breath, skin, hair, excrement, and/or mucus. displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry pro one or more dosage modifications in human-readable grammed to operate one or more devices for receiving two or format. more samples of the individual collected at two or more 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: different times, the two or more samples including at least one displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or 35 of urine, saliva, and/or blood comprises: one or more dosage modifications in machine-readable circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for format. receiving two or more samples of the individual col 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: lected at two or more different times, the two or more displaying one or more amounts and/or concentrations of samples including at least one hormone, prohormone, testOSterOne. 40 polynucleotide, enzyme, protein, vitamin, mineral, 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: metal, and/or antioxidant. transmitting one or more signals. 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry pro 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: grammed to operate one or more microfluidic chips for assay transmitting one or more signals to one or more display ing the two or more samples to detect at least one amount of units. 45 testosterone of each sample comprises: 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising: circuitry programmed to operate one or more microfluidic transmitting one or more signals to one or more recording chips for assaying at different times the two or more units. samples to detect at least one amount of testosterone of 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising: each sample. transmitting one or more signals to one or more Supple 50 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry pro ment Suppliers. grammed to operate one or more microfluidic chips for assay 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: ing the two or more samples to detect at least one amount of receiving one or more signals. testosterone of each sample comprises: 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising: circuitry programmed to operate one or more detection providing for user interaction. 55 units detachably associatable with one or more microf 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: luidic chips for assaying the two or more samples to determining one or more predictions associated with test detect at least one amount of testosterone of each OSterOne. sample. 21. A system comprising: 27. The system of claim 21, wherein one or more circuitry circuitry programmed to receive one or more parameters of 60 of the system is included in one or more hand-held portable an individual including at least one behavioral, charac devices. teristic, and/or appearance related parameter; 28. The system of claim 21, wherein one or more circuitry circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for of the system is included in two or more devices. receiving two or more samples of the individual col 29. The system of claim 21, further comprising: lected at two or more different times, the two or more 65 circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for samples including at least one of urine, saliva, and/or displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or blood; one or more dosage modifications. US 7,927,787 B2 61 62 30. The system of claim 21, further comprising: parameters of an individual including at least one behavioral, circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for characteristic, and/or appearance related parameter com displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or prises: one or more dosage modifications with one or more receiving via one or more user interfaces one or more operably coupled display units. parameters of an individual including at least one behav 31. The system of claim 21, further comprising: ioral, characteristic, and/or appearance related param circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for eter. displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or 43. The device detectable instructions for facilitating one or more dosage modifications in human-readable operations of claim 41, wherein the receiving two or more format. 10 samples of the individual collected at two or more different 32. The system of claim 21, further comprising: times, the two or more samples including at least one of urine, circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for saliva, and/or blood comprises: displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or receiving two or more samples of the individual collected one or more dosage modifications in machine-readable 15 at two or more different times, the two or more samples format. including at least one of urine, saliva, blood, Sweat, tears, 33. The system of claim 21, further comprising: breath, skin, hair, excrement, and/or mucus. circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for 44. The device detectable instructions for facilitating displaying one or more amounts and/or concentrations operations of claim 41, wherein the receiving two or more of testosterone. samples of the individual collected at two or more different 34. The system of claim 21, further comprising: times, the two or more samples including at least one of urine, circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for saliva, and/or blood comprises: transmitting one or more signals. receiving two or more samples of the individual collected 35. The system of claim 21, further comprising: at two or more different times, the two or more samples circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for 25 including at least one hormone, prohormone, polynucle transmitting one or more signals to one or more display otide, enzyme, protein, Vitamin, mineral, metal, and/or units. antioxidant. 36. The system of claim 21, further comprising: 45. The device detectable instructions for facilitating circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for operations of claim 41, wherein the assaying using one or 30 more microfluidic chips the two or more samples to detect at transmitting one or more signals to one or more record least one amount of testosterone of each sample comprises: ing units. assaying at different times and using one or more microf 37. The system of claim 21, further comprising: luidic chips the two or more samples to detect at least circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for one amount of testosterone of each sample. transmitting one or more signals to one or more Supple 35 46. The device detectable instructions for facilitating ment Suppliers. operations of claim 41, wherein the assaying using one or 38. The system of claim 21, further comprising: more microfluidic chips the two or more samples to detect at circuitry programmed to receive one or more signals. least one amount of testosterone of each sample comprises: 39. The system of claim 21, further comprising: assaying using one or more detection units detachably circuitry programmed to operate one or more devices for 40 associatable with one or more microfluidic chips the two providing for user interaction. or more samples to detect at least one amount of test 40. The system of claim 21, further comprising: osterone of each sample. circuitry programmed to determine one or more predic 47. The device detectable instructions for facilitating tions associated with testosterone. operations of claim 41, wherein one or more operations are 41. Non-transitory computer readable media embodying 45 performed using one or more hand-held portable devices. device detectable instructions for facilitating operations com 48. The device detectable instructions for facilitating prising: operations of claim 41, wherein one or more operations are receiving one or more parameters of an individual includ performed using two or more devices. ing at least one behavioral, characteristic, and/or appear 49. The device detectable instructions for facilitating ance related parameter; 50 operations of claim 41, further comprising: receiving two or more samples of the individual collected displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or at two or more different times, the two or more samples one or more dosage modifications. including at least one of urine, saliva, and/or blood; 50. The device detectable instructions for facilitating assaying using one or more microfluidic chips the two or operations of claim 41, further comprising: more samples to detect at least one amount of testoster 55 displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or one of each sample; one or more dosage modifications with one or more determining one or more testosterone amount changes over operably coupled display units. time using the at least one amount of testosterone of each 51. The device detectable instructions for facilitating sample; and operations of claim 41, further comprising: identifying, based upon one or more potential relationships 60 displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or of the one or more testosterone amount changes and the one or more dosage modifications in human-readable one or more parameters, one or more dosages and/or one format. or more dosage modifications of one or more non-phar 52. The device detectable instructions for facilitating maceutically regulated nutraceutical agents for Supple operations of claim 41, further comprising: mentation of the individual. 65 displaying at least one of the one or more dosages and/or 42. The device detectable instructions for facilitating one or more dosage modifications in machine-readable operations of claim 41, wherein the receiving one or more format. US 7,927,787 B2 63 64 53. The device detectable instructions for facilitating 57. The device detectable instructions for facilitating operations of claim 41, further comprising: operations of claim 41, further comprising: displaying one or more amounts and/or concentrations of transmitting one or more signals to one or more Supple testOSterOne. ment Suppliers. 54. The device detectable instructions for facilitating 5 58. The device detectable instructions for facilitating operations of claim 41, further comprising: operations of claim 41, further comprising: transmitting one or more signals. receiving one or more signals. 55. The device detectable instructions for facilitating 59. The device detectable instructions for facilitating operations of claim 41, further comprising: operations of claim 41, further comprising: transmitting one or more signals to one or more display 10 providing for user interaction. units. 60. The device detectable instructions for facilitating 56. The device detectable instructions for facilitating operations of claim 41, further comprising: operations of claim 41, further comprising: determining one or more predictions associated with test transmitting one or more signals to one or more recording OSterOne. units.