Abstract: Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: Disclosed arc cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for detecting complexes of Tau, Tau variants, including phosphorylated variants, and amyloid containing molecules, as well as autoantibodies to those complexes or components of those complexes, in physiological fluid samples.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging metallic nanoparticles is provided. Preferably, the invention provides for an apparatus and method for detection of gold colloid particles and for accurate reporting to the operator. The apparatus includes a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a processor and memory device, an imaging module, an illumination module, a power module, an input module, and an output module. The apparatus may have a stationary substrate holder and imaging module which are proximate to one another. The apparatus provided for a compact sized system without the need for complex motorized devices to move the camera across the substrate. Further, the apparatus and method provide for automatic detection of the spots/wells on the substrate, automatic quantification of the spots on the substrate, and automatic interpretation of the spots based on decision statistics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a nucleic acid. The apparatus includes a disposable self-contained processing module that contains the nucleic acid and substantially all of the fluids to effect a nanoparticle hybridization test, a pump coupled to the processing module, a valving system disposed between the pump and processing module and a control system coupled to the pump and valving system causing the processing fluids to interact with the nucleic acid to effect a sandwich hybridization test using nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method includes applying ultrasound to a container having a plurality of magnetic particles contacted with a fluid sample having a biological material capable of binding to the magnetic particles, in an amount effective to suspend the magnetic particles in the fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of detecting autoantibodies present in the serum of subjects suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The methods use capture probes and detection probes that can bind to the antifilaggrin autoantibodies or other epitope related autoantibodies. The presence, absence, and/or amount of the autoantibody complex may be detected, wherein the presence of the complex may indicate a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotides, kits and methods for genotyping HPV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging metallic nanoparticles is provided. Preferably, the invention provides for an apparatus and method for detection of gold colloid particles and for accurate reporting to the operator. The apparatus includes a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a processor and memory device, an imaging module, an illumination module, a power module, an input module, and an output module. The apparatus may have a stationary substrate holder and imaging module which are proximate to one another. The apparatus provided for a compact sized system without the need for complex motorized devices to move the camera across the substrate. Further, the apparatus and method provide for automatic detection of the spots/wells on the substrate, automatic quantification of the spots on the substrate, and automatic interpretation of the spots based on decision statistics.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of detecting autoantibodies (AAs) in biological samples. The methods use capture probes that can bind to an disease-associated antigen/AA complex and a detection probe that can bind to the AAs. The presence, absence, and/or amount of the complex may be measured, wherein the presence of the complex may be diagnostic or prognostic of a disease or medical condition. The disclosure also provides methods of simultaneously detecting AAs and antigens in biological samples. The presence, absence, and/or amount of AAs and antigens may be measured, wherein the amount of antigen present and/or the amount of autoantibody present may be diagnostic or prognostic of a particular disease or medical condition.

Abstract: A disposable sample processing module is provided for processing DNA or RNA samples. The module includes a hybridization chamber adapted to receive an oligonucleotide covalently bonded to an internal surface of the hybridization chamber. The module also include a sample well adapted to hold a DNA or RNA sample, said sample well being coupled to the hybridization chamber, a moveable valve plate disposed between the sample well and hybridization chamber, said moveable valve plate having a first position that allows transfer of the DNA or RNA sample from the sample well to the hybridization chamber and a second position that blocks transfer to the hybridization chamber and a manifold adapted to exchange fluids with the hybridization chamber to hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify the hybridized sample.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing amino-group containing molecules onto surfaces and devices having immobilized isocyanate-group containing molecules prepared by the method are disclosed. The method comprises reacting a surface (i.e., glass surface) having free hydroxyl groups with a silyl isocyanate derivatizing agent to provide immobilized reactive moieties, the agent having a formula: (R1O)(R2O)(R3O)Si—X—NCO wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently represents C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, or aryl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl and C1-C6 alkoxy; X represents linear or branched C1-C20 alkyl or aryl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl and C1-C6 alkoxy, optionally substituted with one or more heteroatoms comprising oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur and reacting the immobilized reactive moieties with the amino group-containing molecule so as to immobilize said molecule on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods, compositions, and kits for detecting for the presence or absence of one or more target analytes, e.g. biomolecules, in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to methods that utilize nanoparticle probes in an in-solution homogeneous assay system for high-sensitivity detection of target proteins or nucleic acids based on flow analysis of single particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging metallic nanoparticles. The invention teaches an apparatus and method for detection of gold colloid particles and for accurate reporting to the operator. The apparatus includes a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a processor and memory device, an imaging module, and illumination module, an input module, and an output module. The apparatus may have a stationary substrate holder and imaging module which are proximate to one another. The apparatus provides for a compact system without the need for complex motorized devices to move a camera across the substrate. Further, the apparatus and method provide for automatic detection of the spots/wells on the substrate, automatic quantification of the spots on the substrate, and automatic interpretation of the spots based on decision statistics.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a DNA or RNA sample within a sample processing module. The method includes the steps of providing a sample well within the sample processing module that contains the DNA or RNA sample, coupling ultrasonic energy from an external source into the sampling well and denaturing and fragmenting the DNA or RNA sample using the ultrasonic energy.