Abstract: A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection.

Abstract: In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a beam applied from a light source to a chromatography test strip is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens, a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part and a detection part, and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation. According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and the apparatus can be operated easily.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for immobilising a biomolecule on a surface by generating and maintaining an atmospheric pressure plasma, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a sample in the space between two electrodes, a mixed atmosphere being present between the electrodes, applying an alternating voltage to the electrodes for generating and maintaining a plasma in the volumetric space between the electrodes, characterized in that the mixed atmosphere comprises an inert gas or nitrogen, an aerosol comprising a reactive precursor and an aerosol comprising a biomolecule, the reactive precursor and biomolecule being deposited and immobilized during the depositing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic (polymeric)-microparticle composite films of tailored composition and morphology; the present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, micro-reactors, smart materials. Miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. Provides a simple set-up to synthesize thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Abstract: A protein patterning electrode device consisting of capacitor microelectrode arrays coated with a protein non-adherent layer is provided. Operation of the electrode is based on a phenomenon called “electrowetting,” where surface wettability can dynamically be controlled by varying the voltage across the device electrodes. When an electric field is applied across the electrode layers, the surface accumulates charge and becomes hydrophilic, binding the proteins to the surface via ionic bonding. Electrically controlling the amount of the surface charge permits controlled protein surface affinity. The device provides a means for reconfigurable protein patterning.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown on a first substrate. The CNTs grown on the first substrate are immersed in a biological solution at a predetermined depth to functionalize ends of the CNTs with a biological molecule. The functionalized CNTs are harvested from the first substrate. A second substrate is functionalized with a complementary biological modification, which is a complementary binding partner to the biological molecule functionalized to the ends of the CNTs. The functionalized CNTs are attached to the second substrate by way of the complementary binding partner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the single particle detection of submicron structures such as biological molecules and viruses utilises an optical element (100) comprising an optically transparent substrate (1) partially coated with a thin film of metal (2) illuminated with an optical beam (4) incident on a non-metal coated region (3) of the surface of the optical element at a point adjacent or close to the metal coated region of the optical element such that the beam propagates above but close and substantially parallel to the metal surface defining a measurement zone from within which submicron particles (7) contained in a sample (6) placed in contact with the optical element scatter or emit light which can be detected in the far field by conventional photodetection systems. The apparatus can be configured in a flow cell or optical microscope configuration.

Abstract: In a biological measurement system (10) for collecting one or more samples of sputum and/or mucus from a patient in the form of an aerosol and for analyzing said one or more samples to detect whether or not pathogens are present therein, the one or more samples are in solution within the system (10) and detection of the pathogens is performed using a fluorescently labeled assay. The system (10) is adapted to detect bacterial pathogens using evanescent-wave spectroscopy preferably by using a single-reflective technique. The one or more samples are advantageously provided to the system (10) in aerosol form. However, the system (10) is capable of being adapted for use in analyzing samples in liquid form. Methods of analyzing said one or more samples in the system (10) are described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biosensor for quantitatively analyzing a bio-material and a manufacturing method thereof. The biosensor has an exposed conductive region of a few-nanometer scale distributed on an insulated metallic substrate in a desired pattern or randomly. The quantitative analysis of protein can be carried out by means of simplified procedures, without the necessity of rinsing out a signal-producing material, which is non-specifically bonded to the materials to be analyzed. The biosensor utilizes only the size of the molecules, and thus can be universally used for the analysis of bio-materials. A selective and separate analysis can be realized in which interference caused by other materials is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte in a sample of whole blood comprises the step of treating the sample with a nonlytic hypertonic salt composition to reduce the hematocrit by reducing the size of the red blood cells. In optical detection systems, the smaller red blood cells create greater scatter, which allows a more accurate correction to be applied in a dual-wavelength detection system. In electrochemical detection systems, as well as in optical detection systems, the smaller red blood cells provide less obstruction to the diffusion of analyte and reagents in the sample, to facilitate the reactions thereof.

Abstract: A multifunctional reagent for erythrocytes containing an amount sufficient to produce the lysis of erythrocytes or the sphering of erythrocytes in such a way that they can be detected by a cytometer or an automatic counting device, of a carbamate or of an agent inducing the formation by the erythrocytes, from carbonate and from a nitrogenated heterocycle or ammonium ions, of a carbamate combined with the absorption of CO2 by said erythrocytes, process for lysing or sphering erythrocytes and preparation process for leucocytes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods used to analyze the contents of a biological sample, such as blood serum, with cascade Raman sensing. A fluorescence producing nanoporous biosensor having probes that bind specifically to known analytes is contacted with a biological sample and one or more bound complexes coupled to the porous semiconductor structure are formed. The bound complexes are contacted with a Raman-active probe that binds specifically to the bound complexes and the biosensor is illuminated to generate fluorescent emissions from the biosensor. These fluorescent emissions generate Raman signals from the bound complexes. The Raman signals produced by the bound complexes are detected and the Raman signal associated with a bound protein-containing analyte is indicative of the presence of the protein-containing compound in the sample. The invention methods are useful to provide a protein profile of a patient sample. The invention also provides detection systems useful to practice the invention methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of one or more analytes of interest in a sample by measuring changes in fluorescence anisotropy as a result of binding of the analytes to specific aptamers. The aptamers are immobilized on a solid support and may be in the form of an array.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for screening large numbers of individual cells or colonies of cells using scanning microscopy coupled with fluorescence lifetime measurement and analysis, using time-correlated single photon counting. This invention further provides an automated method for selecting cells that exhibit desired characteristics. The method uses the scanning microscope system to focus a laser beam onto a surface upon which cells are immobilized on the timescale of the procedure. The cells that are illuminated in this way are killed or their growth is inhibited. The focused laser beam is scanned across the surface and turned on and off during the scanning process such that only non-irradiated cells survive, resulting in a patterned cell growth This invention further provides a computer-controlled projection device, such as a micro-mirror array or a liquid crystal display system, which is sued to project an image onto the cells.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention use MRAM technology to detect a shift in the magnetic switching field of a sensor. The shift in the magnetic switching field is caused by the presence of magnetic tagged beads. By measuring the magnitude of the shift in the magnetic field and correlating the magnitude of the shift to the presence of the target molecules, accurate measurements regarding the presence of the target molecules can be made.