Abstract: A method for capturing a molecule in a sample, comprising mixing the sample with magnetic particles. Each of the particles being coupled with an element capable of binding selectively to the molecule for capture, so as to form at least one complex comprising a magnetic particle. The element and the molecule bound to the element, immobilizing the at least one complex on a support comprising ordered magnetic field microsources.

Abstract: A centripetal microfluidic platform comprised of a microfluidics disc and a reader for testing LAL-reactive substances in fluid samples is provided. The microfluidic disc may comprise at least two testing areas wherein each testing area includes a reservoir portion for receiving at least one fluid sample. The disc may comprise a distribution network portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion. Each distribution network portion may comprise a distribution network of at least four (4) channels, wherein each channel has a metering portion and at least one analysis chamber portion. The analysis chamber portion may comprise a mixing chamber for mixing samples and reagents and an optical chamber portion that is compatible with an optical reader. The metering portion may be sized to meter an aliquot of the fluid sample for analysis in the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber portion has at least one reagent isolated therein.

Abstract: A microfluidic exosome profiling platform integrating exosome isolation and targeted proteomic analysis is disclosed. This platform is capable of quantitative exosomal biomarker profiling directly from 30 ?L plasma samples within approximately 100 minutes with markedly enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Identification of distinct subpopulation of patient-derived exosomes is demonstrated by probing surface proteins and multiparameter analyses of intravesicular biomarkers in the selected subpopulation. The expression of IGF-1R and its phosphorylation level in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient plasma is assessed, as a non-invasive alternative to the conventional biopsy and immunohistochemistry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising mixing the sample with a first detection conjugate and a second detection conjugate in solution, wherein the first and second detection conjugates comprise metallic nanostructures coupled to binding partners that are capable of specifically binding to the target analyte if present in the sample to form a complex between the first detection conjugate, the analyte, and the second detection conjugate, wherein a change in an optical signal upon complex formation indicates the presence of the target analyte in the sample. Methods of preparing nanostructures and nanoalloys, as well as nanostructures and nanoalloys conjugated to binding partners, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measures for determining glucose and for diagnosing diseases based on impaired glucose metabolism. In particular the present invention relates to a device comprising a hydrogel having a glucose-binding protein and a ligand of the glucose-binding protein incorporated therein, wherein the hydrogel comprises a first hydrogel matrix made of alginate and a second hydrogel matrix which forms an interpenetrating network within the first hydrogel matrix. The invention further relates to the use of such a device for determining the glucose content in a sample and to the use of the device for diagnosing impaired glucose metabolism in a test subject.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for performing analyte detection in a lateral flow assay.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a porous, monolithic resonator having nanoscale pores defined therein. The apparatus can also include an adsorbent selective to a given analyte disposed on an exterior of the porous, monolithic resonator, the exterior of the porous, monolithic resonator including surfaces defining the nanoscale pores.

Abstract: A test reagent includes a reactant and a sheet-shaped member. The reactant is in a dry state and specifically reacts with a test substance. The sheet-shaped member holds the reactant and disperses in a solvent solution in which the reactant dissolves.

Abstract: A biosensor using a decoupled microfluidic device, which has a capture chamber and a detection chamber separate from and in fluid communication with each other. The sensing method is based on particle aggregation via homogeneous reactions, by employing microparticles having antibodies on their surfaces which can form aggregates through antigen mediation. Either size-separation or magnetic based separation is used to separate aggregates from single microparticles; the aggregates are later dissociated and the resulting single microparticles are counted to measure the amount of the antigen. Another biosensor uses a decoupled microfluidic device with a capture chamber and a detection chamber, and a 3-D structure in the capture camber to increase immobilized antibody concentration. Immunoreaction efficiency is improved by increasing the number of antibody per reaction volume in the capture chamber.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with an electrical conductor for detection of the antigens by electromagnetic read heads. In one embodiment, a sample assembly includes: a substrate; one or more base layers above the substrate; an outer layer above the substrate; a plurality of sample trenches formed in the outer layer, each sample trench being characterized by an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis; an electrical conductor disposed in the substrate, the electrical conductor being configured to generate an electromagnetic field in proximity to the plurality of sample trenches to enhance nanoparticle movement toward the bottom surface of the plurality of sample trenches; and at least one alignment trench formed above the substrate, each alignment trench having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one of the sample trenches.

Abstract: Microfluidic cartridges or devices for serum separation and blood cross-match analysis are provided. The devices may include a serum separation subcircuit alone or in combination with a solute mixing subcircuit. The serum separation subcircuit promotes on-cartridge clotting of a blood sample and manipulates the flow of the separated serum sample for subsequent cross-match analysis with a second blood sample, for example. The solute mixing subcircuit includes at least two intake channels, one for a whole blood sample from, for example, a blood donor and the other for the separated serum sample from, for example, a transfusion recipient. The solute mixing subcircuit further includes a serpentine mixing channel conjoined to a downstream channel. Under vacuum generated by a conjoined finger pump, the two input streams fill the serpentine mixing and downstream channels due to capillary action, enabling visualization of an agglutination reaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.

Abstract: A blood analyzer including a specimen preparation unit, a flow cell, a light source unit, light receivers, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to identify and count lymphocytes in the first measurement specimen by using first scattered light information based on the first scattered light and second scattered light information based on the second scattered light, and configured to identify and count blood cells having thereon the predetermined surface antigen in the first measurement specimen by using first fluorescence information based on the first fluorescence.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between the slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open the liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with the incubation chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence immunoassay sensor chip and a fluorescence immunoassay method, which are capable of measuring, at the same time, a marker requiring high sensitivity due to its low content in a sample solution and a marker not requiring high sensitivity due to its high content in a sample solution. The fluorescence immunoassay sensor chip for use in fluorescence immunoassay for detecting and measuring markers contained in a sample solution includes: a dielectric member; a metal thin film formed on part of a main surface of the dielectric member; a first sensor part formed in a predetermined position on the metal thin film; and a second sensor part directly formed in a predetermined position on the dielectric member, wherein a ligand immobilized in the first sensor part and a ligand immobilized in the second sensor part capture different types of markers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods that use aqueous two phase systems and lateral flow assays to detect target analytes in a sample. These devices and methods may be used to diagnose a disease or condition in a biological sample, such as blood or serum. In addition, these devices and methods may be used to detect allergens in a food samples or contaminants, such as environmental toxins, in water samples. Device and kit components may be conveniently assembled in a portable container and are amenable to actuation in most settings. The devices are simple to use, requiring a non-trained operator to simply add the sample to the device. Conveniently, the time it takes to detect the target analyte is very short. Thus, the devices and methods disclosed herein provide novel and useful means for point-of-care.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement system for performing qualitative measurement and quantitative measurement of a measurement item of a biological sample, the measurement system including a quantitative sample adjustment criterion storage section that stores a quantitative sample adjustment criterion corresponding to a qualitative measurement result in the qualitative measurement, a determination section that determines a proper quantitative sample adjustment condition by referring to the quantitative sample adjustment criterion to determine necessity to change the quantitative sample adjustment condition based on the qualitative measurement result, and an adjustment section that adjusts the biological sample based on the quantitative sample adjustment condition determined by the determination section.

Abstract: Immunoblotting systems and method are provided. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying an antibody solution to a surface of a membrane having an optically detectable protein and a target protein transferred thereon, wherein the application of the antibody solution is guided by a signal emitted from the optically detectable protein; and detecting the target protein. Systems and other methods are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: A self-referencing localized plasmon resonance sensing device and a system thereof are disclosed. The reference optical waveguide element is modified with a noble metal nanoparticle layer. The sensing optical waveguide element is modified with a noble metal nanoparticle layer, which is further modified with a recognition unit. The incident light is guided into the reference and the sensing optical waveguide elements to respectively generate localized plasmon resonance sensor signals. The reference and the sensing optical waveguide elements respectively have a calibration slope. The processor utilizes the calibration slopes to regulate the second difference generated by detecting with the sensing optical waveguide element. The processor utilizes a difference between the first difference, which is generated by detecting with the reference optical waveguide element, and the regulated second difference to obtain a sensor response.

Abstract: A method and a system for detection of presence or absence of analytes in fluids, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a fluid sample and a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles being functionalized with a selective ligand, the contact of the fluid sample with the nanoparticles being under conditions such that, the nanoparticles aggregate selectively on surface of their target analyte, forming a nanoparticle-analyte complex, the aggregation promoting the concentration of the nanoparticles on the surface of the target analyte; b) subjecting a fluid mixture of the fluid sample and the plurality of nanoparticles to SERS; c) measuring at least a SERS signal associated with the fluid mixture; d) spectrally analyzing the at least one SERS signal of step c); e) recognizing at least one defined SERS spectrum of the nanoparticle-analyte complex, through a SERS signal enhanced by the at least one narrow inter-nanoparticle gap.