Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting biomarkers in an analyte. In some embodiments, the detection is accomplished using a competition reaction between a primer and a biomarker for binding to a salimer. The salimer, in some aspects of the invention, is hybridized to the primer, but because the salimer has a greater affinity for a biomarker than for the primer, the salimer dissociates from the primer in the presence of the target biomarker. The unbound primer generates a signal that indicates the presence of the biomarker.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting proteins in saliva are disclosed. The methods comprise obtaining a saliva sample from a subject suspected of having a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The sample is probed for a biomarker associated with TBI. The subject's biomarker profile is then compared to a reference sample or to a threshold value. The disclosed devices are able to detect in realtime the presence of biomarker proteins associated with TBI.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable handheld devices for saliva collection for daily monitoring of salivary biomarkers of physiological conditions, the device comprising: a handheld handle comprising a saliva collector, the saliva collector comprising: a suction tip; a bi-directional pump electrically configurable for pumping towards two opposite directions; a saliva reservoir; a valve; a water reservoir, the water reservoir comprising an external filling lid; a reversible fluidic connection configurable in a connected and disconnected position; and a base accommodating the handheld handle, the base configurable to fluidly communicate with the handheld handle through at least the reversible fluidic connection, wherein the valve is electrically configured to allow fluid communication directly between at least two selected from: the saliva reservoir, the water reservoir, and the reversible fluidic connection, and wherein the bi-directional pump is electrically configurable to allow fluid communication directly betwee