Abstract: The present invention concerns means and methods of detection of Candida and Candida-related fungal cells in clinical material by means of protein biochips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or cytokine immobilized thereon, where TNF or the cytokine is preferably immobilized in the form of a trimer in directed fashion and with retention of its biological activity on the carrier, to methods for the directed immobilization of TNF or cytokine on nanoparticles, to the use of the nanoparticles having immobilized TNF or cytokine for the identification and/or isolation of cytokine- or TNF-binding partners and for the identification and/or isolation of inhibitors of the interaction between TNF or cytokine and its binding partners, to the use of such nanoparticles for preparing a pharmaceutical composition, in particular for the therapy of tumors, and to pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions which comprise such nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for mass spectrometric analysis, in particular for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using nanoparticles, where an analyte is added to a nanoparticle suspension, and the suspension containing the bound analyte is then deposited directly on a MALDI sample carrier and investigated by mass spectrometry, and to nanoparticles suitable for this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating cell material from a tissue system and/or a liquid includes (1) a vessel open at the top, into which the cell material to be isolated can be introduced in the tissue system and/or the liquid; and (2) a separating device having a stamp-shaped configuration and including a flat separating disk having a peripheral edge fitting with the inner walls of the vessel in a fluid-tight manner and presenting at least one passage opening which is covered by a filter membrane, and which device can be inserted from the top into the vessel. The isolating disk pressurises the cell material inclusive of the tissue system and/or the liquid and acts thereupon with shearing forces by rotation. The cells and/or cell systems pass through the pores of the filter membrane whereas the residual tissue material is retained.