Abstract: Methods and Raman detection agents for detecting an analyte in a sample are provided. Methods described herein may comprise steps of providing a 3D diagnostic substrate presenting a capture agent for the analyte or an analyte complex; exposing the sample to the substrate and to a Raman detection agent, allowing analyte in the sample to bind to the capture agent of the diagnostic substrate and an affinity component of the Raman detection agent; and detecting the Raman detection agent bound to the 3D diagnostic substrate by Raman spectroscopy, thereby detecting the presence of the analyte in the sample. Raman detection agents described herein may comprise a Raman signal-enhancing metal nanoparticle carrying both a Raman reporter and an affinity component for binding to the analyte or the complex formed between the analyte and the capture agent on the 3D diagnostic substrate.

Abstract: Methods and Raman detection agents for detecting an analyte in a sample are provided. Methods described herein may comprise steps of providing a 3D diagnostic substrate presenting a capture agent for the analyte or an analyte complex; exposing the sample to the substrate and to a Raman detection agent, allowing analyte in the sample to bind to the capture agent of the diagnostic substrate and an affinity component of the Raman detection agent; and detecting the Raman detection agent bound to the 3D diagnostic substrate by Raman spectroscopy, thereby detecting the presence of the analyte in the sample. Raman detection agents described herein may comprise a Raman signal-enhancing metal nanoparticle carrying both a Raman reporter and an affinity component for binding to the analyte or the complex formed between the analyte and the capture agent on the 3D diagnostic substrate.

Abstract: A downward or vertical flow-through rapid diagnostic device and assay are provided. The device comprises a test area and reagent storage area, which are linked via a channel. The test area further comprises a reaction zone and an absorbent zone. A capture reagent is immobilized on the reaction zone to detect a target analyte in the fluid test sample. The fluid test sample flows downward or vertically through the reaction zone and into the absorbent zone, with the capture reagent and target analyte forming a two-membered complex that is concentrated in the reaction zone. The reagent storage area comprises a cartridge positioned vertically above the test area and a channel. A reagent used in the assay is housed in the cartridge. Once liberated, the reagent passes through the channel and flows to test area for depositing on the reaction zone. The storage of predetermined amounts of reagents in the diagnostic device reduces the number of manual operations required to produce a result.

Abstract: A downward or vertical flow-through rapid diagnostic device and assay are provided. The device comprises a test area and reagent storage area, which are linked via a channel. The test area further comprises a reaction zone and an absorbent zone. A capture reagent is immobilized on the reaction zone to detect a target analyte in the fluid test sample. The fluid test sample flows downward or vertically through the reaction zone and into the absorbent zone, with the capture reagent and target analyte forming a two-membered complex that is concentrated in the reaction zone. The reagent storage area comprises a breakable cartridge positioned directly and vertically above the test area and a channel. A reagent used in the assay is housed in the breakable cartridge. Once liberated, the reagent passes through the channel and flows to test area for depositing on the reaction zone.

Abstract: A downward or vertical flow-through rapid diagnostic device and assay are provided. The device comprises a test area and reagent storage area, which are linked via a channel. The test area further comprises a reaction zone and an absorbent zone. A capture reagent is immobilized on the reaction zone to detect a target analyte in the fluid test sample. The fluid test sample flows downward or vertically through the reaction zone and into the absorbent zone, with the capture reagent and target analyte forming a two-membered complex that is concentrated in the reaction zone. The reagent storage area comprises a breakable cartridge positioned directly and vertically above the test area and a channel. A reagent used in the assay is housed in the breakable cartridge. Once liberated, the reagent passes through the channel and flows to test area for depositing on the reaction zone.