Abstract: A cell culture article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R?, R?, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the cell culture article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for detecting a cholinesterase-inhibiting substance comprising a basal layer fixed at the bottom of a container, and a cholinesterase-containing reaction layer which is fixed on the basal layer, wherein the basal layer and the cholinesterase-containing reaction layer comprises a hydrophilic photo-crosslinkable resin.

Abstract: A graphene nanomesh includes a sheet of graphene having a plurality of periodically arranged apertures, wherein the plurality of apertures have a substantially uniform periodicity and substantially uniform neck width. The graphene nanomesh can open up a large band gap in a sheet of graphene to create a semiconducting thin film. The periodicity and neck width of the apertures formed in the graphene nanomesh may be tuned to alter the electrical properties of the graphene nanomesh. The graphene nanomesh is prepared with block copolymer lithography. Graphene nanomesh field-effect transistors (FETs) can support currents nearly 100 times greater than individual graphene nanoribbon devices and the on-off ratio, which is comparable with values achieved in nanoribbon devices, can be tuned by varying the neck width. The graphene nanomesh may also be incorporated into FET-type sensor devices.

Abstract: A multilayered optical sensing patch, for the measurement of conditions, such as pH, oxygen level, etc, within containers, is provided. The multilayered optical sensing patch of the present invention is comprised of a heat sealable polymer substrate layer, and a polymeric sensing membrane later attached thereto. The polymer sensing membrane layer is formed of a porous polymer support membrane, and an optical sensing composition (comprising a reactive indicator) covalently bonded thereto. The heat sealable polymer substrate layer is capable of being securely bonded to the inner layer of bioreactor bags, as well as the porous polymer support substrate layer. Further, the porous polymer support membrane layer provides a firm supporting structure for the polymeric sensing layer, thereby protecting the optical sensing composition disposed therein from degradation/damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilization testing device comprised of a housing with a test chamber, an indicator placed therein, and with a supply for supplying the sterilization medium. According to the invention, the sterilization testing device consists of at least two housing parts that are matched to one another. A supply channel is made inside the housing part and serves to supply the sterilization medium. The supply channel is configured in such a manner that it forms the base body of the test chamber. The test chamber accommodates the indicator that indicates the completion of the sterilization process. Alternatively to this solution, the invention provides a variant, which is very effective with regard to manufacturing and which permits a quantitative statement regarding the sterilization. Webs are formed inside the housing in the at least partially meandering and/or spiral configuration of the supply channel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an article for the detection of a microorganism in a liquid sample. The article comprises a microporous membrane and a barrier layer to selectively regulate the contact between the sample and a detection reagent. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of modified electrodes useful for the measurement of analytes in biological fluids, comprising the deposition of Prussian blue on screen printed electrodes, and the modified electrodes prepared via said process; the enzymatic electrodes and the biosensors comprising said modified electrodes and the method for the determination of analytes in biological fluids which uses said modified electrodes are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid lateral flow immunoassays to detect specific antibodies within a liquid sample while also validating the adequacy of the liquid sample for the presence of immunoglobulin and the integrity and immunoreactivity of the test reagents that detect the antibodies of interest, without requiring instrumentation. The methods and devices provide for delivery of a diluted liquid sample to a single location that simultaneously directs the liquid flow along two or more separate flow paths, one that serves as a positive control to confirm that all critical reagents of the test are immunoreactive, and that the sample being tested is adequate, and the other to detect specific antibodies if present.

Abstract: A process for preparing a substrate having thereon sites reactive with the reactive groups of a molecular probe, the process comprising the steps of applying to the substrate surface a material comprising one or more reactive sites having an activated ethylenically unsaturated double bond of the formula I: wherein the substituents are defined in the specification and, in a further step, covalently binding the reactive group of the molecular probe to the activated ethylenically unsaturated double bond of the reactive sites having formula I.

Abstract: In one aspect, this disclosure provides a substrate for determining the concentration of an analyte within a sample. The substrate includes a conductive region and a recognition layer, the conductive region including at least one particle and having a first surface operatively coupled with the recognition layer, the recognition layer comprising at least one recognition molecule. The distance between the first surface of the conductive region and the recognition molecule is selected such that when the analyte is bound to the recognition layer the combination of the at least one particle and the analyte exhibits at least one of the following effects when radiation is directed through the conductive region and the recognition layer: (i) a particle plasmon effect, (ii) a particle bulk interband absorption, (iii) analyte molecular absorption, and (iv) absorption by the analyte-particle combination.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for binding a target entity onto a bait entity that is immobilized on said device, comprising: a) a lipid layer having a negative net charge in an aqueous solution at a neutral pH; b) a two-dimensional matrix of anchoring complexes that are bound to said lipid layer, wherein each of said anchoring complexes comprises: (i) a fusion complex comprising an Annexin protein fused to a partner molecule; and (ii) a bait entity. It also concerns various uses of said device, including for detection and pharmaceutical purposes.

Abstract: A Nanomotion Sensor comprises a micromechanical device for the detection and characterization of specimen motions when they interact with one or an array of cantilevered sensors set in the path of the moving specimen. In particular, the present invention provides a method for direct sensing and characterization of motion, including position, torsion, magnitude and direction of velocity, acceleration, force, torque, as well as binding, which may include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic effects, dipole interactions, or through other forces through the deflection of a micromechanical cantilever sensor. The present invention is particularly useful for the detection and characterization of the motion of biological cells such as bacteria and sperm, biological systems including motor proteins, cilia of the hearing organ and the lining of the airways in asthmatics, and microfabricated systems.

Abstract: A method is described for enriching procaryotic DNA, said method including the steps of contacting at least one procaryotic DNA with at least one protein or polypeptide which is capable of specifically binding to non-methylated CpG motifs, and separating the protein/polypeptide-DNA complex. Moreover, the application relates to a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide: a dry analytical element for analyzing pancreatic lipase wherein the triglyceride is not transcribed on the support to contaminate a transportation slip or other analytical elements and wherein an additive solution of the triglyceride neither reaggregates nor precipitate, so that the dry analytical element is stable and is compatible with production. The present invention provides a dry analytical element for measuring pancreatic lipase contained in body fluid, which comprises triglyceride of long chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerin measurement reagent, and which comprises a water-impermeable support and at least one spreading or reagent layer, wherein a hydrophilic polymer at a weight ratio of 1.8:1 or greater with respect to the triglyceride is contained.

Abstract: A biochemical reaction cassette is designed to uniformize the flow of liquid in the reaction chamber by using a simple additional arrangement. A member for reducing the cross sectional area of the flow channel that includes an injection port, a reaction chamber and a discharge port is arranged in the flow channel and a buffer room is provided.

Abstract: A system for the detection of molecular associations, the system comprising: i) a first agent, comprising a first interacting group coupled to a first reporter component; ii) a second agent, comprising a second interacting group coupled to a second reporter component; iii) a third agent, comprising a third interacting group; iv) a modulator; and v) a detector; wherein proximity of the first and second reporter components generates a signal capable of detection by the detector; and wherein the modulator modulates the association of the second interacting group with the third interacting group; such that monitoring the signal generated by proximity of the first and second reporter components by the detector constitutes monitoring the association of the first and third agents.

Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement. To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: A chamber device for analyzing living cell(s). The chamber device includes a base and a lid that when reversibly pressed closed create a chamber. The base is configured with an optically transparent well to contain at least one cell. The lid has a breadth greater than the base and is configured to contain at least one sensor. The lid is further configured with a lip that when pressed between the lid and the base creates an impermeable seal. The base and the lid are configured so that, when closed and in use, the sensor remains spatially apart from the at least one cell.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for reagent compositions for biosensors comprising release polymers, methods of making such biosensors and films of reagent compositions comprising release polymers. The reagent compositions comprise a release polymer and an effective analyte detecting amount of an enzyme an enzyme cofactor and a redox compound capable of acting in a biosensor as (i) a redox mediator associated with a working electrode (ii) a redox couple associated with a reference electrode or (iii) the redox mediator associated with the working electrode and the redox couple for the reference electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanical stretching device, comprising a stretchable substrate comprising at least one stretching material area within which a stretching material is placeable, and two engagement areas being located at opposite ends of the stretchable substrate, respectively, two movable elements, each of which comprising an engagement portion, wherein each of the engagement portions is capable of engaging with one of the engagement areas, and two motors, each of which being configured to drive one of the movable elements, wherein the movable elements are movable by the motors such that the engagement portions cause, after having engaged with the engagement areas, either one end or both ends of the stretchable substrate to be stretched, wherein the ends of the stretchable substrate are to be stretched along opposite directions with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analytical test element for analysis of a liquid sample. The analytical test element may contain a channel which is suitable for capillary transport of the liquid sample and which is provided with an inlet opening for the liquid sample and with an air outlet opening. At least one test field may be arranged in the channel, spaced apart from the inlet opening. The test element comprises a sample application site which is closed with a seal and which is designed in such a way that, when the seal is opened, the sample application site and the inlet opening of the channel are simultaneously open to the outside environment of the test element. The test element can then receive the liquid sample inside the channel via the sample application site and inlet opening, for analysis in the test field. The invention also relates to a test element magazine and to a system for analysis of liquid samples with at least one test element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for conducting multiplexed assays. The methods are particularly well suited for measuring a plurality of analytes that may be present in very different abundances. The invention also relates to systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods.

Abstract: The method comprises chemical modification of an optionally metallized polymer surface, for example a polycarbonate surface or a polymethacryllate surface functionalized with amino groups, said surfaces being optionally metallized, by treating said polymer surface with a mercaptoalkanoic acid or the salts or derivates thereof. The surfaces obtained by said method may be used as solid supports for immobilizing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins or membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunoassays for detecting one or more target analytes in a fluid sample wherein the detection reaction occurs on a solid support and involves an amplification system. In particular, the invention is directed to making and using a test device having at least one site for detecting the presence of at least one target analyte, wherein a conjugate comprising dextran-polystreptavidin is immobilized at the test site(s) as a capture reagent for a complex containing the target analyze.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface on a droplet microactuator is provided, wherein the method includes executing one or more droplet operations to bring a droplet comprising a surface-modifying agent into contact with the surface. According to another embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes a sample or reagent immobilized on a surface thereof and arranged such that a droplet on the droplet microactuator may contact the surface.

Abstract: A novel dry stick device construction for the determination of an analyte in a sample is provided. The device comprises: (i) optionally a solid support, (ii) at least one reagent pad comprising a reagent or a combination of reagents capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of said analyte or an indicator compound for said analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state, the at least one reagent pad providing a first environment for said reagent(s), said first environment permitting an improved storage stability of the reagent(s) and dry stick device when in a non-moistened state, and (iii) a regulating pad being in contact with the at least one reagent pad, the regulating pad creating a second environment for said reagent(s), when in a moistened state, said second environment permitting an increased rate of reaction between the analyte and the reagent.

Abstract: Diagnostic in-vitro devices for use in the assaying of biological fluids are provided which include cover plates or backing strips which exhibit hydrophilic properties to assist in transport of the biological fluid or retention of same within the device. Exemplary diagnostic devices include lateral flow devices, microfluidic devices and microtiter plates. The devices may also be comprised of low fluorescent material in order to facilitate any diagnostic determination by use of fluorescent emissions. Hydrophilic properties may be imparted to the cover plates or backing strips by physical or chemical treatment thereof. The cover plates or backing strips may exhibit heat sealable or pressure sensitive properties.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods comprise sandwich assays, and utilize an internal calibration reaction that closely mimics the reaction of test particles by the use of a two-step reaction.

Abstract: Novel solid-phase biosensors that utilize ink jet printing of biocompatible sol-gel based inks to create sensor strips are reported herein. Biomolecules and other reagents useful in bioassays to detect, for example, pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances, are immobilized on a substrate, which can be paper based, by layering these substances between two layers of biomolecule compatible sol gel. The sol gel precursor solutions and solutions of the assay reagents are printed from separate nozzles in a layered approach which avoids clogging of the nozzles by the pre-mature gelling of the sol gel precursor solution. In certain embodiments of the application, a capture agent is used to concentrate a compound to be detected in specific areas on the substrate to facilitate detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exchangeable, reagent pre-loaded sheets which can be temporarily applied to an electrode array on a digital microfluidic device (DMF). The substrate facilitates virtually un-limited re-use of the DMF devices avoiding cross-contamination on the electrode array itself, as well as enabling rapid exchange of pre-loaded reagents while bridging the world-to-chip interface of DMF devices. The present invention allows for the transformation of DMF into a versatile platform for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a target substance detection element wherein a target substance capturing body for capturing target substances is immobilized with good orientation in a desired region on the surface of the target substance detection element, a method for producing the target substance detection element, and a detection method using the target substance detection element.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a device for expediting delivery of an agent to a damaged bacterial cell. In one embodiment, the methods and devices are useful for screening candidate antibiotics. In another embodiment, the methods and devices described herein are used to determine susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic. The methods also provide a method for determining an appropriate antibiotic to treat an individual having a bacterial infection.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods that include: providing a substrate that includes (i) a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) encoding a hybrid amino acid sequence including a test amino acid sequence and an affinity tag, and (ii) a binding agent that recognizes the affinity tag; contacting the substrate with a translation effector to thereby translate the hybrid amino acid sequence; maintaining the substrate under conditions permissive for the hybrid amino acid sequence to bind the binding agent; and removing the nucleic acid from the substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a plurality of positionally-distinguishable addresses, for example, each include a different nucleic acid. The addresses can be located a regularly or irregularly spaced locations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological measuring device with auto coding capabilities. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the biological measuring device with auto coding capabilities includes a test strip having a substrate and at least a first contact pad and a second contact pad provided on the substrate; and a code reader having at least a first metal pin and a second metal pin to couple to the first contact pad and the second contact pad to obtain coding information associated with the test strip, wherein the code reader is capable of reading the coding information based on a movement of the test strip before the test strip is placed still in relation to the code reader for a proper reading of a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a dry analytical element for measurement of pancreatic lipase contained in a body fluid which contains triglyceride of long chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerine measurement reagent, and comprises a water-impermeable support and at least one spreading or reagent layer, said method comprising the step of coating an emulsion/dispersion solution of triglyceride with an average particle size of 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method for measuring a target object in a sample by using an oxidase, wherein the influence of dissolved oxygen in the sample can be corrected, is provided. The method comprises: obtaining measurement values by causing the target object in the sample to react with the oxidase under different conditions of two or more types; and performing a correction based on the obtained two or more measurement values and a correction method preliminarily set so as to correct the influence of dissolved oxygen in the sample.

Abstract: Articles are provided for the detection of cells in a sample. The articles include a release element comprising a cell extractant. The release element includes a shell structure that controls the release of the cell extractant into a liquid mixture containing the sample. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chromatographic specific binding assay strip device, comprising: a non-permeable platform strip; a permeable membrane testing strip positioned on top of said non-permeable platform strip, with the testing strip comprising at least one capture reagent site containing a capture reagent for at least one specific analyte, a sample receiving pad positioned on top of and at a proximal end of the non-permeable platform strip, with the sample receiving pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane testing strip, a reservoir pad positioned on top of and at a distal end of said non-permeable membrane testing strip, with the reservoir pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane test strip; a supporting strip attached to and extending from the proximal end of said non-permeable platform strip; and a conjugate pad positioned on said supporting strip, said conjugate pad comprising a semi-permeable membrane containing a colorant conjugate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical-based test sensor for use in the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample is disclosed. The test sensor includes a base, a polymer carrier, and a test membrane. The base has a capillary channel formed in a surface of the base that is adapted to move a liquid sample from an inlet to a reaction area formed in the base. The polymer carrier has a lower surface adhered to the surface of the base and is disposed over at least a portion of the capillary channel. The test membrane, which contains a reagent, is adhered to the lower surface of the polymer carrier and extends from the polymer carrier into the reaction area.