Abstract: A flow-through assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a scavenging zone that contains a capture reagent for the analyte of interest. The capture reagent may capture a quantity of the analyte that is less than or equal to a predefined base quantity of the analyte, such as a quantity considered “normal” for a particular test sample. Thus, the capture reagent is able to prevent some of the analyte from being detected. In this manner, the sensitivity of the assay device may be reduced in a simple, inexpensive, yet effective manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate for protein microarrays, whereby compound A and GPTS are mixed for coating onto a solid support to form a layer, wherein said compound A is selected from a group consisting of nitrocellulose, poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) and polyvinylidene fluoride. Moreover, the present invention also provides a protein microarray by depositing proteins on said layer of said substrate.

Abstract: An immunological or immunohematological assay system is disclosed that includes a filter vessel capable of containing an assay sample, an incubator, a sample separation system, an image acquisition system, and a robotic pipettor. The immunological assay system may also include a washer. Also disclosed is an immunological assay method that includes the steps of placing a immunological assay sample in a filter vessel, which includes a filter, adding testing reagents to the filter vessel, incubating the sample and reagent mixture in the filter vessel, separating the sample and reagent mixture in the filter vessel into components above and below the filter, and analyzing the filter vessel to determine the presence of interactions between the sample and reagents.

Abstract: The invention provides a dipstick and a kit comprising the dipstick, for testing for the presence of a plurality of different targets in a sample solution which comprises: a dipstick having a plurality of different capture zones and, immobilised to each capture zone, a different capture moiety, each capture moiety capable of capturing a different target; and, separately, a plurality of different detection probes, each detection probe capable of binding to a different target and each detection probe being labelled with or enabling the formation of a detection signal so that the presence of each target is indicated by the formation of a signal at the capture zone for that target; wherein the target for at least two of the capture moieties is a disease causing micro-organism or a marker indicating the existence of a disease, disorder, or condition of the host from which the sample solution was derived, and wherein at least two of the capture moieties are capable of binding to different components or markers of t

Abstract: A biochemical analysis unit comprises a base plate, which has holes, and a porous adsorptive material, which is filled in each of the holes and forms each of adsorptive regions. Each of the adsorptive regions is provided with a layer, which has pores having a comparatively small mean pore diameter, and a layer, which has pores having a comparatively large mean pore diameter. In cases where the layers, which constitute each of the adsorptive regions, are connected with the layers, which constitute an adjacent adsorptive region, at one of surfaces of the base plate, the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a signal absorbing layer for absorbing a signal, which passes through layers located under the base plate and thus propagates from a certain hole toward an adjacent hole.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting biomolecular binding events using gigahertz or terahertz radiation. The methods and systems use low-energy spectroscopy to detect biomolecular binding events between molecules in an aqueous solution. The detected biomolecular binding events include, for example, nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen binding, and receptor/ligand binding.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 ?m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition. The photoactive substance is activated and the effect of the activating on the optical properties of the combination is detected.

Abstract: A device for automation of biological and medical tests wherein test subjects or specimens that are placed in test vessels are subsequently treated by different liquid reagents, including: at least two test vessels of dimensions providing accommodation of specimens, a hydraulic gravity feeding system to deliver the liquid reagents into the two test vessels, a hydraulic gravity discharging system to remove waste liquid or spent reagents from the test vessels and directing them into an apparatus for accommodation of the such waste liquid or spent reagents, and a control system operating the device. A mechanical system is provided for agitating the test vessels.

Abstract: A test strip configured for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample and methods for manufacturing and for using the same. The test strip comprises a first flow matrix and a second flow matrix sequentially arranged to form an interface therebetween. The first flow matrix comprises a detection composition movably bound thereto, wherein the detection composition when exposed to the analyte produces at least one detectable product and wherein the first and second solid matrices are selected so as to accumulate the at least one detectable product at the interface between the two matrices, when the fluid sample travels from the first flow matrix to the second flow matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition of small molecules and their use in the field of protein isolation, purification, stabilizing and/or enhancing its activity. In particular, the present invention relates to the synthesis and optimization of compounds comprising small peptides and peptide derivatives with affinity to coagulation Factor VIII and/or Factor VIII-like polypeptides and/or domains thereof. These compounds are useful for labeling, detecting, identifying, isolating and preferably for purifying, stabilizing and enhancing the activity of Factor VIII, Factor VIII-like polypeptides or domains thereof from physiological and non-physiological solutions comprising same. Further, these compounds may be used as ligands, which bind Factor VIII, Factor VIII-like polypeptides or domains thereof in methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modifying surfaces using hydroxyl terminated PEG are described herein. The surfaces so modified are useful in detection of synthetic and natural product organic molecules, organometallics, biomolecules, particles, or cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an analyte in a sample. According to the method of the present invention, a probe is transferred from a stamp member onto an analyte that is bound to a support member. The present invention is particularly suitable for microarrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to analytical methods in which the partition of a labeled substance between a liquid and a solid phase is determined. The assays include solid-phase reagents which can be particulate or monolithic such as, for example, a coated tube. Assays of this type are known per se to the person skilled in the art and include immunoassays and immunometric assays.

Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed into the inlet port of a microfluidic device are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological sample and/or associated liquids in small droplets and at timed intervals to control the operation of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A solid support on which a labeled nucleic acid including a high density of signal materials, a kit containing the same, and a method of detecting a target material are provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an analysis method for a biological sample with clinical significance, which is a system being simple to such an extent that it can be applied to a clinical field, and capable of capping a molecule ionization suppression in mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry of a biological sample using immunoprecipitation, comprising the steps of: preparing a sample containing an objective biological molecule; concentrating the biological molecule in the sample by immunoprecipitation using an antibody-bound carrier or a carrier to which a molecule capable of specifically binding to an antibody is bound; washing an immunoprecipitate of the biological molecule by using an aqueous solution containing a charge neutralizing agent as a washing liquid; and detecting the biological molecule by subjecting the washed immunoprecipitate to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed.

Abstract: The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed.

Abstract: The use of probe arrays in which probes of various biological substances such as DNA are immobilized on the surface of a solid is becoming established as an effective means for high-speed screening. Different kinds of probes, such as DNA, are immobilized on the surface of a multiple number of independently treatable fine particles, such as beads, instead of the surface of a single solid, and the resulting beads are aligned in a capillary or a cell in a designated order. The size of the area where one probe is immobilized is reduced. The bead probe array is characterized in that such small beads are aligned one by one in a designated manner using a sheet with holes, and one or a multiple number of beads are held in the holes and then transferred to a probe array holder such as a capillary.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising immunoassays for the detection of antigens and antibodies in a sample are described. In particular, the present invention provides assays that are useful for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple different antigens and antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the assays include fluorescent labels of multiple wavelengths or intensities, which are used to label the antigens and antibodies directly and to label beads coated with molecules specific for the antigen or antibody. The detection of a fluorescence shift indicates the presence or identity of the antigen or antibody in the sample.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is capable of being used for detection, comprising an encapsulated noble metal nanocluster. Methods for preparing the encapsulated noble metal nanoclusters, and methods of using the encapsulated noble metal nanoclusters are also disclosed. The noble metal nanoclusters are preferably encapsulated by a dendrimer or a peptide. The encapsulated noble metal nanoclusters have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is varied by controlling the nature of the encapsulating material, such as by controlling the size of the nanocluster and/or the generation of the dendrimer, and wherein said emission is used to provide information about a biological state.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a subject has had a stroke and, if so, the type of stroke which includes analyzing the subject's body fluid for at least four selected markers of stroke, namely, myelin basic protein, S100 protein, neuronal specific enolase and a brain endothelial membrane protein such as thrombomodulin or a similar molecule. The data obtained from the analyses provide information as to the type of stroke, the onset of occurrence and the extent of brain damage and allow a physician to determine quickly the type of treatment required by the subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nano-cluster that includes a plurality of nano-particles, wherein the nano-particles can disperse in response to an environmental cue. Also disclosed is a method of preventing, treating, or diagnosing a disease or condition in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising nano-clusters of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a surface ligand; preparation of the ligand; colloidal nanoparticle, such as quantum dot bearing one or more of the ligand; and a bioconjugate characterized by a nanoparticle bearing one or more of the ligand conjugated to a biomolecule. The ligand is characterized by the presence of a first module containing atoms that can attach to an inorganic surface; a second module that imparts water-solubility to the ligand and to the inorganic surface that may be attached to the ligand; and a third module that contains a functional group that can, directly or indirectly, conjugate to a biomolecule. Order of the modules can be different and other modules and groups can be on the ligand. Preparation of the ligand includes the steps of reacting a compound having atoms that can attach to an inorganic surface with a water-solubilizing compound that imparts the property of water-solubility to the ligand and the inorganic surface to which it may be attached and purification thereof.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include structures, methods of forming the structures, and methods of using the structures. One exemplary structure, among others, includes a nanospecies and a porous material. The nanospecies has a first characteristic and a second detectable characteristic. In addition, a second detectable energy is produced corresponding to the second detectable characteristic upon exposure to a first energy. The porous material has the first characteristic and a plurality of pores. The first characteristic causes the nanospecies to interact with the porous material and become disposed in the pores of the porous material.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a human subject are disclosed. In the method, a body-fluid sample such as a vaginal-swab sample or urine is obtained from the subject and contacted with an antibody specific against a Trichomonas adhesin peptide, forming an antibody-adhesin peptide complex if the subject is infected with Trichomonas. The presence or absence of the complex establishes, with a reliability of at least 80%, in the case of a vaginal swab sample, and with a reliability of at least 40% in the case of a urine sample, the presence or absence, respectively, of Trichomonas infection in the subject. A preferred test kit employs a dry-strip, sandwich assay, format.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Abstract: The invention is directed to enhanced methods for detecting an analyte of interest in situ, by immunoassay, or by hybridization comprising binding an enzyme-labeled conjugate molecule to an analyte of interest in the presence of a redox-inactive reductive species and a soluble metal ion. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the inactive reductive species to an active reducing agent, which in turn reduces the metal ion to a metal atom thereby providing an enhanced means of detecting the analyte via metal deposition.

Abstract: A method and system for the detection and identification of a target pathogen in a sample is disclosed. The method and system involve the use of a capture matrix throughout resuscitation, growth, and detection. The method includes the steps of: placing the sample in a sampling container containing a medium (preferably a growth/resuscitation medium); optionally homogenizing the sample; placing a capture matrix in the sampling container with the sample; incubating the sample in the medium for a pre-determined amount of time at an appropriate temperature; optionally removing the capture matrix from the sampling container; and detecting the presence of the target pathogen in the sample.

Abstract: Removal of abundant proteins from a sample enhances detection and resolution of less abundant proteins in the sample such as in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The removal is accomplished by immunosubtraction of several high abundance, interfering or contaminating proteins simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for detection and/or quantification of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a sample derived from an individual's blood, the method being based on a sandwich immunoassay employing at least two capture antibodies and at least one tracer antibody, in which a first capture antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to the part of the cTnI midfragment, which is slightly affected by the interfering factor, and a second capture antibody is directed to another of these parts, and a tracer antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to TnC, which is complexed with cTnI.

Abstract: The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to hapten compounds comprising either (+) methamphetamine or (+) amphetamine conjugated to a linker. Generally speaking, hapten compounds of the invention may be used to elicit an immune response to one or more of (+) methamphetamine, (+) amphetamine, or (+) MDMA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photochemical process for the preparation of an activated polymer surface having an active fluoro group using 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-azidobenzene to form the activated polymer surface and then immobilizing a biomolecule thereon by forming a covalent bond between the activated polymer surface and the biomolecule.

Abstract: A method for causing a membrane to become permeable to a first chemical species, in which the membrane is contacted with a solution comprising a second chemical species. The membrane comprises a polyelectrolyte complex film comprising a positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a negatively-charged polyelectrolyte. The second chemical species selectively interacts with the membrane, and selective interaction of the second chemical species with the membrane causes the membrane to become permeable to the first chemical species, thereby causing the first chemical species to permeate the membrane.

Abstract: Conjugates that include polymers that are reversibly self-associative in response to a stimulus and methods for using the conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting von-Willebrand factor (vWF) activity comprising assaying a sample in the presence of a soluble form or portion of glycoprotein Ib(?) (GPIb(?) and ristocetin, or a functionally equivalent substance. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of the aforementioned soluble form or portion of glycoprotein Ib(?), of ristocetin or a functional equivalent substance, of specifically reacting anti-GPIB(?) antibody(ies) and/or of specific binding partners, like specifically reacting anti-vWF antibody(ies) for carrying out the method of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to kits for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for an immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles which can give the values to be determined with high accuracy and reliability, and can be stored for a long time; an immunoassay using the reagent; and a method for keeping the reagent stable.

Abstract: Analyzers and methods of analysis are described for performing blood cell counting and immunoassay on a whole blood specimen in one measurement section. An assay sample is prepared by blending carrier particles sensitized with an antibody or an antigen against a substance to be immunoassayed and a fluorescent dye for staining blood cells with the whole blood specimen. Optical information is detected from a particle in the assay sample, and the blood cells are differentiated and counted based on the detected optical information. A rate of agglutination of the carrier particles is obtained based on the detected optical information, thereby enabling detection of the substance to be immunoassayed.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: Using two types of antibodies, i.e., a first antibody having a higher affinity for a target substance than for a competitive substance and a second antibody having a higher affinity for the competitive substance than for the target substance, a specimen is treated with these two antibodies. Then, the competitive substance in the specimen first binds to the second antibody and thus the ratio of the target substance to the competitive substance in the specimen is enlarged. As a result, the target substance becomes liable to bind to the first antibody and, in its turn, the reactivity of the target substance is elevated compared with the case of using the first antibody alone. Thus, the target substance in the specimen can be accurately assayed while avoiding the effects of the competitive substance contained in the specimen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rotaxane compound that can be used to separate molecules within a linkage layer formed on a solid substrate of a biochip by a predetermined distance. The compound is represented by Formula 1, in which a compound of Formula 3 vertically passes through a cavity of cucurbituril or its derivative of Formula 2. It further provides gene chips, protein chips and sensors for biomaterial assays which use the rotaxane molecules to allow biomaterials to be immobilized on a linkage layer such that they are regularly spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An assay exhibiting improved sensitivity for achieving a factor of ten times (10×) better sensitivity than current sensitivity levels achieved by prior-art immunoassays, as exemplified by ELISA. Three main implementations are described: IA/MPD, Super-ELISA and Reverse Geometry Immunoassay, including specific panel biomarker relationships for the early detection and recognition patterns of breast and prostate cancers. More sensitive immunoassays are achieved through a better understanding of sources of biological background, and by the rejection of particular sources thereof. Super-sensitive immunoassays permit measurement of blood sample biomarkers, and show distribution of low abundance proteins included relationships between cytokine non-Gaussian distributions, very large dynamic ranges and strong age dependence, and including new algorithms based on 2D correlations of studied biomarkers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for detecting cellular products using detection particles having product-specific detection reagents and having a characteristic spectral feature. In particular, devices and methods are provided for measuring secreted cellular products including cytokines. Detection substrates, include microwells having product-specific capture reagents thereon or comprising hydrophobic membranes are described having greater capability to detect products from individual cells in a mixture of heterogeneous cells. With the use of multiple detection particles, multiple cellular products can be detected in a single well. Additionally, using the inherent spectral properties of detection particles, no enzymatic reactions are needed to visualize a secreted product, thereby increasing the sensitivity, reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient isolation and purification of stem cells. Specifically, conductive immunopolymers with stem cell specific antibodies can be used to remove stem cells from biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, diagnostic assays, and diagnostic kits based on said methods, to determine levels of immunosuppressive complexes containing immunosuppressive drugs tacrolimus, sirolimus and cyclosporine A separately and in combination, formed in the blood of a drug-treated patient or in a patient candidate to immunosuppressive drug therapy. These methods, assays and kits are especially useful when using automated systems.

Abstract: A method to determine specificity of ligand binding includes comparing a solid phase carrier first extract obtained by pre-treating a sample with a ligand-immobilized solid phase carrier and a solid phase carrier second extract obtained by treating the pretreated sample again with a ligand-immobilized solid phase carrier in terms of the proteins contained therein, and identifying a protein whose content is remarkably decreased in the second extract compared to the first extract, in order to solve 1) the problem of the solubility of subject ligand, 2) the problem of the non-specific protein-denaturing effect of the subject ligand added, and the like, in antagonism experiments in target search using an affinity resin.

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: The invention provides a particle comprising a surface, wherein a portion of the surface is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and another portion of the surface is capable of emitting a differential electromagnetic radiation (either different intensity, different frequency or no radiation), and wherein the arrangement of said portions of the surface defines a spatially distributed code for identifying the particle. The invention also provides method of manufacturing a particle having an identifying code comprising providing a particle with a functionalized surface which comprises functional binding moieties and selectively removing a plurality of the functional binding moieties from the surface to create a pattern of functionalized and differentially-functionalized zones on the surface. Various liquid-based assay methods employing the particle of the invention and a kit comprising the particle of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel copolymer, a substrate coated with the copolymer, a method of producing a microarray using the copolymer, and a microarray produced by the method are provided. The use of the hydrogel copolymer makes efficient removal of protein and high integration of nucleic acid and protein on a substrate for a microarray possible.