Abstract: Provided is a method for immobilizing a biomolecule on a solid substrate. The method includes coating the solid substrate with silane anhydride to introduce an anhydride functional group onto a surface of the solid substrate; obtaining a carboxyl group from the anhydride functional group by hydrolysis; reacting the carboxyl group with carbodiimide and succinimide to activate the carboxyl group; and contacting the biomolecule with the solid substrate having the activated carboxyl group on its surface to immobilize the biomolecule on the solid substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an analyte, comprising providing a sensor comprising a substrate coated with a free electron metal, a matrix layer disposed on the free electron metal, the matrix layer comprising an organic compound, wherein the organic compound has a boronic acid complexing moiety and, a boronic acid moiety complexed to the boronic acid complexing moiety; and contacting the sensor with the analyte to elicit a response; and measuring the response thereby detecting the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to protein-protein interactions and methods for identifying interacting proteins and the amino acid sequence at the site of interaction. Using overlapping hexapeptides that encode for the entire amino acid sequences of the linker domains of human P-glycoprotein gene 1 and 3 (HP-gp1 and HP-gp3), a direct and specific binding between HP-gp1 and 3 linker domains and intracellular proteins was demonstrated. The method of the present invention was further validated with Annexin. The present invention thus demonstrates a novel concept whereby the interactions between two proteins are mediated by strings of few amino acids with high and repulsive binding energies, enabling the identification of high affinity binding sites between any interacting proteins.

Abstract: Methods and devices for electrochemical detection of a specific binding pair member utilizing a microsphere with an incorporated electroactive marker, wherein a member of the specific binding pair to be detected is bound, directly or through one or more intermediates, to the microsphere. Multiple specific binding pair members may be detected by use of electrochemically distinguishable electroactive markers. Microspheres with incorporated electroactive markers may include one or more functional groups for binding members of specific binding pairs, and are preferably insoluble in aqueous solvents but soluble in selected organic solvents.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention use MRAM technology to detect a shift in the magnetic switching field of a sensor. The shift in the magnetic switching field is caused by the presence of magnetic tagged beads. By measuring the magnitude of the shift in the magnetic field and correlating the magnitude of the shift to the presence of the target molecules, accurate measurements regarding the presence of the target molecules can be made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-immobilized capture particles, and substrates coated with film-immobilized capture particles. In particular, the present invention provides microarrays for detecting the presence or absence of a target in a sample employing film-immobilized capture particles. In preferred embodiments, the present provides very high density arrays that allow simultaneous analysis on a number of samples.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for reducing non-specific binding in a binding assay for the determination of an analyte in a sample where one of the reagents for conducting the binding assay comprises a solid support comprising a polysaccharide. The method comprises including in an assay medium for conducting the binding assay a soluble compound comprising a protein linked to a polysaccharide. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The methods include as reagents a solid support comprising a polysaccharide and a soluble compound comprising a protein linked to a polysaccharide.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a system, a device and a method for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix. The analyte may be glucose or any other chemical of interest. The fluid or matrix may be, for example, the fluid in a bioreactor, a food or agricultural product, any fluid or matrix in the body of an animal, or any other fluid or matrix whose concentration of an analyte is under investigation. In one embodiment, the analyte sensing device includes a housing having an interior space. Contained within the housing and in the interior space is one or more analyte sensing component(s). The analyte sensing component, in one embodiment, includes one or more radiation converting element(s), for example, converting chromophores. The radiation converting element(s) are capable of converting or modifying radiation of one or more wavelengths into radiation of one or more different wavelengths.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sample of muscle tissue and of assaying the prepared sample to determine the presence of prions in the sample is disclosed. The muscle tissue is homogenized and mixed with a complexing agent which forms a complex with a higher specific gravity than PrPSc, the complexing agent or other components of the homogenate. Gravity is then used (e.g. ultra centrifugation) to concentrate the complex and the concentrate is assayed to detect prions. The muscle tissue is preferably extracted from a muscle or group of muscles such as hind limb muscle which have a higher or more preferably the highest concentration of prions as compared to other muscle in the mammal.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: An on-spot selectively activated hydrophobic slide/microarray. The preparation method relates to a hydrophobic copolymer prepared by blending, grafting or co-polymerization of a hydrophobic material and a compound bearing a functional group protected by a protecting group, wherein the functional group is imide or cyclic amide, and the protecting group is a photo acid group such as a tosyloxy group. The hydrophobic copolymer coated on a substrate is then subjected to selective photolithographical activation so that the slide will have functional active copolymer spots separated by inactive copolymers. The resulting slide is suitable for the preparation of high-density and high-efficiency bio-chip/microarray.

Abstract: A sample is prepared from blood in a manner which makes it possible to further analyze proteins in the sample, e.g. to detect prions in the sample. Blood is extracted, allowed to clot and subjected to separation processing (e.g. centrifugation) to obtain serum. The serum is treated with a complexing agent which agent binds prions in the sample forming an agent/protein complex which makes it possible to concentrate the complex. Concentration of the complex results in a sample which can be successfully analyzed, e.g. assayed using a range of different types of assay methodologies for detecting prions.

Abstract: For certain mixed mode resins having anionic character, a ligand is joined to a solid support via a linkage that includes a mercapto-, ether- or amino-containing moiety. A suitable ligand comprises an aromatic group, a heteroaromatic group, or a heterocyclic group, optionally fused, that is sulfate-, sulfonate-, phosphonate- or phosphate-substituted and that is linked to such a moiety. These resins possess an anionic character under conditions prescribed for their use. Separation of a biological substance, such as a peptide or protein, can be accomplished with a resin of this type via a change in the pH of eluants, thereby effecting adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: Heart and brain fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABP, B-FABP) are markers for stroke. The invention provides a diagnostic assay for either of these markers, preferably by ELISA using anti-H-FABP or B-FABP antibody. Since H-FABP is also a marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to distinguish stroke from AMI requires an assay specific to AMI, e.g. using troponin-I or creatine kinase-MB as a marker, also to be carried out.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of biological cells labelled with a fluorescent dye, the sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if a masking dye, which absorbs the excitation light for the fluorescent dye and/or its emission light is added to the solution surrounding the biological cells and/or if a separating layer permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light or the emission light is applied to a layer of the biological cells at the bottom of a reaction vessel. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components.

Abstract: A device for detecting a compound in a sample includes a substrate and a self-assembled monolayer. The substrate includes a support with a metallized top surface, and the self-assembled monolayer includes an alkanethiol attached to the metallized top surface of the substrate and having a functional group that reversibly or irreversibly interacts with the compound. A liquid crystal is disposed on the self-assembled monolayer opposite the side of the self-assembled monolayer attached to the metallized top surface of the substrate. The liquid crystal includes a moiety that interacts with the functional group of the alkanethiol. When the compound is present in a sample that that contacts the self-assembled monolayer, the orientation of the liquid crystal is altered.

Abstract: Microparticle-based analytical methods, systems and applications are provided. Specifically, the use of resonant resonant light scattering as an analytical method for determining either or both a particle's identity and the presence and optionally, the concentration of one or more particular target analytes is described. Applications of these microparticle-based methods in biological and chemical assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing a combinatorial library comprising a plurality of chemical compounds such that the chemical composition of each compound is easily tracked. The library compounds are synthesized on solid-phase supports, which are spatially arranged in frames during synthesis according to a predetermined protocol, such that each solid-phase support passes through a series of unique spatial 2D or 3D addresses by which the chemical composition of each compound may be determined at any point during synthesis. Solid-phase supports include hollow tubular-shaped lanterns and gears.

Abstract: Described is a carrier having a biomolecular interaction incorporated therein. The carrier is described as comprising a silica based glass and in an embodiment is a sol-gel derived glass. Also described are methods of incorporating biomolecular interaction within a carrier of the invention. Various types of biomolecular interaction are discussed as well as applications of carriers containing one or more biomolecular interactions.

Abstract: An on-spot selectively activated hydrophobic slide/microarray. The preparation method relates to a hydrophobic copolymer prepared by blending, grafting or co-polymerization of a hydrophobic material and a compound bearing a functional group protected by a protecting group, wherein the functional group is imide or cyclic amide, and the protecting group is a photo acid group such as a tosyloxy group. The hydrophobic copolymer coated on a substrate is then subjected to selective photolithographical activation so that the slide will have functional active copolymer spots separated by inactive copolymers. The resulting slide is suitable for the preparation of high-density and high-efficiency bio-chip/microarray.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method and device for carrying out immunoassays in which non analyte specific binding of heterophilic antibodies to a labeled antibody in a capture region produces an incorrect measure of the amount of an analyte attached to the antibody. Immunoglobulin from the same animal source as the labeled antibody is added to the sample fluid to prevent non-specific binding of the heterophilic antibodies in the capture region. One part of specific binding pair is added to said antibody or its label capable of binding to a second part of the binding pair immobilized in a control region downstream of said capture region for trapping the portion of the labeled anti-body which is not bound to the analyte. Preferably said binding pair is biotin/avidin or fluoroscein/anti-fluoroscein.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zones being arranged such that liquid sample applied to the porous carrier can permeate via the first zone into the second zone, and the device incorporating mea

Abstract: An on-spot selectively activated hydrophobic slide/microarray. The preparation method relates to a hydrophobic copolymer prepared by blending, grafting or co-polymerization of a hydrophobic material and a compound bearing a functional group protected by a protecting group, wherein the functional group is imide or cyclic amide, and the protecting group is a photo acid group such as a tosyloxy group. The hydrophobic copolymer coated on a substrate is then subjected to selective photolithographical activation so that the slide will have functional active copolymer spots separated by inactive copolymers. The resulting slide is suitable for the preparation of high-density and high-efficiency bio-chip/microarray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the measurement of a cellular process, or for the measurement of the effect of a test compound on a cellular process, in one or more different populations of cells. The method comprises providing separate samples of one or more different populations of cells adhering to support particles, the support particles comprising a scintillant substance and being adapted for cell growth. In one embodiment, different samples of cells are introduced into separate reaction vessels in a fluid medium, together with a reagent labelled with a radioisotope, in the presence or the absence of the test compound, under conditions so as to cause a portion of said radiolabelled reagent to become associated with the cells. In another embodiment, multiparameter analysis may be performed to determine the effect of a test compound on a cellular process using two or more different cell populations present in the same well.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance, comprising developing a developing liquid through a test region up to a reference region, and a detection device for use therein, wherein the reference region comprises a metal compound other than an alkali metal salt, and the developing liquid that reaches the reference region contains a label that can be accumulated in the reference region. The label is preferably a colored particle, and is preferably bound to an antibody or an antigen.

Abstract: A method for determining a soluble human ST2 in a sample conveniently at a high sensitivity and an assay kit are provided. By an immunological method comprising a step for bringing a sample into contact with an immobilized antibody formed by binding to an insoluble support a first anti-human ST2 antibody which binds specifically to a non-denatured human ST2, a step for labelling a first reaction product generated in the previous step by reacting said first reaction product with a second anti-human ST2 antibody which binds specifically to a non-denatured human ST2 by recognizing a site different from the site on ST2 where said first anti-human ST2 antibody binds and which is labelled with a label, and a step for determining the amount of the label on said first reaction product which has been labelled, a soluble human ST2 in a sample is determined. In addition, a recombinant ST2 is employed as a standard to prepare a calibration curve, based on which the ST2 in a sample is quantified.

Abstract: Monocolonal antibodies having a higher reactivity with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) than tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5a (TRACP 5a) and having a higher specificity to TRACP 5b can be obtained by cell fusion using as antigens TRACP 5b purified from human osteoclasts. By using the monoclonal antibody, TRACP 5b in a sample can be detected specifically with a high sensitivity.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

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: The invention relates to self-contained assay cassette for detecting a ligand in a sample. The assay cassette provides for turbulent flow and mixing of the sample with assay components, including receptors that bind to a ligand, optional microspheres capable of binding the receptors or to which other secondary receptors are attached, and liquid crystalline materials. The assay cassette also provides for laminar flow of the mixed sample into a detection chamber where complexes between a receptor, ligand, and optional microspheres, is detected as transmission of polarized light through the detection chambers. The invention also relates to methods for detecting a ligand in a sample using turbulent flow to mix the sample with assay components, including liquid crystalline materials, and laminar flow of the mixed sample such that the liquid crystalline material assumes an ordered conformation in absence of a ligand.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method of constructing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) microarrays based on the use of pre-synthesized or natural DNA duplexes without a stem-loop structure. The complementary oligonucleotide chains are bonded together by a novel connector that includes a linker for immobilization on a matrix. A non-enzymatic method for synthesizing double-stranded nucleic acids with this novel connector enables the construction of inexpensive and robust dsDNA/dsRNA microarrays. DNA-DNA and DNA-protein interactions are investigated using the microarrays.

Abstract: Hydrogel polymer blends including precursors and crosslinked forms of the compositions. The blends provide an improved approach to achieve high quality, uniform coatings with better commercial viability than other approaches including copolymerization. Applications include mass spectral analysis of biomolecular analytes such as proteins. Dextran and acrylamide systems are preferred. Benzophenone groups can be used as photocrosslinking groups. Photoinitiators are not needed. Functionalities which can selectively bind to biomolecular analytes are included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

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: By allowing serum or plasma samples collected from humans to react with laminin-1 or a fragment thereof, and then determining whether or not anti-laminin-1 antibody, an auto-antibody against laminin-1, in the sample bound to laminin-1 to detect anti-laminin-1 antibody in the sample, gynecology-related diseases such as habitual abortion, sterility, infertility, and endometriosis can be diagnosed.

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: The invention concerns an element for the determination of an analyte in a liquid by means of a specific binding reaction of two bioaffine binding partners containing in or on material which enables liquid transport between the zones. The element comprises a sample application zone; a detection zone located downstream thereof that is devoid of binding reagents and is the last zone on the element that allows liquid transport; a zone containing immobilized analyte or analyte analogue between the sample application zone and the detection zone; and impregnated conjugate that can be detached by liquid located in the sample application zone or upstream or downstream thereof composed of a bioaffine binding partner capable of a specific binding reaction with the analyte to be determined and a detectable label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fluorogenic or chromogenic dyes as reporter molecules for detecting cell entry by a specific molecule.

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: This invention relates to methods and kits for measuring ?-amylase activity in grain and plant products such as flour or stock.

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: Disclosed are methods for analyzing molecular binding events in which the formation of ligand/antiligand complexes can be directly detected in a mixture without requiring separation of the components of the mixture from each other by measuring bulk properties of the mixture (i.e., properties that have contributions from several or all of the components present in the mixture). Using these techniques, it is possible to screen libraries without labeling either the target antiligand or ligand. The invention also provides a method for determining the strength of ligand/antiligand binding by further analysis of the same signals.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for containing and processing samples on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a housing and a support confined by the housing. The housing comprises a well having walls and at least one wall extending from the edge of the well. The height of the walls of the well is at least great enough, and the design of the at least one wall is such, that liquid contained in the well is not drawn out of the well to any substantial degree by surface tension or small movements or small mechanical vibrations. In one embodiment, the at least one wall is designed such that corners thereof are curved or are distant from the edge of the well to substantially eliminate wicking of liquid from the well. Also disclosed are methods for mixing materials on the surface of a support. A sample is incubated with the surface of the support of the aforementioned device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the prethrombotic state, in particular determining an amount or presence of circulating microparticles and/or stimulated procoagulant cells.

Abstract: A method and kit for screening a sample of body fluid for at least one autoantibody to at least one antigen. A source of at least one antigen to the autoantibody is provided. A substrate having immobilized thereto at least one antibody to the antigen is also provided. The antigen source is contacted with the sample of body fluid, so as to obtain a mixture wherein the antigen is allowed to substantially bind with the autoantibody, when the latter is present in the sample of body fluid. The mixture is allowed to flow relative to the substrate so as to allow the mixture to contact the antibody immobilized to the substrate. Labeling means are provided to permit monitoring of binding of the autoanitbody and the antigen present in the mixture, so as to provide an indication of the presence of the autoanitbody in the sample of body fluid.

Abstract: A device for collecting oral liquids includes a lateral flow chromatography strip having a collection pad for insertion into the mouth. The collection pad is separated from the remainder of the chromatography strip by a liquid impermeable removable barrier which prevents liquid in the collection pad from entering the chromatography strip. Once adequate oral liquid has been collected (as indicated by a sample sufficiency indicator), the device is withdrawn from the mouth and the barrier is removed to allow oral liquids to flow through the strip. The liquids interact with binding partners in the strip to provide test results, such as an indication that an analyte of interest is present in the liquid. The strip may be contained in a housing with an access opening through which the removable barrier may be manipulated, and windows through which test results may be viewed. This device avoids reflux of reagents from the strip into the mouth of a test subject during use.

Abstract: Antibodies and methods are described for the detection and quantitation of cardiac specific troponin I in samples. Cardiac-specific troponin isoforms exist in various forms in the blood, including free and complexed forms. By selecting antibodies that are insensitive and/or sensitive to these various forms, the present invention can provide immunoassays that more accurately reflect the clinical state of an individual. These described antibodies and methods can be used for providing indicators of myocardial infarction and other cardiac pathologies.