Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent capable of assaying a biological sample at a wide range of the concentration in an immunoserological test and capable of being stored stably for a prolonged period, as well as an assay reagent employing the same. The invention is a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent comprising a carrier particle comprising a copolymer of a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a sulfonate, wherein said carrier particle has a surface sulfonic acid group amount of 0.005 to 0.7 ?mol/m2 and an average particle size of 0.01 to 1.5 ?m.

Abstract: A magnetic particle and fabrication method thereof. The magnetic particle comprises a polymer core, a magnetic material layer covering the polymer core, and a silicon containing layer covering the magnetic material layer. In addition, the magnetic particle may further comprise a coupling agent on the silicon containing layer, and an active molecule connected to the coupling agent. The magnetic particles provide controllable size, uniform diameter distribution, high magnetization, improved storage stability, and modified surface for targeting biomolecules for biomaterial separation and environmental analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making polymer-based biosensors and the biosensors made by said methods, wherein the biosensors comprise conducting polymers and negatively charged nanoparticles comprising a capture moiety. The present invention also provides methods of detecting analytes in a solution by contacting the solution with said polymer-based biosensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molding, comprising a matrix in a material, selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic and polymer synthetic material, and coupling particles embedded in the matrix, wherein a proportion of the surface of the molding in a geometrical form or in a regular pattern and/or an area of the molding is completely or the entire surface of the molding is mechanically treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying the amount or concentration of one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples using differentially isotopically-labeled peptides and/or proteins. The invention also provides methods of identifying one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer particles having an antigen or an antibody introduced into the surface thereof, by carrying out miniemulsion polymerization using a monomer, a radical polymerization initiator, an emulsifier, and a hydrophobe in the presence of the antigen or antibody to thereby produce the polymer particles, is disclosed. According to the process, it is possible to provide a reagent for immunological analysis having an excellent detection sensitivity and capable of avoiding a nonspecific reaction which occurs in conventional methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods related to drug development. The methods typically include steps whereby an existing drug is modified to obtain a derivative form or whereby an analog of an existing drug is identified in order to obtain a new therapeutic agent that preferably has a higher efficacy and fewer side effects than the existing drug.

Abstract: This invention involves the nano-structured support used for separation or/and analysis, especially the chip substrate, ELISA plate substrate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography gel. Besides, it involves the functionalized nano-structured support of high sensibility for separation or/and analysis, especially the analysis-chip, ELISA plate, planar chromatography reagent strip and chromatography gel. In addition, this invention also involves the nano-structured marking system for analysis. Moreover, it concerns the test kit; especially the chip kit, ELISA kit, and planar chromatography kit. What's more, this invention involves the preparing methods and the applications of all those mentioned above, especially the chip analysis, analyses with ELISA plate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography separation.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit that provides an integrated system for accurately detecting a test analyte over a broad range of possible concentrations is provided. One feature of the integrated system is that it is capable of indicating whether an analyte is within the “hook effect” region. Based on this indication, a technique may be selected for correlating a measured signal intensity to an analyte concentration or range of concentrations. For example, when it is determined that the test sample falls outside the “hook effect” region, the analyte concentration may be determined using one portion of a dose response curve. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test sample falls within the “hook effect” concentration, the analyte concentration may be determined using another portion of the dose response curve. Alternatively, the sample may simply be diluted for re-performing the assay.

Abstract: An assay method is described, which comprises the steps of immobilizing a binding partner (e.g., an antigen or antibody) for an analyte to be detected (e.g., an antibody or antigen) on a portion of a surface of a microfluidic chamber; passing a fluid sample over the surface and allowing the analyte to bind to the binding partner; allowing a metal colloid, e.g., a gold-conjugated antibody, to associate with the bound analyte; flowing a metal solution, e.g., a silver solution, over the surface such as to form an opaque metallic layer; and detecting the presence of said metallic layer, e.g., by visual inspection or by measuring light transmission through the layer, conductivity or resistance of the layer, or metal concentration in the metal solution after flowing the metal solution over the surface.

Abstract: A blood crossmatching apparatus, kit and methods for testing the compatibility of mammals for blood transfusion. Particulate layers in the apparatus allow nonagglutinated red blood cells to permeate through, while agglutinated red blood cells cannot. The apparatus also has a density solution. The density solution separates white blood cells from red blood cells in the whole blood when centrifuged, without lysing the red blood cells. Thus, the apparatus can be used to test whole blood.

Abstract: Ionic interactions are monitored to detect hybridization. The measurement may be done measuring the potential change in the solution with the ion sensitive electrode (which may be the conducting polymer (e.g., polyaniline) itself), without applying any external energy during the binding. The double helix formation during the complimentary hybridization makes this electrode act as an ion selective electrode—the nucleotide hydrogen bonding is specific and thus monitoring the ionic phosphate group addition becomes selective. Polyaniline on the surface of nylon film forms a positively charged polymer film. Thiol linkage can be utilized for polyaniline modification and thiol-modified single strand oligonucleotide chains can be added to polyaniline. The sensitivity is because the double helix formation during the complimentary hybridization makes this electrode act as an ion selective electrode as the nucleotide hydrogen bonding is specific and thus monitoring the ionic phosphate group addition becomes selective.

Abstract: The immunoassay element for quantitatively analyzing an antigen by determining the change in enzymatic activity of an enzyme-labelled antigen or antibody caused by an immunological reaction. The immunoassay element comprises a substrate layer containing a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the labelling enzyme, and a reagent layer containing a fragmenting enzyme for further fragmenting the diffusible material into a lower molecular weight product. As the non-diffusible substrate, a substrate capable of reacting solely with the labelling enzyme and incapable of reacting the fragmenting enzyme is utilized. When an endo-active glucosidase is used as the labelling enzyme, and an exo-active glucosidase is used the fragmenting enzyme in the reagent layer, the non-diffusible substrate of the substrate layer is preferred to be an endo type selectively reactive substrate, which means a substrate having a reactivity specific to endo-active glucosidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the quantitative and qualitative detection of an analyte in an assay as well as appropriate reagents therefor, especially a carrier molecule to which one or several analyte-specific binding partners are bound and which is provided with additional binding points for a specific binding partner X or Y that is associated with a component of a signal-forming system. Also disclosed is the use of such a conjugate particularly in homogeneous binding tests.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: A support carrying an immobilized selective binding substance, that the support surface has a polymer containing the structural unit represented by the following General Formula (1) in an amount of 10% or more with respect all monomer units, and a selective binding substance is immobilized on the support surface by binding to the carboxyl group formed thereon via a covalent bond: (in General Formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each represent an alkyl or aryl group or a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A method for characterizing particle adhesion in microfluidic bifurcations and junctions comprises at least one idealized bifurcation or junction. Multiple bifurcations and/or junctions can be combined on a single microfluidic chip to create microfluidic networks configured for assays specifically to characterize particle interactions at junctions or to screen particles for desired interactions with microfluidic bifurcations and/or junctions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fixed support for immobilizing biomolecules, said support being covered, at least in some parts, with a polymer. The invention is characterized in that the polymer is an epoxy resin with functionality ranging between 4 and 15. The invention also concerns a method for making such a support.

Abstract: Methods for forming cell arrays of multiple cell samples arranged substantially in a monolayer on a single substrate particularly suited for diagnostic analysis are disclosed. The cell arrays are formed with a high-speed dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing small volumes in precise, complex patterns. Also disclosed are substrates upon which cell arrays may be formed, and methods for conducting diagnostic analyses on the formed cell arrays.

Abstract: A collection of one or more microfluidic devices which together carry a plurality of microchannel structures each of which comprises a reaction microcavity (104a-h) in which there is a solid phase with an immobilized affinity ligand L, characterized in that (i) the plurality is divided into sets of microchannel structures, and (ii) the affinity ligand L is directed to the same counterpart (binder, B) independent of set, and (iii) the sets differ in a) the capacity per reaction microcavity and/or the capacity/unit volume of the solid phase in a reaction microcavity for binder B, and/or b) the base matrix of the solid phase between the sets but are equal within each set.

Abstract: A device and a method for collecting blood and separating blood plasma as a liquid sample using a channel that absorbs the liquid sample by capillary forces. To obtain a uniform filling of the channel with the liquid sample and an effective separation, deaeration takes place in a transverse direction to the main filling direction or to the longitudinal direction of the channel, immediately downstream of a separation device in an inlet region of the channel.

Abstract: Stable metal/conductive polymer composite colloids and methods for making the same are provided. The subject colloids find use in a variety of different applications, including analyte detection applications. Also provided are kits that include the subject colloids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate that includes a nucleic acid ligand bound to a controlled release polymer system, a pharmaceutical composition that contains the conjugate, and methods of treatment using the conjugate. The controlled release polymer system includes an agent such as a therapeutic, diagnostic, prognostic, or prophylactic agent. The nucleic acid ligand that is bound to the controlled release polymer system, binds selectively to a target, such as a cell surface antigen, and thereby delivers the controlled release polymer system to the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic polymer particles including magnetic particles selected from the group of ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic and/or superparamagnetic particles, where the magnetic particles are embedded in a crosslinked polyacrylate or polyalkylacrylate matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents, methods, and kits for determining the presence or concentration of a target, or multiple targets, in a sample, in a uniplexed or multiplexed fashion. In general, the methods enable the analysis of small molecules produced or consumed in liquid-phase that may be analyzed using gas or vapor phase detection methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents, methods, and kits for determining the presence or concentration of a target, or multiple targets, in a sample, in a uniplexed or multiplexed fashion. In general, the methods enable the analysis of small molecules produced or consumed in liquid-phase that may be analyzed using gas or vapor phase detection methods.

Abstract: Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized inorganic oxide surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting an oxide surface to a plasma to create hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and reacting the hydroxyl functionalities with epoxy group-containing molecules in situ in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of oxide surfaces, including glass, quartz, silica and metal oxides.

Abstract: A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a concentration of a biological active substance in a sample by the means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The device comprises a solid support within a tubing for binding an immunosorbent and an inlet for fluids, a detector for detecting radiation due to an activity in the tubing, wherein the tubing is arranged inside a microchip extending substantially in one plane, for conducting the fluids along the plane of the microchip. The tubing forms a reaction cell having a large detection area. The reaction cell of the microchip is arranged perpendicular to the detector. The method comprises the steps of introducing the fluids into the tubing, conducting the fluids through the tubing forming a reaction cell, in which reaction cell the radiation emitting activity takes place, and detecting the light emitted from the reaction cell substantially perpendicular to the plane.

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: 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: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for detecting biomarkers indicative of exposure of a mammal to organophosphate compounds. The interaction of such a biomarker with a receptor bound to a biopolymer results in an optical readout that reports the presence of the biomarker.

Abstract: A latex reagent for analyzing adiponectin, comprising a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, is disclosed. Further, a method for analyzing adiponectin, comprising (1) obtaining a biological liquid possibly containing adiponectin, and (2) bringing the biological liquid, while maintaining the state in which the biological liquid is obtained, into contact with a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, and optically analyzing a degree of latex-particles-agglutination, is disclosed. According to the latex reagent and the method for analyzing adiponectin, a predilution or pretreatment of the biological liquid to be analyzed is not necessary. Further, the analysis can be performed rapidly and conveniently, and facilities therefor are not limited.

Abstract: A rapid immunochromatographic assay system is provided for measuring the amount of glycated albumin in a blood sample relative to the total level of albumin in the sample. The assay system is comprised of a disposable cassette that contains the test strips and testing reagents, and a measurement device that automatically reads, calculates and displays the test results over a period of time. The test cassette contains two test strips that are used to measure glycated albumin and total albumin respectively. The strips are contiguous beneath the single sample application well so that the same sample is tested simultaneously by both test strips. Part of the sample will migrate thru the glycated albumin test strip where it will react with the glycated albumin test reagents to yield a glycated albumin result, while part of the sample will migrate thru the total albumin test strip where it will react with the total albumin test reagents to yield a total albumin result.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified substrates having polyglutaraldehyde nanoparticulates for use, for example, in binding biomolecules, and methods of making and using the modified substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentially detecting a multimeric form from a monomeric form of a multimer-forming polypeptide in a biosample, which comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a carrier-capturing antibody conjugate by binding a capturing antibody to the surface of a solid phase carrier in a three dimensional manner, wherein the capturing antibody is capable of recognizing an epitope on the multimer-forming polypeptide; (b) preparing a detection antibody, wherein an epitope recognized by the detection antibody is present at a position in the multimer-forming polypeptide to cause a steric hindrance by the capturing antibody bound to its epitope to prevent the binding of the detection antibody to the multimer-forming polypeptide; (c) contacting simultaneously the carrier-capturing antibody conjugate and the detection antibody to the biosample; and (d) detecting the formation of a carrier-capturing antibody-multimeric form-detection antibody complex.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of analytes in saliva. In one embodiment, a system for detecting analytes includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.

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: 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: The invention relates to a a microtiter plate and its use in a method of the invention, which microtiter plate comprises a plurality of containers, wherein the bottom of each container comprises a (semi-)permeable membrane capable of directly or indirectly binding an analyte, and wherein each container is separated from an adjacent container by a container dividing wall, wherein the containers are grouped in one or more clusters, each cluster comprising at least two containers, wherein said clusters are separated from adjacent clusters by a cluster dividing wall and wherein at least part of the container dividing wall is lower than the cluster dividing wall or wherein the container dividing wall contains at least one passageway connecting at least two adjacent containers within a cluster, said passageway being at a distance from the bottom of the container and at least partly below the top of the container.

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 provides methods for fabricating calorimetric resonant reflection biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample and/or the binding kinetics of an analyte to an analyte sensor molecule. For this purpose the invention relies on detecting the interaction between the analyte and the analyte sensor molecule with the latter being physically adsorbed to a solid, porous support which is in the form of a micro array. In a preferred embodiment, the method may be operated in repeated cycles.

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: Disclosed are gel-coated beads (including Hydrogel™-coated beads), which are capable of adsorbing, or absorbing, proteins and other biomolecules onto or into the gel coating. The gel-coated beads with absorbed or adsorbed biomolecules are suitable for use in an assays, purification or other purposes. The beads have a core made from any of a number of materials, including latex, coated with the gel shell. The biomolecules can be retained within the gel, following adsorption, by covalent attachment, or, by selection of conditions of ambient pH and/or ionic strength such that they are retained without further reaction. Therefore, adsorbed proteins would retain the ability to bind to their respective ligands.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a simple membrane assay method for detecting or quantitating an analyte in a specimen sample using an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte, comprising the steps of filtering a specimen sample using a filter, dropping the filtrate onto said membrane and detecting the presence of the analyte in said specimen sample, as well as a simple membrane assay kit for detecting the presence of an analyte in a specimen sample, comprising (1) a filter tube, and (2) an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte. The method or the kit can decrease the occurrence of false positivity and can provide a highly accurate detection of the analyte such as pathogen and antibody in a specimen collected in a medical scene or by an individual.