Abstract: An electro-optical instrument for measuring a quantitative physical parameter of a sample in a diagnostic cartridge is provided.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in diagnostic assays are provided. The device comprises at least one assay path, where an assay path includes a main flow path and at least one side reagent channel. The main flow path begins at a sample addition port, continues through a main reagent area into an incubation area and ends in a waste area. In fluid communication with the main flow path is at least one side reagent channel that begins at a liquid addition port, continues through a side reagent area and ends in said main channel at a region between the main reagent and waste areas, usually upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. At least one fluid interruption means located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area provide for control over reagent interaction and fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: Methods and cartridges are provided for the detection of analytes in a sample by using fluid velocity gradients. In the subject methods, the assay medium is prepared by combining sample suspected of containing analyte with a reagent composition which includes at least one of particles and specific binding pair members ("sbpm's "). A circumferential fluid velocity gradient and vertical fluid velocity gradient are applied to the assay medium to affect the formation of agglutinates. The sizes of the resulting agglutinates are related to the velocity gradients. The level of agglutination is detected to determine analyte presence in the sample. In general, a cartridge for employing the assay comprises two spaced apart parallel plates defining an assay area and trough area there between. A sample port and optically clear window are provided. At least one of the plates is connected to a rotational driver to rotate the plate in a direction counter to the position of the other plate.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device and method of its use are provided. The device comprises a housing containing first and second flow paths orthogonal to each other. The first flow path commences at a sample addition port and continues through a transport channel which feeds sample to an incubation area by means of capillary flow. The incubation area comprises a signal producing system and is underneath an optically-clear window. The first flow path terminates in a top waste reservoir which receives sample and wash fluid. The second flow path begins on one side of the incubation area at an inlet port over a side reagent reservoir. Liquid flows along the second flow path from the side reagent reservoir across the incubation area into the side waste reservoir. The incubation area may comprise agitation means for homogenous dispersion of reagent into liquid.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assay device and method for its use are provided. The device comprises a sample addition port in fluid communication with at least one main channel. The main channel comprises, in the direction of fluid flow, a main reagent area in fluid communication with an incubation area and a waste area. In fluid communication with the main channel is at least one side reagent channel. The side reagent channels comprise, in the direction of fluid flow, a liquid addition port and a side reagent area in fluid communication with the main channel at a region of the main channel upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in the at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. Capillary valves may be located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area, providing for control over fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: Bioelectronic sensors are provided employing a thin surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which may be bound members of specific binding pairs. Binding of an analyte or a reagent to the specific binding pair member layer may change the electrical, optical, or structural properties of the layer for measurement of analyte. The change in the polymeric layer provides for a sensitive measurement.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of analytes. The method employs a fluorescence production layer which comprises a fluorescent polymerized polyunsaturated lipid layer in association with a ligand which is a member of a specific binding pair, where the ligand is competitive with the analyte for the complementary binding member or is a complementary binding member. By providing for a fluorescence modulation reagent which binds to the fluorescence production layer in proportion to the amount of analyte in the sample, by measuring the resulting fluorescence after carrying out the assay methodology, the amount of analyte can be determined quantitatively.

Abstract: Bioelectronic sensors are provided employing a thin surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which may be bound members of specific binding pairs. Binding of an analyte or a reagent to the specific binding pair member layer may change the electrical, optical, or structural properties of the layer for measurement of analyte. The change in the polymeric layer provides for a sensitive measurement.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of an analyte in a sample using a bioelectronic sensor comprising a thin surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which members of specific binding pairs are bound. Specific binding of analyte or analyte competitor to the bound specific binding pair member results in a change in the conductivity of the polymer. The resultant change in conductivity is related to the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of analytes. The method employs a fluorescence production layer which comprises a fluorescent polymerized polyunsaturated lipid layer in association with a ligand which is a member of a specific binding pair, where the ligand is competitive with the analyte for the complementary binding member or is a complementary binding member. By providing for a fluorescence modulation reagent which binds to the fluorescence production layer in proportion to the amount of analyte in the sample, by measuring the resulting fluorescence after carrying out the assay methodology, the amount of analyte can be determined quantitatively.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic unit is provided which employs a housing which provides for a sample port, and a channel which feeds the sample to an incubation area by means of capillary action. The incubation area is underneath an optically-clear window and comprises a lipid membrane which has optical properties, particularly fluorescent properties and usually a reagent. A reservoir at the end of the channel downstream from the incubation area receives the sample and waste washes, while on one side of the platform area is a reagent reservoir and on the other side a side waste reservoir, so that one can move the reagent from the reagent reservoir through the platform area into the waste reservoir. Various reagents may be contained within the unit and the necessary liquids added automatically by appropriate instrumentation, so as to have the assay carried out automatically, without technician involvement, providing an accurate and sensitive determination.

Abstract: Novel articles are provided comprising at least one polymerized surfactant layer and at least one protein layer specifically bound to the surfactant layer. Depending upon the nature of the preparation of the layers, the layers may be formed as a plurality of substantially parallel layers, filaments, tubes, helices or other complex assembly. The articles may be used for improved determination of protein structure, electronic devices, enzyme reactors and in biosensors. Improved methods are provided for electron microscopic analysis of proteins.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Biosensors are provided employing a thin crystalline diyne surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which may be bound members of specific binding pairs. Binding of an analyte or a reagent to the specific binding pair member layer may change the electrical, optical or structural properties of the layer for measurement of analyte. The change in the polymeric layer provides for a sensitive measurement.

Abstract: Novel articles are provided comprising at least one polymerized surfactant layer and at least one protein layer specifically bound to the surfacant layer. Depending upon the nature of the preparation of the layers, the layers may be formed as a plurality of substantially parallel layers, filaments, tubes, helices or other complex assembly. The articles may be used for improved determination of protein structure, electronic devices, enzyme reactors and in biosensors. Improved methods are provided for electron microscopic analysis of proteins.