Abstract: Articles and methods involving detection of binding between two or more species using MALDI are generally provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises exposing a first species to a composition comprising a second species, capturing the first species on a self-assembled monolayer, and performing MALDI on the self-assembled monolayer to generate a signal from the second species and a signal from a standard species present in the self-assembled monolayer. A ratio (first ratio) of the signal from the second species to the signal from the standard species may be compared to a cutoff value in order to determine if binding has occurred. This method may allow determination of a relative affinity of the second species for the first species.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for the detection of host cell proteins (HCPs) in biological samples. In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes immunization of aves hosts with proteins derived from non-aves host cells to produce aves antibodies specific for non-aves HCPs.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to spectrophotometers configured to be coupled to microfluidic sample cartridges. In some embodiments, spectrophotometers comprising less complex circuitry may lead to a more robust functionality with consistent optical sensing performance. This may include the use of components with different average lifetimes being positioned on different printed circuit boards, the use of integrated photodiode modules for sensing applications, and/or temperature sensors compressed between a heating block and one or more corresponding printed circuit boards.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to hybrid amebocyte lysate compositions (including both native and recombinant components) and their use in detecting and/or quantifying endotoxin in a sample.

Abstract: Articles and methods involving detection of binding between two or more species using MALDI are generally provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises exposing a first species to a composition comprising a second species, capturing the first species on a self-assembled monolayer, and performing MALDI on the self-assembled monolayer to generate a signal from the second species and a signal from a standard species present in the self-assembled monolayer. A ratio (first ratio) of the signal from the second species to the signal from the standard species may be compared to a cutoff value in order to determine if binding has occurred. This method may allow determination of a relative affinity of the second species for the first species.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to hybrid amebocyte lysate compositions (including both native and recombinant components) and their use in detecting and/or quantifying endotoxin in a sample.

Abstract: The application provides heat-treated Limulus amebocyte lysates useful for detecting ?-glucans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous planar cell capture system for use in determining the presence and/or amount of cells, for example, viable cells, in a liquid sample, and to methods of using such a cell capture system. The cell capture system contains a fluid permeable, planar membrane adopted to retain cells thereon, a fluid permeable support member that supports the membrane, and an optional register associated with the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for collection and analysis of environmental air dust (EAD) within an individually ventilated cage rack (IVR) environment for detecting pathogens. The method includes collection of an EAD sample by a collection media, isolation of a plurality of nucleic acids (e.g., RNA and/or DNA) representative of one or more infectious agents from the EAD sample, optional reverse transcription of RNA to cDNA if the isolated nucleic acids contain RNA, amplification of the cDNA and/or DNA (e.g., by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)), and assay interpretation. Optionally, the EAD sample may be analyzed with one or more other sample types (e.g., fecal pellets, oral swabs, body swabs, tissue, etc.) to improve detection of low-copy organisms.

Abstract: The application provides heat-treated Limulus amebocyte lysates useful for detecting ?-glucans.

Abstract: The application provides heat-treated Limulus amebocyte lysates useful for detecting ?-glucans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration system for use in a method of determining the presence and/or amount of cells, for example, viable cells, in a liquid sample, and to methods of using and manufacturing such a filtration system. The filtration system includes a cup with an upper portion and a ring portion, where the ring portion is separably coupled to the upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous planar cell capture system for use in determining the presence and/or amount of cells, for example, viable cells, in a liquid sample, and to methods of using such a cell capture system. The cell capture system contains a fluid permeable, planar membrane adopted to retain cells thereon, a fluid permeable support member that supports the membrane, and an optional register associated with the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.