Abstract: Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

Abstract: The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for multiplexed detection of a plurality of targets, including targets associated with a measles (M) virus and a rubella (R) virus, including a M vaccine, a R vaccine, or a MR vaccine. A plurality of capture agents specific to a measles target and a rubella target are provided on a substrate, wherein the capture agents specifically bind to the measles target and the rubella target. Contacting the plurality of capture agents with a sample forms a capture agent-target complex which can be detected by a corresponding spatial pattern of capture agent-target complex.

Abstract: A universal array for multiplexed quantification of variable hemagglutinin such as subcomponents of multivalent annual influenza vaccines that is robust to variations in proteins such as mutations and is capable of quantifying degradation of proteins. Universal capture array (100) comprises one or more substrates (102) and a low-density microarray (104) of sub-arrays (108) comprising spots (106a-c). The microarray (104) is contacted with one or more targets (202) at one or more unknown concentrations, and bound complexes (203) are formed and subsequently quantified with a suitable method. Quantified signals are compared to calibration curves to obtain one or more unknown concentrations and/or quantify degradation of the one or more targets (202). Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods to determine vaccine potency and toxin concentration. The provided systems and methods may be multiplexed to determine potency and toxin concentration simultaneously. The systems and methods may be microarray based, providing accurate results while reducing the amount of testing time required compared to current potency and toxin concentration tests which often require the use of animal subjects or expensive test materials. Further, the provided systems and methods may detect desired antigens, endotoxins and exotoxins.

Abstract: Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

Abstract: Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

Abstract: A system for the indirect detection of agglutination in an agglutination assay using optical density measurement and a reaction vessel. Light emitted by light source is transmitted through reaction vessel containing components of an agglutination reaction that is detected by light detector. As particles in the reaction vessel settle in the absence of agglutination they are concentrated in a reaction vessel lower volume and increase the optical density of the light path through the reaction vessel. Light detector generates an output signal related to said optical density. Said output signal is read and interpreted by an instrument to detect a presence or absence of agglutination. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that enable improved accuracy for quantitative particle counting in a flowing liquid stream. The methods of the present invention utilize the real-time measurement of flow rates and flow rate control through feedback mechanisms to improve quantification, and this improved quantification translates to more accurate particle counting. In certain embodiments, particles being counted are biological particles in a liquid sample, such as viruses.

Abstract: There is described a new class or type of initiators for polymerization as a means of signal enhancement, nanoparticle initiators, and methods for amplifying signal resulting from recognition events, thereby enhancing the detection of those recognition events. Methods include amplification achieved through polymerization using a nanoparticle initiator conjugated recognition element that is not consumed during the reaction. The polymer formed as a result of the absorption of light by the nanoparticle initiator and introduction of reactive species into a surrounding polymerizable monomer solution occurs in a spatially-limited region directly surrounding the nanoparticle initiator and is indicative of the recognition event(s). In one embodiment, a semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticle initiator is utilized. In another embodiment, a metal nanoparticle is utilized. In another embodiment, the signal is detected without instrumentation.