Abstract: The present invention includes micro-sphere composition, methods of making binding assays. The present invention also includes a micro-sphere for binding biological molecules without pretreatment. The micro-sphere includes a spherical glass substrate having one or more metal nanoparticle regions that are exposed from within the glass, wherein the micro-sphere is capable of binding biological molecules without pretreatment.

Abstract: A method for the detection of microorganisms in a sample comprising contacting said sample with a biosensor concentration module, allowing microorganisms to grow for a first period of time and detecting growth of discrete microorganisms as an indication of the presence of said microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for providing a polyelectrolyte multilayer film at a liquid-liquid interface. Such methods include steps of sequentially-depositing layers of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes at a liquid-liquid interface that is formed between immiscible first and second liquids whereby a polyelectrolyte multilayer film is provided at the liquid-liquid interface. In certain preferred embodiments, the first liquid is an aqueous solution and the second liquid is a liquid crystal. In alternative embodiments, the first liquid is an aqueous solution and the second liquid is an oil. The invention further encompasses polyelectrolyte multilayer films provided by the disclosed methods as well as applications utilizing such materials.

Abstract: To preprocess a tissue sample, a first permeable mesh membrane is tautly stretched out over the tissue sample and overlaid on top of a flat surface. This covering sandwiches and secures the tissue sample in between the first permeable mesh membrane and the flat surface. If it is desired to reinforce the mechanical strength of the first permeable mesh membrane, a second permeable mesh membrane can be tautly stretched out and overlaid on top of the sandwich. Alternatively, the second permeable mesh membrane can be attached onto a third component, such as a disposable solvent resistant frame, to create a framed mesh. Thereafter, the first permeable mesh membrane may be attached to the framed mesh to create a compound framed mesh. The tissue sample may then be sandwiched and secured in between the compound framed mesh and the flat surface. To retain and flatten the tissue sample, gentle pressure may be uniformly applied.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve rapid sample processing such as rapid histochemical processing may involve a wave element that can use angular microscopic slide movements to cause repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Through such refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened.

Abstract: An automated assay system includes a platform and a rotatable coupon removably positioned within or on the platform. The rotatable coupon includes a plurality of discrete tracks, each of the plurality of discrete tracks configured to contain microfluidic volumes. At least one magnet is operatively disposed on the platform, the rotatable coupon, or combinations thereof, and the at least one magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field at a predetermined area of the rotatable coupon. A motor is operatively connected to the rotatable coupon.

Abstract: A device for delivery of material or stimulus to targets within a body to produce a desired response, the targets being at least one of cells of interest, cell organelles of interest and cell nuclei of interest. The device includes a number of projections for penetrating a body surface, with the number of projections being selected to produce a desired response, and the number being at least 500. A spacing between projections is also at least partially determined based on an arrangement of the targets within the body.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for surface patterning the substrate of a microfluidic device, and for detection and analysis of interactions between molecules by mechanically trapping a molecular complex while substantially expelling solvent and unbound solute molecules. Examples of molecular complexes include protein-protein complexes and protein-nucleic acid complexes.

Abstract: To provide a method for detecting a protein by immobilizing a protein on a protein array substrate at a high density with controlled orientation, irradiating the immobilized protein with ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light, and measuring the light not absorbed by the protein and further analyzing an interaction between the protein on the substrate and another protein and/or a compound other than proteins, a system used for the method, and to provide a protein array suitable for the system.

Abstract: Arrays of distinct chemically reactive materials used for assaying or screening are assembled by arranging premanufactured strips, each having a linear array of chemically reactive materials on its surface, into a frame to be exposed to a substance to be analyzed. The strips provide great flexibility in generating different types of arrays while still permitting efficiencies to be gained by batch processing of each strip type. The arrays further provide for novel read-out and reaction promotion techniques making use of the ability of the strips to direct and received energy to and from particular sites.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve parallel or coincidental sample processing such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples arranged for coincidental movement perhaps by use of angular microscopic slide movements to cause processing activity that may include repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges. Through refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for assessing Förster resonance energy transfer using polarized light. Specifically, the methods rely on measuring depolarized light emitted by fluorescent acceptor molecules.

Abstract: An upstream affinity purification region is used to bind one or more component of interest in a mixture of components prior to separating the mixture of components. Detection of the separated components and a released component of interest provide identification of the component of interest. In addition, post separation dilution is optionally used to improve detection of the mixture of components and the released component of interest. Microfluidic devices and systems suitable for performing such analyses are also provided.

Abstract: Use of calibrant in extraction phase is described for quantification of components of interest in samples in laboratory application as well as in on-site monitoring. This approach is particularly useful for in-vivo investigation of living systems.

Abstract: A bioreactor for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bioreactor includes a first substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface and edges. The bioreactor further includes a second substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a cavity with a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is located therebetween the first surface and the second surface. The first surface of the first substrate is received by the second surface of the second substrate to cover the cavity so as to form a channel for receiving cells and a liquid medium. In forming the bioreactor, the channel is sized to allow the growth of a layer of cells on a biocompatible coating layer and a flow of liquid in the channel. The flow of liquid is controlled so as to provide a known shear force to the layer of cells. The flow of liquid can be further controlled so as to provide an environment that simulates a vascular space in the channel.

Abstract: A functional assay detection system for membrane bound proteins. The system comprises a biological array including a porous substrate having a plurality of membranes adhered thereto and a first side and a second side, a fluorescent labeling reagent configured to couple to the membrane bound proteins, a pulsed light assembly configured to excite the fluorescent labeling reagent, and a time-delayed imaging device configured to capture emitted fluorescence of the fluorescent labeling reagent. The pulsed light assembly is configured to excite the fluorescent labeling reagent from at least one of the first side and the second side of the porous substrate, and the fluorescent labeling reagent comprises a fluorophore that has an emission lifetime that is in the range of microseconds.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to in vivo collection of circulating molecules, tumor cells and other biological markers using a collecting probe. The probe is configured for placement within a living organism for an extended period of time to provide sufficient yield of biological marker for analysis. In some embodiments of the invention, active attraction of biological markers are provided. A partial or complete analytic/detection assembly may also be integrated with the probe.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells.

Abstract: A biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device (BioNEMS) for sensing single-molecules in solution by measuring the variation in the mechanical displacement of the BioNEMS device during a binding event is provided. The biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device according to the invention generally comprises a nanomechanical mechanical resonator, a detector integral with the mechanical resonator for measuring the mechanical displacement of the resonator, and electronics connected to the detector for communicating the results to a user. A system of biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical devices and a method for utilizing the biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining the quantity of an analyte include providing a functionalized substrate and a reagent. The functionalized substrate includes metallic nanoparticles and a plurality of substantively identical bioactive target molecules affixed to a substrate. The bioactive target molecule binds to a particular analyte. The reagent includes identical detection molecules. Each detection molecule includes a fluorophore, and binds to a particular analyte or competes with a particular analyte for binding to the target molecule. The functionalized substrate is contacted to a test sample and the reagent. The functionalized substrate and a covering solution are exposed to polarized electromagnetic waves that excite the fluorophore. A quantity of the particular analyte in the test sample is determined based on measuring polarization anisotropy of fluorescent emissions from the substrate and the covering solution.