Abstract: The present invention features a freestanding microfluidic pipette with both solution exchange capability and fluid re-circulation, enabling highly localized and contamination- free fluid delivery within a confined volume in the vicinity of the pipette exit. Preferably, the device features direct positioning, so the pipette can be directed at a point or object of interest, such as a biological or artificial cell, a defined surface area or a sensor element within an open volume, using micro- or nanopositioning techniques. One aspect of the invention provides a free-standing pipette. The free-standing pipette includes a microfluidic device comprising one or more channels with exits leading into an open-volume and a positioning device programmed to hold the microfluidic device at an angle from a horizontal axis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: A porous solid phase for binding assay that enables a test sample such as whole blood to be analyzed promptly, conveniently, accurately, and inexpensively without requiring a pretreatment, and a binding assay method using said porous solid phase are disclosed. At least one surfactant is incorporated into the porous solid phase for binding assay prior to addition of a test sample, the at least one surfactant being selected from the group consisting of (A) a sugar-containing surfactant that comprises a compound shown by a general formula (I), (B) a sugar-containing surfactant that comprises a sucrose fatty acid ester wherein the constituent fatty acid has 5 to 14 carbon atoms, and (C) a steroid surfactant.

Abstract: The application discloses a biosensor system (1) comprising: a biosensor cartridge (30), a first biosensor magnet assembly (10) for generating a magnetic field in the biosensor cartridge comprising two magnetic subunits (20a, 20b) each having a core (22a, 22b) with a top surface (24) separated by a gap (25), and wherein the sensor surface comprised by the biosensor cartridge is arranged above the top surfaces of the cores, wherein the two subunits are adapted to generate a magnetic field between the first subunit and the second subunit with magnetic field lines essentially in parallel to the sensor surface to exert forces at magnetic particles in the cartridge. By employing the system for controlling the movement of magnetic particles in immunoassays, more reliable test results are achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses that allow a protein sample to undergo reduction, alkylation, and digestion in a continuous flow process carried out within a microfluidic device. Methods and apparatuses in accordance with the invention can be employed as part of an automated proteomics analysis carried out in an integrated proteomics system.

Abstract: An assay and method of making same for use in SERS spectroscopy. The assay includes colloidal particles of a metal, which have been lyophilized. The lyophilized particles of metal produce a SERS active solution when reconstituted. The lyophilized particles of metal may be provided in a container in an assay system.

Abstract: A lateral flow device may include one or more enhancement elements, where the enhancement elements bind to the analyte sandwich to increase a detection signal in the test zone. In preferred embodiments, some or all of the enhancement elements are encapsulated.

Abstract: Optical measurement methods are described that are suitable for determining the relaxation behavior of nanoparticles dispersed in a solution. The particles have optically anisotropic properties and are alignable by an external stimulus, for example, an electric or magnetic field. In this manner the optical detection of certain molecules that can bind specifically to the surface of the nanoparticles and thus change the relaxation behavior of the nanoparticles as well as to provide devices for carrying out the methods is possible.

Abstract: Provided herein are magnetic aggregating and washing devices. Further provided herein are methods using magnetic aggregation to aggregate and wash sample molecules in an in vitro assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof for the concentration and capture of cells. A pulsed non-Faradaic electric field is applied relative to a sample under laminar flow, which results to the concentration and capture of charged analyte. Advantageously, pulse timing is selected to avoid problems associated with ionic screening within the channel. At least one of the electrodes within the channel is coated with an insulating layer to prevent a Faradaic current from flowing in the channel. Under pulsed application of a unipolar voltage to the electrodes, charged analyte within the sample is moved towards one of the electrodes via a transient electrophoretic force.

Abstract: The invention regards the use of triiodothyronine sulfate, commonly named T3S, as a medicament having thyromimetic activity for the treatment of pathologies due to organic deficiency of triiodothyronine (T3), as such or in association with thyroxine (T4), and pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of determining protein-nucleic acid interaction. The method comprises mixing a protein with a sample comprising a nucleic acid which is suspected to interact with the protein to form a first mixture. The first mixture can be incubated to allow interaction between the protein and nucleic acid. Metallic nanoparticles are added to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture. An electrolyte is added to the first or second mixture to determine the protein-nucleic acid interaction. The present invention also refers to a kit for determining protein-nucleic acid interaction. The kit comprises a protein capable of interacting with a nucleic acid or a nucleic acid capable of interacting with a protein, and at least one type of metallic nanoparticle.

Abstract: A first set of antibodies are bonded to a substrate, and are exposed to and bonded with target antigens. A second set of antibodies are bonded to nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle labeled antibodies are exposed to the targeted antigens. An electromagnetic write-head magnetizes the nanoparticles, and then a read-sensor detects the freshly magnetized nanoparticles. The substrate comprises a flexible film or a Peltier material to allow selective heating and cooling of the antigens and antibodies. Nanoparticles of different magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which particles sorted by a flow cytometer may be deposited directly into a deposition layer formed on the surface of an optical disc, and information regarding measurements made of the particle, as well as the storage location of the particle, can be written to the recording layer of the optical disc.

Abstract: A method for concentrating materials in a liquid involves pouring the liquid into a material-containing receptacle and irradiating the liquid by acoustic waves so that a stationary flow pattern with different flow rate areas is formed in the receptacle. A concentration device and reaction method using such concentration are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the cell activation of a target cell by an activator, said method having the following steps: provision of a probe measuring device with a probe sample arrangement having a measuring probe and a sample holder; loading of the probe sample arrangement with a target cell and with an activator assigned to the target cell, the measuring probe being loaded with the activator, and the sample holder being loaded with the target cell, or vice versa; relative mutual displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder until contact is made between the target cell and the activator by means of a displacement apparatus of the probe measuring device; recording of measurement values, indicating binding between the target cell and the activator, for the measuring probe with the probe measuring device during the relative displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder; and determination of a dimension for the cell activation of the target cell from

Abstract: The use of nanostructures to monitor or modulate changes in cellular membrane potentials is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling and mixing magnetic particles within a reaction chamber that is part of a microfluidic device and that contains the said particles in suspension. More particularly, the invention concerns a method of handling magnetic particles in a way to improve the mixing of the particles with the surrounding liquids medium and where the liquid is carried by a fluid flow as part of an automated system. Further, the invention describes the use of the method for conducting biological and chemical assays.

Abstract: The present application provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for the creation of material surfaces with desired properties and for the fabrication of surface-mounted optical components.