Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) with a source electrode and a drain electrode distanced apart from each other on a semi-conductor substrate, and a gate electrode consisting of a uniform layer of reduced graphene oxide encapsulated semiconductor nanoparticles (rGO-NPs), wherein the gate electrode is disposed between and contacts both the source and drain electrodes. Methods of making and assay methods using the FETs are also disclosed, including methods in which the rGO-NPs are functionalized with binding partners for biomarkers.

Abstract: A device is presented comprising a multi-layer structure with a plurality of metal islands on the surface of a solid transparent substrate. The islands are coated by an ultrathin sol-gel derived silica film via self-assembled monolayer.

Abstract: A magnetic particle based separation and assaying method uses at least two sets of magnetic particles placed in solution within a container and characterized respectively by a coercive field e1 and e2, wherein e1 is greater than e2. The first magnetic particles with a larger coercive field e1 will be used as carrier to handle the second affinity magnetic particles having a lower coercive field e2. A magnetic particles handling method includes the step of applying an external magnetic field having a polarity and amplitude that varies with time to cause the said carrier magnetic particles to be in relative motion within the container driving thereby the affinity particles to form an homogenous suspension of particles in perpetual relative movement with the respect to the liquid.

Abstract: A physiologically active substance collecting device, includes: a collecting section brought into contact with a body surface of a living organism to acquire a physiologically active substance from the body surface; and a liquid sending means for sending a solvent to the collecting section, the collecting section having an aperture at which the solvent flown by being sent from the liquid sending means contacts the body surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a for determining the presence, absence or amount of biologically active or inactive HGF in a sample, comprising the steps: bringing the sample in contact with a gel comprising a HGF binding component of the extracellular matrix or cell membrane, adding toluidine blue to the gel, correlating the color of the gel and/or a liquid in contact with the gel with the presence, absence or amount of biologically active HGF in the sample. It also relates to a kit of parts comprising toluidine blue and a gel comprising at least one HGF-binding component of the extracellular matrix or cell membrane, such as a proteoaminoglycan or a glucosaminoglycan, and optionally buffers, vials and sampling instruments and to a gel comprising at least one HGF-binding component of the extracellular matrix or cell membrane, such as a proteoaminoglycan or a glucosaminoglycan, toluidine blue and HGF.

Abstract: A method, test strip and method of manufacturing a test strip useful for detecting one or more analytes, such as an antibiotic, in a test sample such as a milk sample. The test strip and method include a labeled specific binder and test capture agent for the specific binder that increases test sensitivity to the analyte for which the specific binder has affinity while decreasing test sensitivity to an analyte for which a multianalyte binder has affinity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for amplifying a frequency variation of a detected signal in a biosensor that is used for detecting a biomolecule by measuring a change in frequency of an oscillating signal, the change being caused by pressure a biomolecule applies to a piezoelectric substance. The method for amplifying a frequency variation of a detected signal comprises the steps of: (a) applying a sample to a probe being fixed to an upper portion of a substrate of the biosensor to allow a biomolecule in the sample to be bound to the probe; (b) applying protein tagged with a metal particle to the biosensor to allow the protein and the biomolecule to be bound with each other; and (c) applying a metal enhancer to the biosensor to allow the metal enhancer to be bound to the metal particle having been bound to the protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for capturing rare cells. The devices and methods described herein can be used to facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of metastatic cancers.

Abstract: This invention describes a rapid assay for measuring the ratio of glycated albumin to total albumin in blood. Patients with diabetes have elevated levels of glucose in their blood that can react with plasma albumin to form glycated albumin. The amount of glycated albumin formed is directly correlated with the level of plasma glucose that the albumin has been exposed to over a period of time. The ratio of glycated albumin to total albumin in blood will provide an indication of the average amount of protein glycation that occurred over the preceding 2-3 week period. The test is performed using a disposable strip or cassette that contains the testing reagents and the results are measured in a measuring instrument that automatically reads, calculates and displays the final result. The results of tests performed over a period of time are stored in the instrument's memory and presented in a numerical or graphical format so that the individual's glycated albumin level can be monitored over time.

Abstract: We describe methods for synthesis and formulations of stable elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles with controllable compressibility and density. These elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles have a density/compressibility ratio that is less than that of water and therefore exhibit negative acoustic contrast under acoustic radiation exposure. This negative acoustic contrast allows our elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles to be acoustically manipulated (e.g. separated) differently from other components (e.g. cells) within an aqueous solution. This disclosure also describes methods for biofunctionalization of the elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles and as an example their use as platforms for bioassays.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: A downward or vertical flow-through rapid diagnostic device and assay are provided. The device comprises a test area and reagent storage area, which are linked via a channel. The test area further comprises a reaction zone and an absorbent zone. A capture reagent is immobilized on the reaction zone to detect a target analyte in the fluid test sample. The fluid test sample flows downward or vertically through the reaction zone and into the absorbent zone, with the capture reagent and target analyte forming a two-membered complex that is concentrated in the reaction zone. The reagent storage area comprises a breakable cartridge positioned directly and vertically above the test area and a channel. A reagent used in the assay is housed in the breakable cartridge. Once liberated, the reagent passes through the channel and flows to test area for depositing on the reaction zone.

Abstract: An optical-waveguide sensor chip includes an optical waveguide having a first substance immobilized on the surface thereof, the first substance being specifically reactive with an analyte substance, and fine particles dispersed on the optical waveguide and having a second substance immobilized on the surface thereof, the second substance being specifically reactive with the analyte substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of remotely driven nonlinear rotation of particles (e.g., magnetic particles) for detection of cells such as microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and viruses). The present invention further relates to the use of remotely driven nonlinear rotation of particles for measurement of physical properties of a solution (e.g., viscosity).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to both a method and apparatus for the creation of full resolution color digital images of diagnostic cassettes or objects of interest using a gray-scale digital camera or sensor combined with time sequential illumination using additive primary colors followed by post exposure digital processing. Such procedures and equipment is of significant economic value when employed in situations such as diagnostic clinical analyzers where space is limited and image quality requirements are high.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte (10) in a sample, comprising the steps of: providing a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, a first reagent (9) immobilized on the transducer, the first reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte, exposing the sample to the transducer thereby allowing the analyte or a derivative of the analyte to bind to the first reagent to form a first reagent-analyte complex (13); introducing a second reagent (11), the second reagent having a binding site which is capable of selectively binding the first reagent-analyte complex, wherein the second reagent has a label (12) attached thereto which is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to generate energy by non-radiative decay; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation; transducing the energy generated into an electr

Abstract: A device and method for the separation of a component in a liquid sample prior to the detection of an analyte in said sample, wherein a sample is added to a receiving zone on a substrate, said substrate further optionally comprising a reaction zone, a transport or incubation zone connecting the receiving and reaction zone, respectively, forming a flow path on a substrate, wherein said substrate is a non-porous substrate, and at least part of said flow path consists of areas of projections substantially vertical to said surface, and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample in said zone is achieved, and where means for separation are provided adjacent to the zone for receiving the sample. Said means for separation are chosen among filter means, optionally enhanced by affinity binding and/or aggregation; magnetic means, also optionally enhanced by affinity binding and/or aggregation; and acoustic means.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device to determine the presence of at least one analyte of interest in a liquid sample, the device comprising means for generating a first signal (the ‘test’ signal) which indicates the presence and/or amount of analyte of interest in the sample; and means for generating a second signal, the generation of which second signal indicates both (a) the test has been successfully conducted, and that (b) sufficient time has elapsed following contact of the assay device with the liquid sample for the test to be read and the first signal to have been properly generated.

Abstract: An autonomous monitoring system for monitoring for bioagents. A collector gathers the air, water, soil, or substance being monitored. A sample preparation means for preparing a sample is operatively connected to the collector. A detector for detecting the bioagents in the sample is operatively connected to the sample preparation means. One embodiment of the present invention includes confirmation means for confirming the bioagents in the sample.