Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for isolating fetal cells from a maternal blood supply in order to perform non-invasive prenatal testing. In one example, a system for non-invasive prenatal testing includes a substrate coated with a cell-capturing surface, the cell-capturing surface including an array of pillar-like structures, each pillar-like structure including a plurality of intersecting arms.

Abstract: A closed system is provided for enlarging viral and bacterial particles for identification by diffraction scanning. The closed system includes a transparent tube, a deformable dispenser, a quantity of first antibodies, a quantity of second antibodies, and a diffraction scanning device. The transparent tube contains the quantity of first antibodies, the quantity of second antibodies, and receives the exhaled air from an individual. The deformable dispenser drives the quantity of second antibodies to mix with a complex formed by target matter in the exhaled air and the quantity of first antibodies. The quantity of first antibodies interacts with the target matter. The quantity of second antibodies interacts with the complex formed by the target matter and the quantity of first antibodies. The diffraction scanning device measures the number and size of particles within the transparent tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining a cellular-bound analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a separation matrix with at least one indicator zone. The invention is characterized in that the indicator zone comprises a first antibody directed against the cellular-bound analyte or a fragment thereof and a binding element directed against the first antibody, the first antibody being an incomplete antibody. The separation matrix is preferably designed in the form of the membrane of a lateral flow assay device or as a gel matrix. In a particularly preferable manner, the device comprises a membrane (2) with a charging zone (5) for applying the liquid sample, at least one indicator zone which can interact with the cellular-bound analyte, and at least one absorption region (3) which absorbs the liquid after passing the indicator zone. The indicator zone lies between the charging zone (5) and the absorption region (3).

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to immunoassays and nucleic assay acid, particularly a homogeneous assay that does not use a wash step and that is fast (e.g., 60 seconds from dropping a sample to displaying results). The present disclosure is related to both competitive and non-competitive homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A device for testing a biological sample includes a housing, two or more test pads, and a sample pad. The sample pad and test pads are disposed within an interior portion of the housing. The sample pad is in fluid communication with an opening defined in an outer surface of the housing for receiving the biological sample. At least a portion of each test pad is in contact with the sample pad and is configured to test the biological sample. At least one window is defined in the outer surface of the housing adjacent the test pads such that the test pads are visible from outside of the housing. A first test pad may detect a threshold amount of CD44 in the biological sample, and a second test pad may detect total protein in the biological sample. The results are then used for early detection of cancers.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing high throughput immunoassays. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide multiplex capable LSPR immunoassays that meet a need for rapid (e.g., near real time), accurate immunoassays (e.g. for use in beside diagnostics). The LSPR assays are as accurate as existing ELISA assays but provide the advantage of increased speed and multiplex capability. In addition, the LSPR immunoassays are able to analyze small volumes of complex patient samples (e.g., serum).

Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a paper-based vertical flow test platform including: a detection portion; a movable conjugation portion having an enzyme-labelled protein; and an absorbent portion. The present disclosure further provides a detection method by using the same. With the folding and sliding design, the present disclosure can reduce the volume of specimen fluids used, and prevent the interference problem. Also, a portable diagnostic test platform is provided with ease of use, lower cost, higher sensitivity and longer storage period to meet requirements of point-of-care for the fast, simple and stable detection.

Abstract: A sealed lateral flow device includes a test strip, a base structure, and a removable cover fixed to the base structure. The test strip includes one or more of a sample application zone, a detection zone, and a liquid collection zone. The test strip is disposed within a bottom section of the base structure. The removable cover fixed to the base structure sealingly encloses the test strip within the base structure and forms an airtight seal of the base structure.

Abstract: Test strip devices, assemblies, systems, and methods for the analysis of a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a test strip includes a nitrocellulose membrane, a filtration conjugate pad with a fibrous labeled receptor bottom side, and an overlay tape enclosing the nitrocellulose membrane and a portion of the filtration conjugate pad. An assembly may include a delivery device for delivering sample to the test strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system based on a multi-gate field effect transistor for sensing molecules in a gas or liquid sample. The said FET transistor comprises dual gate lateral electrodes (and optionally a back gate electrode) located on the two sides of an active region, and a sensing surface on top of the said active region. Appling voltages to the lateral gate electrodes, creates a conductive channel in the active region, wherein the width and the lateral position of the said channel can be controlled. Enhanced sensing sensitivity is achieved by measuring the channels conductivity at a plurality of positions in the lateral direction. The use of an array of the said FTE for electronic nose is also disclosed.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides micro-devices for detecting or treating a disease, each comprising a first micro sensor for detecting a property of the biological sample at the microscopic level, and an interior wall defining a channel, wherein the micro sensor is located in the interior wall of the micro-device and detects the property of the biological sample in the microscopic level, and the biological sample is transported within the channel.

Abstract: Devices and kits for detecting molecular targets involved in the onset of parturition are presented, as are methods of using the same. The devices and kits include one or more associators specific for molecular targets, such as microRNAs and proteins and peptide fragments thereof. The associators, such as aptamers or antibodies, bind their targets, when such targets are present in a fluid sample from a pregnant woman, to produce a detectable signal. The signal may be produced in a lateral flow device.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection system for micrometer-sized entities, such as biological cells, includes a detector component incorporating a plate with a plurality of opening, the plate separating two chambers, one in communication with a fluid source containing target entities bound to magnetic beads. The openings are sized to always permit passage of the magnetic beads therethrough into a lower one of the chambers and are further sized to always prevent passage of the target entities from the upper one of the chambers. The detector component further includes a magnet positioned to pull unbound magnetic beads through the openings and to capture target entities bound to magnetic beads on the surface of the plate. In a further feature, the microfluidic detection system is configured to pass target molecules through the plate to be bound to a functionalized surface of the lower chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining active concentrations of an analyte and optionally kinetic constants for the interaction of the analyte with a ligand in complex biological samples by means of surface plasmon resonance comprising the use of an auto-blank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for isolating exosomes in a sample. The method comprises contacting and incubating a plurality of galectin-3-modified magnetic beads with the sample, followed by subjecting the mixture to a magnetic field and then isolating the exosomes from the magnetic beads by a lactose solution. The kit of the present disclosure comprises a plurality galectin-3-modified magnetic beads, a lactose solution having a pH value of 6.8 to 7.6, and an exosome-free buffer.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanohybrid used for ratiometric fluorescence and ratiometric electrochemical sensing simultaneously is provided. Surface-aminated (—NH2) SiO2 nanospheres encapsulating an electroactive material A or B are prepared and conjugated with surface-carboxylated (—COOH) carbon dots (CDs) or gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) to prepare a conjugate, and the conjugate is conjugated with a DNA aptamer terminated with —NH2. Ions or biomolecules are added to two types of DNA-conjugate dispersions, and ratiometric florescence sensing is realized by fitting the linear relationship between ratiometric fluorescent peak intensity ICDs/IAuNCs and a specific ion concentration or a specific biomolecule concentration.

Abstract: A chip for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensing and imaging having a glass coverslip compatible for use in a standard microscope and at least one array of functionalized plasmonic nanostructures patterned onto the glass coverslip with electron beam nanolithography. The nanostructures can be regenerated allowing the chip to be used multiple times. Also disclosed is a method for determining the fractional occupancy values for surface-bound receptors as a function of time for LSPR biosensing from the spectroscopic response of the array and modeling the photon count in each spectrometer channel, allowing for a functional relationship to be determined between the acquired spectrum and the fractional occupancy of binding sites on the array. Additionally disclosed is a method for the spatiotemporal mapping of receptor-ligand binding kinetics in LSPR imaging using the chip and projecting a magnified image of the array to a CCD camera and monitoring the binding kinetics of the array.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for detecting target antigens in a biological sample using a sample assembly. Detection may be accomplished by performing a method comprising: sweeping a head module over the sample assembly, wherein said head module includes at least one magneto-resistive read sensor configured to detect target antigens via nanoparticles within the sample assembly; and detecting at least one particular antigen among the target antigens. Preferably, detecting the target antigens via the nanoparticles is based at least in part on detecting unique magnetic properties of particular nanoparticles specifically associated with different types of the target antigens. Detection using a magnetic read/write head in the sample assembly facilitates automation of sample detection with high speed and fidelity. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.