Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting target analytes in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system in a rotor or disc format that utilizes a centrifugal force to move the sample through the detection system. Methods of using the rotor detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the rotor detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics that can perform measurements on a sample (e.g., blood, serum, saliva, or urine) and relay data to an external device for, e.g., data analysis. The device can comprise a paper-based diagnostic substrate and a base substrate that include electronic circuitry and electronic elements necessary for performing the measurements. The device can also comprise an antenna for near field communication with an external device. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of using these devices.

Abstract: A particle identification system includes: a cartridge for containing a sample with fluorescently labeled particles; illumination for illuminating a region within the cartridge to stimulate emission from particles; imager for generating wavelength-filtered electronic images of the emission within at least one measurement field of the region; and particle identifier for processing the electronic images to determine a superset of particles of interest, and fluorescently labeled particles within the superset based on properties of the particles in the at least one measurement field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising capture molecules, linkers and spacers (referred to as a Molecular Net) for specific and sensitive analyte capture from a sample. Also disclosed herein is a Molecular Net comprising covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising more than one type of capture molecule and more than one type of linker and may comprise one or more spacer for specific and sensitive capture of more than one type of analyte from a sample. A Molecular Net may comprise a pseudorandom nature. Use of various capture molecules, linkers and spacers in a Molecular Net may confer unique binding properties to a Molecular Net. Porosity, binding affinity, size exclusion abilities, filtration abilities, concentration abilities and signal amplification abilities of a Molecular Net may be varied and depend on the nature of components used in its fabrication.

Abstract: A pipette tip device for use in dispersive SPE. The device includes a pipette tip having a lower barrier, loose sorbent that is freely moveable during the extraction process, and a baffle system that is shaped to disrupt the flow of liquid sample that is aspirated into the pipette tip. The baffle system includes an insert that may be separate from or monolithic with the interior of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A method for the storage of biological samples is disclosed. The method includes the steps of coupling a storage device to a biological sample collection apparatus capable of collecting a biological sample from a subject, introducing a biological sample from the biological sample collection apparatus to the storage device, and drying the biological sample on the storage device. In another embodiment, the storage device used by the method may include a collection medium having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample; and a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium.

Abstract: Molecules or particle having a hydrodynamic radius as small as 3.5 nm can be trapped using a double-nanohole structure defined in a metal film or other metallic layer. Application of a suitable optical radiation flux to the double-nanohole structure can provide a folding and/or binding of protein molecules that can be identified based on changes in optical transmission. Varying nanohole transmissions can thus be associated with trapping, binding and unfolding of biological particles. The double-nanohole defines cusps, but such cusps can be defined in other ways as well.

Abstract: According to an example, methods for forming three-dimensional (3-D) nano-particle assemblies may include depositing surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements onto respective tips of nano-fingers, in which the nano-fingers are arranged in sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the tips of groups of adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to come into sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the SES elements on the tips to be bonded together when the nano-fingers are partially collapsed. The methods also include causing the nano-fingers to partially collapse toward adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to cause a plurality of SES elements on respective groups of the nano-fingers to be in relatively close proximities to each other and form respective clusters of SES elements, introducing additional particles that are to attach onto the clusters of SES elements, and causing the clusters of SES elements to detach from the nano-fingers.

Abstract: The integrated modular and interchangeable unit of the present invention comprises an analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device having four entrance-exit ports identified as connection areas to a transport capillary for sample and buffer introduction, and to a separation capillary of a cartridge-cassette filled with an appropriate separation fluid for optimal separation of the analytes of interest. Affinity ligand groups are immobilized to microstructures contained within the main inner cavity or channel of the device or directly to the wall of the main inner channel for capturing one or more analytes. The inlet and outlet ends of the transport capillary are connected through a parallel design option to the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device to facilitate the path of sample and buffers through the inner cavity or channel of the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for performing pulsed field mobility shift assays in microfluidic devices. In particular, the methods of the invention utilize differences between electrophoretic mobilities (e.g., as between reactants and products, especially in non-fluorogenic reactions) in order to separate the species and thus analyze the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microfluidic structures, and more specifically, to microfluidic structures and methods including meandering and wide channels. Microfluidic systems can provide an advantageous environment for performing various reactions and analyses due to a reduction in sample and reagent quantities that are required, a reduction in the size of the operating system, and a decrease in reaction time compared to conventional systems. Unfortunately, the small size of microfluidic channels can sometimes result in difficulty in detecting a species without magnifying optics (such as a microscope or a photomultiplier). A series of tightly packed microchannels, i.e., a meandering region, or a wide channel having a dimension on the order of millimeters, can serve as a solution to this problem by creating a wide measurement area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for amending undiluted and partially diluted urine samples in a manner suitable for performing immunoassays for target analytes, for example NGAL. Generally, the urine sample is treated with reagents including at least one of buffer materials, water soluble proteins, urease, and other interferent mitigants. These reagents control the pH of the urine sample in a manner suitable for immuno-binding reactions and ameliorate interferences, particularly during the detection step.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for detecting rare cells. The system includes a substrate, an extension coupled to the substrate and extending outwardly from the substrate, and a functionalized graphene oxide disposed on the extension. This disclosure also provides a method for detecting rare cells using the system of this disclosure. The method includes the steps of providing the system and introducing a sample of bodily fluid to the system such that the sample interacts with the functionalized graphene oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a composition comprising DAB chromogen, and/or derivative thereof, a stabilizer, and polymer capable of preventing or reducing DAB precipitation relative to a composition that does not comprise the polymer. Also disclosed herein is a method for using the disclosed composition and embodiments of a kit.

Abstract: An assay method and device can perform at least one (e.g., at least two) assays on a single aliquot of a sample liquid. The device can mix a sample liquid with assay reagents including magnetically susceptible particles. The device is configured to create a sample liquid-air interface with the sample liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles can be located (via an applied magnetic field) at the liquid-air interface when a second liquid contacts the interface to form a liquid-liquid interface. The magnetic particles travel across the liquid-liquid interface to the second liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles are configured to transport an analyte across the interface into the second liquid. An assay for the analyte is performed in the second liquid. An assay for another analyte can also be performed in the sample liquid.

Abstract: There is provided an assay device comprising a lid and a base, said base comprising, a sample addition zone, a reaction zone and an absorbing zone, said components being in fluid connection and being part of a fluid passage leading from the sample addition zone to the absorbing zone, wherein: (a) a sample addition well is integrated in the lid, (b) the absorbing zone consists of an area on an non-porous substrate, having substantially perpendicular projections, said projections defining a volume, which together with the volume of the fluid passage defines the sample volume subjected to the assay, and (c) at least one filter is between the sample addition well and the sample addition zone. There is further provided methods for handling samples.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for controlled ejection of desired material onto surfaces including in single cells using nanopipettes, as well as ejection onto and into cells. Some embodiments are directed to a method and system comprising nanopipettes combined with an xyz controller for depositing a user defined pattern on an arbitrary substrate for the purpose of controlled cell adhesion and growth. Alternate embodiments are directed to a method and system comprising nanopipettes combined with an xyz controller and electronic control of a voltage differential in a bore of the nanopipette electroosmotically injecting material into a cell in a high-throughput manner and with minimal damage to the cell. Yet other embodiments are directed to method and system comprising functionalized nanopipettes combined with scanning ion conductance microscopy for studying molecular interactions and detection of biomolecules inside a single living cell.

Abstract: An integrated sensor that is capable of discriminating the distance of a label from the sensor without using an optical signal. The label is attached to a single probe molecule or a group of probe molecules that interacts with a single or group of target molecules. As a consequence of this interaction, the probe molecule and/or the target molecule undergo a conformal change. This conformal change leads to perturbations in the distance of the label from the sensor. Thus, measurements and properties such as the concentration and the identity of one or more target molecules can be discerned from signals generated by the sensor (or by a plurality of sensors in a sensor array) and subjected to analysis using general purpose programmable computers programmed with suitable software that controls the analytical process, and such measurements and properties can be provided as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A transistor includes at least one conductive layer, at least one gate dielectric layer and at least one semiconducting film deposited on top of a receptor molecule layer previously deposited or covalently linked to the surface of the gate dielectric. The layer of biological material includes single or double layers of phospholipids, layers made of proteins such as receptors, antibodies, ionic channels and enzymes, single or double layers of phospholipids with inclusion or anchoring of proteins such as: receptors, antibodies, ionic channels and enzymes, layers made of oligonucleotide (DNA, RNA, PNA) probes, layers made of cells or viruses, layers made of synthetic receptors for example molecules or macromolecules similar to biological receptors for properties, reactivity or steric aspects.

Abstract: Analytical nanostrips for clinical analysis are improved by using multifunctional coding (“multicoding”) to allow simultaneous identification of the particular assay, the value of the assayed analyte, and a calibration of the analyte. The multicoding layout on the nanostrip minimizes the number of zones that are required for a given assay. Moreover, the nanostrip can be scanned in real time during flow of the nanostrip through a detection beam. This both simplifies the assay and allows for alternative means of coding.