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: The present invention relates to a method for quantitating an analyte having a wide range concentration in a single assay without having to dilute the sample and repeating the assay. The key feature of the invention is having two cycles of events including sample binding to probe, binding reactions, and detection. After the first cycle of binding and detecting, the probe is dipped into the same sample vessel to bind additional analyte in the sample vessel at a condition that is more favorable to binding than the condition in the first cycle.

Abstract: A monolithic device comprises a substrate. An array of sensing elements is coupled to the substrate, and each sensing element includes a magnetoresistive sensor. An analog electric drive generator is coupled to the substrate, and the electric drive generator produces a sensor-biasing signal that biases the magnetoresistive sensors of the array. An analog multiplexer is coupled to the substrate, and outputs of the array are coupled to inputs of the multiplexer. An analog signal conditioning circuit is coupled to the substrate, wherein at least one output of the multiplexer is coupled to at least one input of the signal conditioning circuit. The monolithic device is fabricated using both complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (i.e., CMOS) technology and thin film technology. For example, the electric drive generator, the multiplexer, and the signal conditioning circuit may be fabricated with CMOS technology, while the magnetoresistive sensors of the array are fabricated with thin film technology.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods and systems for detecting levels of microorganisms via Mie forward light scattering. The systems and methods of the present invention can be customized so as to optionally maximize scatter from the particle immunoagglutination and minimize that of the sample matrix, e.g., via selection of parameters particle diameter d, wavelength of incident ?, and/or scatter angle ?. Methods feature providing beads conjugated with an antibody specific for the microorganism, mixing beads with a sample to form a first mixture; providing a control mixture; irradiating the mixtures with incident light; detecting forward light scattering scattered by the first mixture at a first angle with respect to the incident light and forward scattered light scattered by the control the same first angle with respect to the incident light; determining I and I0 from the light scattering; comparing I with I0; and determining a level of the microorganism.

Abstract: Provided are an immunochromatography kit that is highly sensitive and capable of multicoloration, and organic colored microparticles that are ideal as an element of the immunochromatography kit. Organic colored microparticles having an average grain size between 10 and 1,000 nm and a color intensity between 1.0 and 5.0 are prepared using cellulose as the starting material. When the organic colored microparticles are used as a label in an immunochromatography kit, the immunochromatography kit is of a high sensitivity than conventional technology. The immunochromatography kit is also capable of multicoloration and is useful for rapid diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a portable device for the collection of biological samples. The device comprises a receptacle (8) with a cover (2), which comprises a pierceable area (3) and may include a collection instrument (1), comprising a rod (4), and a collection arrangement at the end, which may include a solid matrix, for instance a sponge or a tampon (5). The receptacle (8) has a rounded or conical shaped bottom (10), at the center of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped projection (11), with one or more holes (12). The bottom of the receptacle (8) is in contact with a collector recipient through a system of close-aperture, which may comprise screw or a fitting system with protrusions (13). In this way, the device referred in the present invention allows for the collection, storage, transportation and separation of biological material without significant manipulation and without risk of cross-contamination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for particle-imprinted polymer films, methods of making particle-imprinted polymer films, methods for separating particles, devices or systems for separating particles, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of multiple different light emitting molecules that emit different and detectable emission signals to provide systems and methods to detect different target products in a single assay sample, wherein the different light emitting molecules are positioned an optimal distance from metallic particles thereby enhancing emissions. Preferably, the systems and methods further comprise use of either microwave or sonic energy to increase binding reactions, timing of such reactions within the assay sample and reduce background non-specific biological absorption.

Abstract: An integrated optofluidic system for trapping and transporting particles for analysis is provided comprising a planar substrate; a microfluidic channel; and a waveguide integrated with the channel. A microsphere particle in the integrated optofluidic system can act as a cavity, allowing light to circulate many thousands of times around the circumference of the microsphere. Optical trapping and transport is used for nanoscale positioning to excite the microsphere resonances. Sensitive measurements on molecules can be accomplished by monitoring changes in whispering gallery modes (WGMs) that propagate around the circumference of the microsphere. By using a broadband or supercontinuum light source, a microsphere can be trapped and many WGM resonances can be excited through the visible and near-infrared wavelengths simultaneously. After the resonances are measured using the waveguide transmission, the microsphere can be freed by decreasing the optical power and the process repeated with a different microsphere.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test element for carrying out an immunological sandwich test for determining an analyte from a liquid sample containing a reagent zone or conjugate zone which contains a conjugate of an analyte binding partner and a label which can be detected directly or indirectly by visual, optical or electrochemical means (e.g. an enzyme, fluorescent or direct label etc.) wherein said conjugate can be dissolved by the liquid sample, a detection zone which contains a permanently immobilized (i.e. which cannot be detached by the liquid sample) binding partner for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte; and a control zone which contains a permanently immobilized binding partner for the conjugate of analyte binding partner and label characterized in that the control zone additionally contains one or more permanently immobilized binding partner(s) for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte.

Abstract: Storage containers for storing at least one diagnostic test element including an enzyme and a stabilized coenzyme are disclosed. In addition, diagnostic products which include diagnostic test elements including an enzyme and a stabilized coenzyme, as well as analytical measuring devices which include such storage containers or diagnostic products, are also disclosed. Other aspects include, but are not limited to, unique methods, techniques, products, systems and devices involving test elements which include an enzyme and a stabilized coenzyme.

Abstract: A porous film microfluidic device includes a sample well, a porous film support structure, including a first, second, and third port, wherein the first port is connected to the sample well, a porous film is formed over the bottom of the porous film support structure, and a glass fiber film is formed between the porous film support structure and the porous film, a waste tank connected to the second port of the porous film support structure, wherein a water absorption element is disposed in the waste tank, a buffer solution tank connected to the third port of the porous film support structure and sealed by a sealing film, and a COC plastic prism disposed over the bottom of the porous film support structure. The COC plastic prism includes a metal film in contact with the porous film and a metal oxide layer formed over the COC plastic prism.

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 describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalizing the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

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 assembly includes: a transportable support; a strip attached to the support and including an application area for applying the sample and at least one reagent required for the analysis; a piercing member for piercing the skin and a blood vessel; and a container for collecting, storing and returning the sample of human or animal blood. The piercing member is inserted into the container. The tip is connected to the support. The container is connected to the support in a removable manner between a storage configuration and a use configuration, in which the container is placed close to the application area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. The integrated modular unit includes an analyte-concentrator-microreaction device connected to a modified cartridge-cassette.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunoassays, methods for carrying out immunoassays, immunoassay kits and methods for manufacturing immunoassay kits. In particular, the invention has relevance to capillary (especially microcapillary) immunoassay technology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a pair of bellows pumps configured for efficient mixing at a microfluidic scale. By moving a fluid sample and particles in suspension through an aperture between the paired bellows pump mixing chambers, molecular collisions leading to binding between the particles and ligands in the sample are enhanced. Such devices provide an alternative for mixing that does not use a vent and can be used with a variety of particles in suspension such as magnetic beads to capture or purify useful cells and molecules.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.