Abstract: The present invention relates to optical bio-disc systems and related methods and to immobilizing receptor molecules. When a sample is injected into a fluidic circuit, the target agent binds to a capture probe bound in a capture zone. A signal is generated from tags attached to a reporter probe that has specific affinity to the target agent. The assays and methods of the present invention are implemented on an optical bio-disc. The optical bio-disc includes a flow channel having capture zones and in fluid communications with a mixing chamber, and a peripheral waste reservoir. The optical bio-disc is implemented on an optical bio-disc that has information encoding format such as CD. An disc drive assembly is employed to rotate the optical bio-disc, read and process any encoded information, and analyze the samples in the flow channel of the optical bio-disc.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and corresponding devices for controlled transport of magnetic beads between a position X and different position Y, such that the magnetic beads are manipulated or transported by applying successively a series of N local magnetic fields which have magnetic field gradients different from 0 in the neighborhood of said magnetic beads. Each of these N local magnetic fields is generated by a single current carrying structure, in which the current density is not constant. The invention mainly points to application in the domain of biochips and microarrays, used in diagnostics, genetics and molecular studies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and characterizing target biomolecules using sensitizer-linked substrate molecules are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical bio-discs for biochemical analysis, bio-disc analysis systems and biochemical analysis methods are described herein. In one embodiment, the bio-disc includes a sample analysis circuit that includes a separation membrane for separating an investigational feature of a sample. The bio-disc also includes a conjugate release pad, and an analysis membrane containing analysis zones that may be analyzed for the presence of analytes. An analysis method includes providing a sample to a separation membrane in a bio-disc, separating an investigational feature from the sample using a separation membrane, mixing reagents that include signal elements for detecting an analyte with the investigational feature so as to form a reagent-investigational feature mixture and capturing an analyte with a signal element bound thereto in an analysis zone on an analysis membrane.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively assaying one or more target molecules in a sample uses a nucleic acid aptamer that is specific for each target molecule. A quantitative replicative procedure is used to determine a quantity of aptamer specific for each molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for selectively removing objects from a surface utilizing a probe. The probe is scanned over the surface utilizing a greater and greater relative amount of force so that a certain number of the objects are removed from the surface. The force required to remove the objects from the surface can be calculated utilizing Hook's law and the spring constant of the probe. After removal of the objects that have a relatively weaker binding affinity with the surface, the remaining objects can be harvested, characterized, and subjected to further study.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gushing factor for a beverage, in which method the quantity of hydrophobin is determined from the raw material of the beverage and/or from the beverage. The hydrophobin determination is performed immunologically using an immunological reaction between a hydrophobin antigen and an antibody.

Abstract: The invention suggests a method of producing an array for the detection of components from a biological sample, wherein the detection molecules are immobilized on one or more supports, said support(s) is/are embedded and subjected to curing, the support is separated into sections, and the sections are applied on another support.

Abstract: An automated microfluidic system that includes a cartridge reservoir part, a cartridge, a compressed-air storage tank, a buffer storage tank, and a reader is provided. The automated microfluidic system that detects a particular protein in a biological sample by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can automate a series of assaying processes, beginning with sample injection and ending with detection, with a simple structure, thereby allowing for convenient and quick detection of a particular protein in a biological sample without requiring skillful, elaborate manipulations by an operator.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.