Abstract: A sensing method for biopolymers by detecting the magnetic signal generated from a labeled biopolymer under AC magnetic field with thermo-responsive magnetic nano particles as label having a critical solution temperature across which the particles have the ability to aggregate or disperse with cooling or heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.

Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

Abstract: A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.

Abstract: The invention features a method of attaching a ligand that has a free carboxyl group to a solid support by adding an amino group to the ligand to form a ligand-amino derivative, converting the ligand amino derivative to a ligand sulfhydryl derivative, attaching the ligand sulfhydryl derivative to a protein to form a ligand-linker-protein conjugate, and applying the ligand-linker-protein conjugate to the solid support. The method is particularly useful for immobilizing small molecule ligands having a free carboxyl group, such as cloxicillin, to a lateral-flow test strip, in order to make a detection zone on the test strip that exhibits a clear signal and enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: A method (800) of detecting a target within a population of molecules comprising: contacting a plurality of labeled probe molecules with the population of molecules potentially containing a target of the probe molecules (810); acquiring a probe specific signal emitted by said labeled probe molecules that bound to said target together with a background signal (820); modulating said probe specific signal by at least one of modulating said acquisition and modulating an emission of said probe specific signal (830); and detecting said probe specific signal over said background signal using said preferential modulation (840). The target comprises one or more molecule type selected from the group consisting of a nucleic acid sequence, an amino acid sequence, a carbohydrate sequence, an ion and a feature of a protein determined by non-primary structure. The probe specific signal may be a fluorescent signal.

Abstract: A method for the fluorescent detection of a substance, the method comprising providing particles comprising a metal or a metal oxide core, wherein one or more optionally fluorescently tagged antibodies or human specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers for binding to a substance is/are bound, directly or indirectly, to the surface of the metal or metal oxide; contacting a substrate, which may or may not have the substance on its surface, with the particles for a time sufficient to allow the antibody/PNA oligomer to bind with the substance; removing those particles which have not bound to the substrate; if the antibodies or PNA oligomers are not fluorescently tagged, contacting the substrate with one or more fluorophores that selectively bind with the antibody and/or substance, then optionally washing the substrate to remove unbound fluorophores; and illuminating the substrate with appropriate radiation to show the fluorophores on the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ferromagnetic microdisks, methods of detecting target bioanalyte using ferromagnetic microdisks, and kits (such as for using in the laboratory setting) containing the reagents necessary to make, and/or use ferromagnetic microdisks for bioanalyte detection, depending on the user's planned application. The methods and products allow the fabrication of ferromagnetic microdisks, and their use in the detection of biological molecules with high sensitivity, little or no signal decay, improved safety, convenience, and lowered cost for use and disposal.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which chemical preparations can be made. Reactions can be accelerated on special cartridges using microwave energy. The chips contain materials that efficiently absorb microwave energy causing chemical reaction rate increases. The invention is important in many chemical transformations including those used in protein chemistry, in nucleic acid chemistry, in analytical chemistry, and in the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly sensitive sensing device for biopolymers which detects the magnetic signal generated from a labeled biopolymer under AC magnetic field using thermo-responsive magnetic nano particles as a probe.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ferromagnetic microdisks, methods of detecting target bioanalyte using ferromagnetic microdisks, and kits (such as for using in the laboratory setting) containing the reagents necessary to make, and/or use ferromagnetic microdisks for bioanalyte detection, depending on the user's planned application. The methods and products allow the fabrication of ferromagnetic microdisks, and their use in the detection of biological molecules with high sensitivity, little or no signal decay, improved safety, convenience, and lowered cost for use and disposal.

Abstract: The invention concerns hybrid nanoparticles containing: a nanosphere, of mean diameter included in the range from 2 to 9 nm, of which at least 90% by weight consists of Ln2O3 where Ln represents a rare earth, optionally doped with a rare earth or an actinide, or a mixture of rare earths, or a rare earth and actinide mixture, in which at least 50% of the metal ions are rare earth ions, a coating around the nanosphere chiefly consisting of functionalized polysiloxane, having a mean thickness included in the range from 0.5 to 10 nm, preferably greater than 2 nm and no more than 10 nm, and at least one biological ligand grafted by covalent bonding to the polysiloxane coating and their method of preparation.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: Detection of magnetic beads at temperature below room temperature can increase the signal level significantly as compared to the same detection when performed at room temperature. Additional improvement is obtained if the beads are below 30 nm in size and if deviations of bead size from the median are small. A preferred format for the beads is a suspension of super-paramagnetic particles in a non-magnetic medium.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for fixing biological samples, particularly fecal samples used in the diagnosis of parasitic infection. The fixative composition of the present invention includes a zinc salt, an organic acid and water and permits staining of biological samples without use of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and mercury-containing compounds and without the use of additives such as polyvinyl alcohol. The fixative composition and methods are compatible with many diagnostic assays, including trichrome stains, iron hematoxlin, ELISA, fluorescent assays, and lateral flow assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protocol and apparatus for enriching circulating tumor cells and other rare cells from blood, including debris and other components, from samples with high precision and at high throughput rates. This invention discloses an improved processing system from previously described semi-automated sample processing. The system further reduces operator intervention and hands-on time from prior systems. While this system has general utility in processing diverse materials, the system is configured for sample processing of biological specimens to provide an enriched fraction suitable for detection, enumeration and identification of target cells by appropriate analytical methodologies.