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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystal-based devices and methods for bioagent detection. In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to devices and methods utilizing liquid crystals and membranes containing polymerized targets that can report the presence of bioagents including, but not limited to, enzymes, antibodies, and toxins.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles and methods for their use in detecting biological molecules are disclosed. The magnetic nanoparticles can be attached to nucleic acid molecules, which are then captured by a complementary sequence attached to a detector, such as a spin valve detector or a magnetic tunnel junction detector. The detection of the bound magnetic nanoparticle can be achieved with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relics on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which liquids can be moved or mixed. Microwaves strike and heat materials that are highly susceptible to microwave heating. The susceptible materials are on, within, or near materials that melt or change shape in response to temperature increases. Upon microwave irradiation, these materials change shape (e.g., shrink or melt), causing the movement of liquids. The invention is important in many microfluidics applications, especially in biomedical analysis, where it is valuable to be able to move small volumes of liquids (e.g., on a microarray chip).

Abstract: Improved methods for preparing thiolate passivated gold nanoparticles are provided resulting in a narrower size distribution. By alternating oxidation and reduction of the particles, after oxidation, the thiolates may be readily displaced with a different thiol, followed by reduction to prevent further reaction. Proteins can be rigidly bound to the gold nanoparticles by binding an scFv for a target protein to the gold nanoparticles, where the scFv prior or subsequent to binding to the gold nanoparticles may be complexed with the target protein. The protein is rigidly held and its structure readily determined using electron microscopy.

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: A detection device and a detecting method using the detection device are provided in which a magnetic particle is used as a marker particle, and the ratio of a region with reversed magnetization to the whole area of a free layer of a magnetoresistive effect film is increased by a stray magnetic field generated through a biochemical reaction from the magnetic particle remaining on a surface of the magnetoresistive effect film, so that a large detection signal is obtained and obtained detection data can be stored with stability.

Abstract: A detection device and a detecting method using the detection device are provided in which a magnetic particle is used as a marker particle, and the ratio of a region with reversed magnetization to the whole area of a free layer of a magnetoresistive effect film is increased by a stray magnetic field generated through a biochemical reaction from the magnetic particle remaining on a surface of the magnetoresistive effect film, so that a large detection signal is obtained and obtained detection data can be stored with stability.

Abstract: Accurate measurement cannot be performed due to magnetic signals from magnetic impurities included in a specimen container. By finding a difference between two measurement signals obtained by applying an external magnetic field for orientation to respective normal and reverse directions, the magnetic signals from the magnetic impurities included in the specimen container which are not dependent on the external magnetic field for orientation can be cancelled. The influence of the magnetic impurities included in the specimen container is reduced, and the signal of the intended bound magnetic marker can be measured with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labeled biological cells involves contacting a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom of a reaction vessel with a solution containing the fluorescent dye. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components. In this case, a receptor layer at the bottom of a reaction vessel is in contact with a solution in which a fluorescent or luminescent ligand is dissolved.

Abstract: The detection of endothelial cell antibodies has been proven clinically important for successful organ transplantation. Disclosed are methods of isolating Tie-2+ and CD34? precursor endothelial cells for use in donor-specific crossmatching.