Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and systems for diagnosing and characterizing cancer in a subject. Devices include microfilters and microfiltration systems useful for the isolation and characterization of cells from a subject.

Abstract: An integrated microfluidic chromatin immunoprecipitation assay dramatically improves the collection efficiency of ChIP DNA from cells. Immunoprecipitation of chromatin fragments is conducted in a microfluidic chamber with a large fraction of its volume (e.g., ˜15-40%) occupied by magnetic immunoprecipitation (IP) beads. Oscillating washing of the beads, enabled by, e.g., solenoid valves (controlled by a computer) and high pressure attached to both ends of the microfluidic chamber, effectively removes unbound chromatin and produces high-quality ChIP DNA. ChIP DNA produced by an example device generates excellent results in the subsequent DNA library preparation. The ChIP-seq (i.e., ChIP followed by next-generation sequencing) results match very well with public data generated using much larger cell sample sizes and a conventional approach.

Abstract: Reconfigurable microfluidic systems are based on networks of microfluidic cavities connected by hydrophobic microfluidic channels. Each cavity is classified as either a reservoir or a node, and includes a pressure port via which gas pressure may be applied. Sequences of gas pressures, applied to reservoirs and nodes according to a fluid transfer rule, enable fluid to be moved from any reservoir to any other reservoir in a system. Systems may be configured with multiple switched interaction regions connected in series for scalable, multiplexed immunoassays. Multiple, switched interaction regions may also be implemented with microvalves.

Abstract: A measurement device that includes a plurality of lines for conveying a reaction container containing a sample and measures a predetermined material included in the sample while conveying the reaction container by the plurality of lines, wherein the plurality of lines include: a first reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a first convey speed; a second reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a second convey speed; and a measurement line for measuring a predetermined material included in a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the first reaction line and a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the second reaction line, the measurement line conveying the reaction containers at a third convey speed that is higher than the first convey speed and the second convey speed.

Abstract: Examples are described including measurement systems for conducting competition assays. A first chamber of an assay device may be loaded with a sample containing a target antigen. The target antigen in the sample may be allowed to bind to antibody-coated beads in the first chamber. A control layer separating the first chamber from a second chamber may then be opened to allow a labeling agent loaded in a first portion of the second chamber to bind to any unoccupied sites on the antibodies. A centrifugal force may then be applied to transport the beads through a density media to a detection region for measurement by a detection unit.

Abstract: Methods are described for detecting pathogens, infectious diseases, and physiological conditions by quantifying change of impedance over time of when a biological sample is applied onto a lab-on-a-chip. The lab-on-a-chip utilizes alternating-current electrokinetic (ACEK) phenomena such that molecules move or are carried in an electric field generated by the application of an electrical signal of predetermined magnitude and frequency to an electrode array of the lab-on-a-chip.

Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for binding particles for the separation and/or isolation of biological materials. In particular, a container is provided including a suspension of binding particles for the isolation of biological material, inner walls forming an elongate groove at the bottom of said container, and a cover having openings and/or being penetrable for a linear arrangement of multiple pipets or pipet tips, said openings being located above and parallel to said elongate groove.

Abstract: An assay device (1) for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte present or potentially present in a liquid sample comprises: (i) a capillary tube (2) having an upstream region (3) into which the sample to be assayed is introduced for transfer by capillary action along the capillary tube to a downstream region thereof; (ii) a collection of first binding partners (5) immobilized within the capillary tube (2), said first binding partners (5) being capable of specifically binding to the analyte; (iii) a collection of second binding partners (6) displaceabley bound to a fraction of said first binding partners (5) whereby there are free first binding partners (5) immobilized within the capillary tube, said second binding partners (6) having a label and being displaceable from the first binding partners (5) by the analyte to be detected; and (iv) a detection region (4) for sample that has transferred to said downstream region of said capillary tube, said detection region being adapted to generate a dete

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides micro-devices for detecting or treating a disease, each comprising a first sorting unit capable of detecting a property of the biological subject at the microscopic level and sorting the biological subject by the detected property; a first detection unit capable of detecting the same or different property of the sorted biological subject at the microscopic level; and a first layer of material having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a first channel in which the biological subject flows from the first sorting unit to the first detection unit.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.

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 multiple zones such as 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 assay apparatus having an assay strip. The assay strip has a first area with a plurality of magnetic particles bonded thereto. The assay strip also has a microfluidic (or nanofluidic) channel or chamber, having a sensing area including one or more magnetic particle traps and a magnetic field source provided adjacent to the sensing area. Introduction of a fluid causes the magnetic particles to become attached to or displaced by a substance of interest, travel along the microfluidic channel to the sensing area and become concentrated in the one or more traps thus providing an indication of the presence or absence of a substance of interest in the fluid. There may be a plurality of traps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring interaction between a first and a second molecule, for example a protein and an antibody, by conjugation of one of these molecules with nanoparticles, and measuring the interaction between the first and second molecule via changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles. The present invention further relates to methods of coating nanoparticles.

Abstract: The chromatography method includes a step of forming a composite with a test substance and a labeling substance containing a metal modified by a first binding substance of the test substance and then developing the composite on an insoluble carrier; a step of capturing the test substance and the labeling substance in a detection site on the insoluble carrier including a second binding substance of the test substance or a substance having a binding property to the first binding substance of the test substance; and a step of amplifying the captured labeling substance using a first amplification reagent and a second amplification reagent to detect the test substance.

Abstract: A sample collection device for a fluid sample includes: a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action; an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel; a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross; and features on opposing sides of the body to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation within a cartridge having a sample manipulation device to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for performing analyte detection in a lateral flow assay.

Abstract: An analyzer provides conditions suitable for a reagent for performing latex immunoassay with a high sensitivity using a method of measuring scattered light. Irradiation light having a wavelength in the range of 0.65 to 0.75 ?m is used, and scattered light generated from a reaction solution is received at a light-receiving angle of 15° to 35° with respect to the irradiation direction during the rotational movement of the reaction container. The reagent contains latex particles the average peak particle diameter of which ranges from 0.3 ?m to 0.43 ?m and to which antibodies are sensitized. The reaction solution contains latex particles at a concentration at which the absorbance to irradiation light having a wavelength of 0.7 ?m is 0.25 abs to 1.10 abs, and a change in the amount of scattered light caused by the aggregation of the latex particles through antigens in a sample is measured and quantified.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between the slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open the liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with the incubation chamber.

Abstract: Assays used in conjunction with a thermal contrast reader are disclosed. In the assay, the test strip includes materials that can develop a thermal response if a target analyte is present in a sample. The thermal contrast reader includes housing having an opening to receive the test strip at a test location, an energy source directed at the test location and a heat sensor directed at the test location. The heat sensor is configured to sense heating of the test strip upon activation of the heat source at the test location, if the target analyte is present in the sample. The heat sensor can provide sensor output using diagnostic circuitry coupled to the sensor output and configured to provide a diagnostic output. The diagnostic output can indicate the diagnostic condition of the patient as a function of the sensor output. The present disclosure also includes methods of detecting target analytes and kits comprising lateral flow assays and thermal contrast reader.