Abstract: Methods and assays for performing a lateral flow test are disclosed. A sample is applied to a receiving portion of a lateral flow device such that the sample flows to at least a first test zone and a second test zone. First and second signals levels at the first and second test zones over an assay period are monitored. If a first analyte of interest is present in the sample, the first analyte is labelled and the presence of labelled first analyte in the sample causes one of the first and second signals levels to increase during the assay period. A change between the first and second signal levels over a period of time during the assay period is monitored. The sample can be incubated prior to application to the receiving portion to provide homogeneity to labelling and therefore a substantially linear increase of the signal level at one of the test zones and a substantially constant signal level at the other one of the test zones.

Abstract: In some embodiments a diagnostic system is disclosed including a test device for performing diagnostic analysis of a biological sample from a human or animal body, the test device having an assay and a reader to analyse the sample and determine one or more biological conditions and to generate a result data signal containing information on the determination of the one or more biological conditions. The system also comprises a base device to releasably receive the test device, receive the result data signal from the test device, and display results of testing based on the received result data signal. In some embodiments a fluid receptacle is configured to be releasably retained to a test device, the test device comprising a housing, the housing having an engagement element for releasably retaining the fluid receptacle on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to nanoparticle aggregates and to methods for preparing nanoparticle aggregates in a controlled manner The nanoparticle aggregates are useful in a variety of applications including detection and quantitation assays. In one illustrative example, the nanoparticle aggregates are particularly useful in medical diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A sampling device for collecting and dispensing a sample is disclosed, the sampling device including a sample collector having an absorbent portion configured to collect a sample and a receiving section configured to receive the sample collector after the collection of the sample. In one embodiment, the receiving section includes a dropper, the sample collector configured to be secured to the dropper, the dropper defining an internal chamber in which the absorbent portion of the sample collector is received when the sample collector is secured to the dropper; and a base releasably engaged with the dropper and at least partially housing the dropper, wherein the dropper is configured to be released from the base to allow dispensing of the sample from the dropper. In one embodiment, the absorbent portion interferes with a surface of an internal chamber of the receiving section. In one embodiment, a length adapter for the sample collector is employed and, in another embodiment, a desiccant housing is employed.

Abstract: A construct comprising: (i) an optionally derivatized glycopeptide antibiotic; (ii) a nanoparticle; and (iii) a first linker connecting (i) and (ii) is provided. The construct may further comprise a second linker located between the first linker and (ii). The nanoparticle may be a separation nanoparticle, such as a magnetic separation nanoparticle. The glycopeptide antibiotic may be selected from the group consisting: of vancomycin; teicoplanin; oritavancin; telavancin; chloroeremomycin; and balhimycin. Also provided are related methods of producing and using the construct, such as methods of separation of bacteria from a sample by binding the bacteria to the construct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a sensor device (100) for the detection of clusters (C) of magnetic particles (MP) in a sample volume (111), particularly of clusters (C) consisting of two magnetic particles (MP) with different binding sites that are bound to a target molecule in a sandwich configuration. Output light (L2) originating from an interaction of input light (L1) with clusters (C) of magnetic particles (MP) is detected. Moreover, the magnetic particles (MP, C) are actuated by a magnetic actuation field (B), wherein said actuation is at least once interrupted by a pause. In this way a high output signal can be achieved that properly reflects the amount of specifically bound clusters (C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (100) and a method for detecting clusters with magnetic particles in a sample. The sample is provided in at least one sample chamber (114) of a substantially planar cartridge (110) that is exposed to a modulated magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) generated by a magnetic field generator (190). The sample chamber (114) is illuminated with excitation light (L0), and the resulting output light (Ls) is detected by a light detector (180). The magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) may particularly rotate, inducing a corresponding rotation of clusters which in turn induces a variation of the detection signal (S). According to a preferred embodiment, excitation light (L0) is focused onto blocking spots (173) behind the sample chamber (114), thus shielding the light detector (180) from direct illumination.

Abstract: In a method of performing a cluster assay, a suspension (14) of superparamagnetic particles in a fluid to be analyzed is provided, wherein the superparamagnetic particles are coated with a bioactive agent. The particles are then allowed to form clusters due to an analyte present within the fluid. Subsequently, clusters of superparamagnetic particles are selectively actuated by applying a rotating magnetic field, wherein the amplitude of the magnetic field varies over time. Finally, the selectively actuated clusters are detected. An apparatus for performing a cluster assay comprises means for accommodating a sample (12) and means for applying a rotating magnetic field (11), the magnetic field being adapted for selectively actuating clusters of superparamagnetic particles. The apparatus further comprises means for detecting the selectively actuated clusters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (100) and a method for detecting clusters with magnetic particles in a sample. The sample is provided in at least one sample chamber (114) of a substantially planar cartridge (110) that is exposed to a modulated magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) generated by a magnetic field generator (190). The sample chamber (114) is illuminated with excitation light (L0), and the resulting output light (Ls) is detected by a light detector (180). The magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) may particularly rotate, inducing a corresponding rotation of clusters which in turn induces a variation of the detection signal (S). According to a preferred embodiment, excitation light (L0) is focused onto blocking spots (173) behind the sample chamber (114), thus shielding the light detector (180) from direct illumination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating for preventing non-specific binding of molecules to a surface layer comprising an affinity molecule, said coating comprises single layer comprising non-affine spacer molecules forming a mesh; or a shell structure, wherein said shell structure comprises a first layer comprising one or more affinity molecules and further a second layer, which is coupled to the first layer, and wherein said first and second layer comprise non-affine spacer molecules forming a mesh. The present invention further relates to a particle, a flat structure or a matrix comprising such a coating. In a further aspect the present invention relates to the use of the coating, coated particle, coated flat structure or coated matrix for detection and/or purification of a specific target biomolecule from a sample and/or determination of the concentration of the specific target biomolecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a sensor device (100) for the detection of clusters (C) of magnetic particles (MP) in a sample volume (111), particularly of clusters (C) consisting of two magnetic particles (MP) with different binding sites that are bound to a target molecule in a sandwich configuration. Output light (L2) originating from an interaction of input light (L1) with clusters (C) of magnetic particles (MP) is detected. Moreover, the magnetic particles (MP, C) are actuated by a magnetic actuation field (B), wherein said actuation is at least once interrupted by a pause. In this way a high output signal can be achieved that properly reflects the amount of specifically bound clusters (C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a test kit, and an apparatus (100) for detecting a plurality of different species of target components (T1, T2) in a sample. This is achieved by using a plurality of classes of label particles (1, 2), wherein at least one of the label particles (1, 2) in each class is a magnetic particle, and wherein label particles (1, 2) from each class can bind to each other via the same class-specific species of target component. Clusters of label particles (1, 2) can then form in which binding to specific target components (T1, T2) is accompanied by characteristic properties, for example magnetic susceptibilities of the associated label particles (1, 2). The selective actuation of such clusters by a magnetic field (B) with at least one oscillating component and a variable field amplitude together with the detection of such selectively actuated clusters will hence allow to specifically detect the clusters.

Abstract: A method for detecting clusters of superparamagnetic particles coated with a bioreactive agent is provided. A suspension of the superparamagnetic particles in a fluid to be analyzed is provided. The particles are allowed to form clusters due to an analyte present within the fluid and a magnetic field rotating at a given frequency is applied to the solution. Light is directed to the fluid and the amplitude of the intensity of scattered light at twice the frequency of the magnetic field is extracted. By determining the amplitude of the measured intensity of scattered light at twice the field depending on the frequency of the magnetic field a frequency-dependent measurement may be achieved. The frequency-dependent measurement may be used to determine the critical frequency of clusters, to distinguish clusters having different sizes or to measure the average value of the susceptibility and the spread of the susceptibility of the particles in the fluid.

Abstract: In a method of performing a cluster assay, a suspension (14) of superparamagnetic particles in a fluid to be analyzed is provided, wherein the superparamagnetic particles are coated with a bioactive agent. The particles are then allowed to form clusters due to an analyte present within the fluid. Subsequently, clusters of superparamagnetic particles are selectively actuated by applying a rotating magnetic field, wherein the amplitude of the magnetic field varies over time. Finally, the selectively actuated clusters are detected. An apparatus for performing a cluster assay comprises means for accommodating a sample (12) and means for applying a rotating magnetic field (11), the magnetic field being adapted for selectively actuating clusters of superparamagnetic particles. The apparatus further comprises means for detecting the selectively actuated clusters.