Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a specific molecular species in a mixture of species operates by first flowing the mixture through microfluidic channels onto a substrate to which the specific species bonds, then attaching electromagnetic radiation scattering particles to the bonded species, then scanning the substrate with a uniform flux of laser radiation and relating the intensity of the scattered portion of the radiation to the density of particles captured by the molecular species affixed to the substrate. The substrate can be scanned either by: 1. applying oscillating mirrors to reflect the laser beam and uniformly scan the substrate; 2. moving the entire laser relative to the substrate so that its beam uniformly scans the substrate; 3. moving the entire substrate uniformly in the x-y plane while keeping the laser and its beam fixed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the presence or absence and/or one or more characteristics of analytes are disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosed devices include an actuator having a staging reservoir which can be operably connected with an electrophoresis assembly. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include operating the subject devices, for example, by actuating the actuator to operably connect, e.g., fluidically connect, components of the devices, and electrophoresing or otherwise propelling a sample through portions of the devices. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include detecting an analyte and/or analyzing properties of a sample, such as one or more characteristics of an analyte in a sample. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can be used to increase the strength and/or probability of forming a binding complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, linking molecules having one or more members of a reactive pair are disclosed which can be used to increase the number of intra-complex binding interactions in a complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate. Intra-complex crosslinking and inter-complex crosslinking can be utilized in connection with these methods and compositions to further strengthen and stabilize the disclosed binding complexes.

Abstract: Highly reactive functionalized substrates and linker molecules for use in the detection of molecular targets and other analytes of interest are provided as are kits, reaction mixtures and methods utilizing the same.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a target analyte in a sample are provided. Aspects of the method include: (a) contacting the sample with (i) a first capture agent that specifically binds the target analyte and (ii) a reporter complex under conditions sufficient to produce a sandwich complex; (b) separating the sandwich complex from the sample; and (c) releasing a detectable tag from the sandwich complex. The reporter complex may include a first specific binding member linked to a second capture agent that specifically binds the target analyte, and a second specific binding member specifically bound to the first specific binding member. In some cases, the second specific binding member is linked to a detectable tag. The releasing step may be achieved using a displacement binding member that is complementary to the first or second specific binding member. Also provided are compositions, systems and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can be used to increase the strength and/or probability of forming a binding complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, linking molecules are disclosed which can be used to increase the number of intra-complex binding interactions. Covalent bonds can be introduced to further increase the strength of these binding interactions. Inter-complex cross-linking can be utilized in connection with these methods to further strengthen and stabilize the disclosed binding complexes.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: Highly reactive functionalized substrates and linker molecules for use in the detection of molecular targets and other analytes of interest are provided as are kits, reaction mixtures and methods utilizing the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can be used to increase the strength and/or probability of forming a binding complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, linking molecules having one or more members of a reactive pair are disclosed which can be used to increase the number of intra-complex binding interactions in a complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate. Intra-complex crosslinking and inter-complex crosslinking can be utilized in connection with these methods and compositions to further strengthen and stabilize the disclosed binding complexes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can be used to increase the strength and/or probability of forming a binding complex comprising a target molecule and a substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, linking molecules are disclosed which can be used to increase the number of intra-complex binding interactions. Covalent bonds can be introduced to further increase the strength of these binding interactions. Inter-complex cross-linking can be utilized in connection with these methods to further strengthen and stabilize the disclosed binding complexes.

Abstract: Peptide reagents that interact preferentially with the PrPSc form of the prion protein are described. In addition, methods of using these peptide reagents in combination with peptide probes, which aggregate in response to binding pathogenic prion proteins and that can be used for detection of pathogenic prion proteins, are disclosed. Methods of using the peptide reagents, antibodies to the reagents, prion motif-grafted hybrid polypeptides, and peptide probes for detection, diagnosis, purification, therapy and prophylaxis for prions and prion-associated diseases are also described.

Abstract: Peptide reagents that interact preferentially with the PrPsc form of the prion protein are described for use in detecting PrPsc in biological samples. In particular, ELISA assays are described.

Abstract: Peptide reagents that interact preferentially with the PrPsc form of the prion protein are described. Methods of using the reagents for isolation and purification of the PrPsc isoform are described.

Abstract: Modified HCV non-structural proteins are described. The proteins include modified NS3 domains such that proteolytic activity of the NS3 molecule is inhibited. The modified proteins retain conformational epitopes. HCV immunoassays including the modified NS3 molecules are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: Modified HCV non-structural proteins are described. The proteins include modified NS3 domains such that proteolytic activity of the NS3 molecule is inhibited. The modified proteins retain conformational epitopes. HCV immunoassays including the modified NS3 molecules are also described.

Abstract: Peptide reagents that interact preferentially with the PrPsc form of the prion protein are described. Methods of using the reagents or antibodies to the reagents for detection, diagnosis, purification, therapy and prophylaxis for prions and prion-associated diseases are also described.