Abstract: A method for detecting a ligand is provided. Antibodies to a predetermined ligand are attached to substrates. The substrates are superparamagnetic, dyed beads. The beads are exposed to an electromagnetic field to immobilize the beads. The beads are contacted with a sample and the antibodies are allowed to recognize and capture the ligand in the sample. The electromagnetic field is optionally removed. The beads are contacted with a liquid crystalline material and the light transmission properties of the liquid crystalline material are examined for alteration caused by the presence of aggregates of the beads and the ligand.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A functional cassette for the detection of ligands comprises a first inner housing, a second middle housing and a third outer housing and each housing is at least partially rotatable relative to an adjoining housing. The first inner housing contains a central well adapted for receiving a sample, and the central well is in selectable fluid communication with at least one mixing chambers. The mixing chambers contain a reagent for forming a complex with a ligand. The first inner housing additionally comprises at least one compartments for the storage of a liquid crystalline material, and the compartments are in selectable fluid communication with at least one mixing chambers. The third outer housing comprises at least one detection chambers for observing the light transmission properties of a liquid crystal material and the detection chambers are in selectable fluid communication with the mixing.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a plurality of data objects with a database complying with the Dublin Core metadata schema. The database includes a plurality of tables including at least one metadata table containing metadata records conforming to the Dublin Core metadata schema and relating to data objects stored in one of the tables. In another embodiment, an electronic scientific laboratory notebook for managing a plurality of scientific laboratory notebook data objects including a computing device communicating with a system for managing the plurality of scientific laboratory notebook data objects. Data objects may be entered, searched and viewed through the electronic notebook. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium containing a data structure for managing a plurality of data objects with a plurality of tables complying with the Dublin Core metadata schema. The data structure may include a modified relational database incorporating hierarchical structure between tables.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the stable storage of ready-to-use, biocompatible mammalian fibrinogen, which despite its concentration, remains available in fluid form, and which will permit long-term rapid and easy processing into a tissue adhesive preparation. Also provided is the sterile, storage-stable aqueous fibrinogen product resulting from the use of the present methods, wherein the fibrinogen remains long term in ready-to-use in liquid form, it has not spontaneously clotted (i.e., formed a clot even in the absence of an activator, such as thrombin/Ca++), and it retains its biological activity (i.e., the ability to rapidly form a fibrin clot upon exposure and vigorous mixing with thrombin and Ca++).

Abstract: Methods are provided for the stable storage of ready-to-use, biocompatible human fibrinogen, which despite its concentration, remains available in fluid form, and which will permit long-term rapid and easy processing into a tissue adhesive preparation. Also provided is the sterile, storage-stable aqueous fibrinogen product resulting from the use of the present methods, wherein the fibrinogen remains long term in ready-to-use in liquid form, it has not spontaneously clotted (i.e., formed a clot even in the absence of an activator, such as thrombin/Ca++), and it retains its biological activity (i.e., the ability to rapidly form a fibrin clot upon exposure and vigorous mixing with thrombin and Ca++).

Abstract: A site-specific antibiotic delivery system and related method comprising a fibrin sealant and an antibiotic releasably bound to the fibrin sealant, wherein the antibiotic is delivered in situ and wherein the dose of antibiotic delivered to the organism is sufficient to kill substantially all antibiotic-resistant bacteria present in an infectious focus.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.