Abstract: A method of detecting a ligand comprises providing a receptor for a predetermined ligand. The receptor comprises a conductive material. The receptor is contacted with a sample in the presence of a non-conductive medium. When the ligand is present in the sample, the receptor and the ligand form a receptor-ligand complex that is capable of forming a conductive aggregate. A second receptor is then provided. The second receptor is a receptor for the conductive aggregate, and the second receptor is bound to a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are electrically separated from each other in the absence of the conductive aggregate, and are electrically communicating in the presence of conductive aggregates. The method also includes providing a power source in electrical communication with the electrodes, such that an electric circuit is selectively completed in the presence of conductive aggregates, signaling the detection and capture of the ligand. A cassette for performing this method is also provided.

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 method of detecting a ligand comprises providing a receptor for a predetermined ligand. The receptor comprises a conductive material. The receptor is contacted with a sample in the presence of a non-conductive medium. When the ligand is present in the sample, the receptor and the ligand form a receptor-ligand complex that is capable of forming a conductive aggregate. A second receptor is then provided. The second receptor is a receptor for the conductive aggregate, and the second receptor is bound to a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are electrically separated from each other in the absence of the conductive aggregate, and are electrically communicating in the presence of conductive aggregates. The method also includes providing a power source in electrical communication with the electrodes, such that an electric circuit is selectively completed in the presence of conductive aggregates, signaling the detection and capture of the ligand. A cassette for performing this method is also provided.

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 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: 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: 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: Provided are supplemented and unsupplemented, ready-to-use and instantly-available fibrin sealants (“FS”), prepared from ready-to-use, storage-stable, concentrated liquid fibrinogen preparations. The thus-produced FS product when applied to a tissue provides the elasticity, tensile strength, and adhesiveness necessary to prevent blood loss, to promote wound healing, and for many other therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications. Further provided are kits for, and methods of preparation of, the supplemented and unsupplemented, storage-stable FS products of the present invention, and methods of use and delivery therefor.