Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the detection of analytes (e.g., biological pathogens such as bacteria or viruses) using a conductive polymer label. The disclosed detection system utilizing the conductive polymer label generally involves the formation of an analyte conjugate between the target analyte and a conductive polymer moiety conjugated to the target analyte. The conductive polymer portion of the analyte conjugate is electrically activated to form an electrically activated analyte conjugate having an increased electrical conductivity relative to the analyte conjugate as originally formed. The electrically activated analyte conjugate can then be detected by any suitable means, such as by conductimetric or electrochemical detection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the detection of analytes (e.g., biological pathogens such as bacteria or viruses) using a conductive polymer label. The disclosed detection system utilizing the conductive polymer label generally involves the formation of an analyte conjugate between the target analyte and a conductive polymer moiety conjugated to the target analyte. The conductive polymer portion of the analyte conjugate is electrically activated to form an electrically activated analyte conjugate having an increased electrical conductivity relative to the analyte conjugate as originally formed. The electrically activated analyte conjugate can then be detected by any suitable means, such as by conductimetric or electrochemical detection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the extraction and detection of pathogens using carbohydrate-functionalized biosensors. Immobilized carbohydrate moieties on the biosensor provide a means for non-specific binding of a plurality of target analytes. When a sample containing the target analyte is applied or otherwise transported to the biosensor detection surface, non-specific binding interactions between the carbohydrate moiety and the analyte immobilize/retain the analyte at the detection surface. The carbohydrate moiety is a stable binding pair member that allows on-sensor rinsing of a sample to enhance detection of an analyte in the sample. Specific analyte identification can be achieved with an analyte probe having a detection moiety and a binding pair member specific to the target analyte of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of nanoparticles that are coated with unique oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA) sequences of various base lengths (“nano-DNA”) that act as barcodes for product authentication, product serialization, brand protection, track-and-trace, intelligent supply chain, and law enforcement. The nano-DNA can be incorporated into inks, dyes, resins, labels, and other markings at all manufacturing levels, including the product (unit) level, to encode company and product-specific information. The nano-DNA can also be embedded in the product itself during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nano-DNA can be quickly, simply, and inexpensively monitored and verified using an electrochemical biosensor device in resource-limited field conditions.

Abstract: Hybridization probes for hybridizing to the same target nucleic acid are disclosed, the hybridization probes comprising an electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe including a conjugating moiety for immobilization. Also disclosed is a biodetection method including the steps of: providing hybridization probes for hybridizing to the same target nucleic acid, the hybridization probes comprising an electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe; hybridizing the target nucleic acid with each of the electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe in a sample including the target nucleic acid; magnetically separating the hybridized target nucleic acid from the sample; capturing the hybridized target nucleic acid on a substrate through the capture probe; and measuring the oxidation-reduction signal of the electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the detection of analytes (e.g., biological pathogens such as bacteria or viruses) using a conductive polymer label. The disclosed detection system utilizing the conductive polymer label generally involves the formation of an analyte conjugate between the target analyte and a conductive polymer moiety conjugated to the target analyte. The conductive polymer portion of the analyte conjugate is electrically activated to form an electrically activated analyte conjugate having an increased electrical conductivity relative to the analyte conjugate as originally formed. The electrically activated analyte conjugate can then be detected by any suitable means, such as by conductimetric or electrochemical detection.

Abstract: A membrane strip biosensor device using a fluid mobile conductive composition of ferromagnetic particles bound to a conductive polymer bound to a capture reagent is described. The biosensor device is designed to detect analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system and can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to porous silicon/conductive polymer composites that can be used in biosensor applications (e.g., in a binding assay that captures a target analyte). The composite material generally includes (a) a p-doped silicon substrate that has a porous surface; (b) a lawn of a conductive polymer bound to the porous surface; and (c) a binding pair member bound to the conductive polymer. The porous silicon surface provides excellent adhesion between the substrate and the conductive polymer, thereby eliminating the need for an intervening metallic layer. Processes according to the disclosure for forming the composite material generally include electropolymerizing and electrodepositing the conductive polymer onto the porous surface of the silicon substrate and then binding the binding pair member to the conductive polymer. Methods and kits employing the composite materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conductive polymer of polyaniline (PANi), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and a transferrin family member. The conductive polymer can be used in conductometric assays, including biosensor devices. One particular transferrin family member provided in the polymer is lactoferrin.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and biosensor device for detecting single strand target nucleic acid by cyclic voltammetry is described. A porous silicon chip is linked to bound DNA probe complementary to the target nucleic acid. The device is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms and viruses that may be pathogenic or cancer genes, however any target nucleic acid can be detected by using a specific DNA probe.

Abstract: A membrane strip biosensor device (10, 20, 100) using a fluid mobile conductive composition of ferromagnetic particles bound to a conductive polymer bound to a capture reagent is described. The biosensor device is designed to detect analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system and can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples. The device can also be used for on-site diagnosis and against potential bioterrorism. Potential users include food processing plants, meat packaging facilities, fruit and vegetable packers, restaurants, food and water safety inspectors, food wholesalers and retailers, farms, homes, medical profession, import border crossing personnel, and the police force, military, space habitation and national security.

Abstract: A conductive polymer of polyaniline (PANi), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and a transferrin family member. The conductive polymer can be used in conductometric assays, including biosensor devices. One particular transferrin family member provided in the polymer is lactoferrin.

Abstract: A multi-array membrane strip biosensor device (10, 20) using a fluid mobile conductive polymer as reporter is described. The biosensor device (20) is designed to detect multiple analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system. The biosensor device can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples. The device can also be used for on-site diagnosis and against potential bioterrorism. Potential users include food processing plants, meat packaging facilities, fruit and vegetable packers, restaurants, food and water safety inspectors, food wholesalers and retailers, farms, homes, medical profession, import border crossing personnel, and the police force, military, space habitation and national security.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A multi-array membrane strip biosensor device (10, 20) using a fluid mobile conductive polymer as reporter is described. The biosensor device (20) is designed to detect multiple analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system. The biosensor device can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples. The device can also be used for on-site diagnosis and against potential bioterrorism. Potential users include food processing plants, meat packaging facilities, fruit and vegetable packers, restaurants, food and water safety inspectors, food wholesalers and retailers, farms, homes, medical profession, import border crossing personnel, and the police force, military, space habitation and national security.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of a small amount of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile product with the transducer. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and in particular pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.