Abstract: A device comprising a modified porous membrane is provided. The modified porous membrane comprises a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane. The device is used for analyte detection from a biological sample using an immunoassay. The device comprises a sample application zone at one end of the device for applying a biological sample comprising a target analyte; and a detection zone present at another end of the device, downstream of the sample application zone for detecting the target analyte, wherein the detection zone comprises one or more first biomolecules immobilized on a modified porous membrane having a structure of Formula (I).

Abstract: A solid substrate for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of proteins is provided. The substrate includes: a polysaccharide, such as melezitose under a substantially dry state. The substrate is configured to extract proteins from a sample and stabilize the extracted proteins in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the proteins stored in the dry solid substrate are also described.

Abstract: A solid substrate for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of proteins is provided. The substrate includes: a polysaccharide, such as melezitose under a substantially dry state. The substrate is configured to extract proteins from a sample and stabilize the extracted proteins in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the proteins stored in the dry solid substrate are also described.

Abstract: A solid substrate for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of proteins is provided. The substrate includes: a polysaccharide, such as melezitose under a substantially dry state. The substrate is configured to extract proteins from a sample and stabilize the extracted proteins in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the proteins stored in the dry solid substrate are also described.

Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane is described. A method for analyte detection from a biological sample using an immunoassay is also provided using the modified membrane, wherein the method comprises a) providing a modified porous membrane having the structure of Formula (I), b) incubating the modified porous membrane with a first biomolecule, wherein the first biomolecule binds to the modified porous membrane to form a first biomolecule bound modified porous membrane; and c) adding a biological sample comprising at least an analyte to the first biomolecule bound modified porous membrane for analyte detection by binding the analyte to the first biomolecule bound to the modified porous membrane.

Abstract: A device comprising a modified porous membrane is provided. The modified porous membrane comprises a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane. The device is used for analyte detection from a biological sample using an immunoassay. The device comprises a sample application zone at one end of the device for applying a biological sample comprising a target analyte; and a detection zone present at another end of the device, downstream of the sample application zone for detecting the target analyte, wherein the detection zone comprises one or more first biomolecules immobilized on a modified porous membrane having a structure of Formula (I).

Abstract: A solid substrate for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of proteins is provided. The substrate includes: a polysaccharide, such as melezitose under a substantially dry state. The substrate is configured to extract proteins from a sample and stabilize the extracted proteins in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the proteins stored in the dry solid substrate are also described.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: Methods are described for performing a multiplexed analysis of a level of target analyte in a sample, employing an identifier and a labeling reagent. Either or both of the identifier and the labeling reagent comprises a SERS-active nanoparticle associated with a SERS-active reporter with a uniquely identifiable spectroscopic signature. Interrogation of the identifier and the labeling reagent is conducted by serial coincident detection. Such methods can provide enhanced multiplexed analysis of analytes in a sample, especially with regards to improving the type of identifying reagents that are employed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents, methods, and kits for determining the presence or concentration of a target, or multiple targets, in a sample, in a uniplexed or multiplexed fashion. In general, the methods enable the analysis of small molecules produced or consumed in liquid-phase that may be analyzed using gas or vapor phase detection methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents, methods, and kits for determining the presence or concentration of a target, or multiple targets, in a sample, in a uniplexed or multiplexed fashion. In general, the methods enable the analysis of small molecules produced or consumed in liquid-phase that may be analyzed using gas or vapor phase detection methods.

Abstract: A substance identification system comprises interrelated components. A fluidics cartridge is configured to permit suspension of a sample of a substance of interest in a liquid medium, and to permit transfer of the suspended sample into a container via syringe/needle action or other suitable actuation means. The container is configured to be fixedly or removably coupled with the fluidics cartridge. An interface cartridge is configured to position the container for analysis by a portable substance identification device.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying the Raman signal of primary SERS nanoparticles are provided. One method generally includes binding secondary SERS particles to the primary SERS nanoparticles after binding of the primary SERS nanoparticles. In another method, secondary SERS nanoparticles are brought in close proximity to the primary SERS nanoparticles, wherein the secondary nanoparticles are free of a reporter molecule or have a reporter molecule different from that of the primary SERS nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying the Raman signal of primary SERS nanoparticles are provided. One method generally includes binding secondary SERS particles to the primary SERS nanoparticles after binding of the primary SERS nanoparticles. In another method, secondary SERS nanoparticles are brought in close proximity to the primary SERS nanoparticles, wherein the secondary nanoparticles are free of a reporter molecule or have a reporter molecule different from that of the primary SERS nanoparticles.

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. A portion of the detection zone has a dimension that is less than another dimension of the lateral flow device upflow from the detection zone or a first region of the detection zone has a chemical difference from a second region of the detection zone. Also disclosed are methods of conducting a lateral flow assay and methods of making a lateral flow device.

Abstract: Device, kit and method of using same to detect analytes such as nucleic acids are described. An excitation source, preferably a nitride-based LED, emits light capable of being absorbed by luminophores. Sensors are stably attached, preferably via covalent or ionic bonds, to a surface within the device, such as the surface of the excitation source that is exposed to the sample. When a complex is formed between the sensors and the analyte, the luminophores emit light or emit light of a different wavelength, thereby signaling the presence or quantity of the analyte.

Abstract: Device, kit and method of using same to detect analytes such as nucleic acids are described. An excitation source, preferably a nitride-based LED, emits light capable of being absorbed by luminophores. Sensors are stably attached, preferably via covalent or ionic bonds, to a surface within the device, such as the surface of the excitation source that is exposed to the sample. When a complex is formed between the sensors and the analyte, the luminophores emit light or emit light of a different wavelength, thereby signaling the presence or quantity of the analyte.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining water usage for industrial facilities and residences. One method communicates with a communications network and acquires water usage information. The water usage information is acquired in real time. The method reports water usage based upon the acquired water usage information. Another embodiment acquires water usage information over a communications network. This embodiment acquires real time water usage information over the communications network at a computer. The water usage information is associated with water use of an industrial facility. The embodiment may then display the real time water usage information via a user interface on the computer.

Abstract: A compound comprises a blocked halogenated hydroxydiphenyl ether of the formula: where X1 is a halogen, X2 is chlorine or bromine, X3 is hydrogen, chlorine or bromine, X4 is chlorine, bromine, alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, —CHO, —CN or —NH2, X5 is chlorine, bromine, methyl, trichloromethyl, —CHO, —CN or —NH2, n is 1 or 2, and R is an ether linkage inhibiting group.