Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biofragment compositions that comprise bioparticle fragments and at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule. In some embodiments, the biofragment is typically derived from a larger, intact bioparticle that express the at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule at the surface, and the biofragment has increased solubility to facilitate assays for antigen detection. The disclosure also relates the related methods of using and making the biofragment compositions, as well as systems and devices implementing the biofragment compositions. In some embodiments, the related methods, systems and devices do not require additional detection reagents, such as animal derived detection antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biofragment compositions that comprise bioparticle fragments and at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule. In some embodiments, the biofragment is typically derived from a larger, intact bioparticle that express the at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule at the surface, and the biofragment has increased solubility to facilitate assays for antigen detection. The disclosure also relates the related methods of using and making the biofragment compositions, as well as systems and devices implementing the biofragment compositions. In some embodiments, the related methods, systems and devices do not require additional detection reagents, such as animal derived detection antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biofragment compositions that comprise bioparticle fragments and at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule. In some embodiments, the biofragment is typically derived from a larger, intact bioparticle that express the at least one heterologous antigen-binding molecule at the surface, and the biofragment has increased solubility to facilitate assays for antigen detection. The disclosure also relates the related methods of using and making the biofragment compositions, as well as systems and devices implementing the biofragment compositions. In some embodiments, the related methods, systems and devices do not require additional detection reagents, such as animal derived detection antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting the presence of viable cells in a sample. Included are compositions and methods for increasing the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification test for determining the presence of at least one target microorganism in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting ribosomal RNA precursors (pre-rRNA) as dynamic indicators of viable microorganisms in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting the presence of viable cells in a sample. Included are compositions and methods for increasing the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification test for determining the presence of at least one target microorganism in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting ribosomal RNA precursors (pre-rRNA) as dynamic indicators of viable microorganisms in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting the presence of viable cells in a sample. Included are compositions and methods for increasing the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification test for determining the presence of at least one target microorganism in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting ribosomal RNA precursors (pre-rRNA) as dynamic indicators of viable microorganisms in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for detecting species of Pseudo-nitzschia from a marine sample. Oligonucleotide probes for rRNA hypervariable regions of the Psuedo-nitzschia species: P. australis, P. pungens, P. multiseries, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. heimii, P. fraudulenta, P. delicatissima, and P. americana are provided as well as a oligonucleotide probe for a conserved region of ribosomal RNA from Pseudo-nitzschia.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to diagnostic kits for selectively detecting a prokaryotic microorganism and a eukaryotic microorganism in a sample wherein the cells of such microorganisms are lysed by combining the sample with a lysis solution and contacting the nucleic acid released from the microorganisms with selective nucleic acid probes through hybridization techniques. The present invention can be used for detecting microorganisms associated with vaginal disorders, e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans. These kits may be used in a medical practitioner's private office or in a more structured clinical environment, such as a hospital, a commercial clinical microbiology laboratory or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and oligonucleotide probe compositions useful for determining antibiotic resistance in Mycobacteria. Included are methods for freeing intact precursor ribosomal RNA from mycobacterial cells and for assaying the levels of pre-rRNA in the cells. Also claimed are methods useful in discovering new anti-mycobacterial therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions useful for rapidly freeing precursor ribosomal RNA from mycobacterial cells. The methods and compositions further result in detectable levels of ribosomal RNA precursors that are not degraded.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and oligonucleotide probe compositions useful for determining antibiotic resistance in Mycobacteria. Included are methods for freeing intact precursor ribosomal RNA from mycobacterial cells and for assaying the levels of pre-rRNA in the cells. Also claimed are methods useful in discovering new anti-mycobacterial therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for selectively detecting a prokaryotic microorganism and a eukaryotic microorganism in a single complex biological sample wherein the cells of such microorganisms are lysed by combining the sample with a lysis solution and contacting the nucleic acid released from the microorganisms with selective nucleic acid probes through hybridization techniques. Further provided are methods which permit the detection of a Gram-positive bacterium with at least one other microorganism selected from the group consisting of yeast, protozoa, mycoplasma and Gram-negative bacteria in a single complex biological sample. In other aspects of the invention, the methods disclosed permit the detection of microorganisms associated with vaginal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid probes useful for the detection of microorganisms associated with vaginal disorders, for example Gardenerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans.