Abstract: The invention, is directed to devices and methods for low cost and convenient separation, of plasma from whole blood. In some embodiments, devices of the invention comprise an integrated collection of channels and chambers m a body that permit acquisition of a blood sample by capillary action, centrifugal separation of cells from plasma, and manual dispensing of purified plasma by simple pinching of a bellows chamber to force air into plasma-holding channels which thereby expels a predetermined volume of the purified plasma.

Abstract: The invention, is directed to devices and methods for low cost and convenient separation, of plasma from whole blood. In some embodiments, devices of the invention comprise an integrated collection of channels and chambers m a body that permit acquisition of a blood sample by capillary action, centrifugal separation of cells from plasma, and manual dispensing of purified plasma by simple pinching of a bellows chamber to force air into plasma-holding channels which thereby expels a predetermined volume of the purified plasma.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification. The compositions can include a first reagent including a cleavage-inducing moiety and a first binding agent for a binding site that includes a post-translational modification of a target polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cytometric methods for the detection of rare target cells in a sample. In certain aspects, the methods and compositions may facilitate the detection of rare target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), in a biological sample such as blood. Aspects of the methods include contacting the sample with first and second binding members that specifically bind to a marker of the rare target cell, and cytometrically assaying the sample for the presence of cells comprising bound first and second binding members to detect the rare target cell in the sample. Also provided are systems, compositions, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification. A mixture comprising the sample and a first reagent comprising a cleavage-inducing moiety and a first binding agent for a binding site on a target polypeptide is subjected to conditions under which binding of respective binding moieties occurs. The binding site is the result of post-translational modification activity involving the target polypeptide. The method may be employed to determine the target polypeptide itself. In another embodiment the presence and/or amount of the target polypeptide is related to the presence and/or amount and/or activity of an agent such as an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of the target polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification.

Abstract: A cell culture bioreactor having a culture chamber for cell growth, a culture medium reservoir mounted externally to the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism for moving culture medium from the reservoir through the culture chamber, and an aerating mechanism for introducing air into and removing air from the culture chamber is provided. The cell culture bioreactor comprises a manifold mechanism mounted at the top end of the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism fluidly connected to the culture medium reservoir, for receiving culture medium from the culture medium reservoir and distributing culture medium into the culture chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cytometric methods for the detection of rare target cells in a sample. In certain aspects, the methods and compositions may facilitate the detection of rare target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), in a biological sample such as blood. Aspects of the methods include contacting the sample with first and second binding members that specifically bind to a marker of the rare target cell, and cytometrically assaying the sample for the presence of cells comprising bound first and second binding members to detect the rare target cell in the sample. Also provided are systems, compositions, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a low-cost method for identifying and/or measuring a subpopulation of cells in a biological sample, such as a subpopulation of CD4-positive cells in a whole blood sample. In accordance with the invention, one or more cell surface markers are identified on a subpopulation of interest, which collectively are present in higher numbers on the cells of the subpopulation than on cells not in the subpopulation of interest. A probe comprising a binding compound and a density label are combined with the sample and the resulting mixture is centrifuged or sedimented through a density medium in a capillary. Labeled cells of interest pass through the density medium and stack at the bottom of the capillary where they may be visually detected and quantified by the height of the stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for a homogenous detection method for the quantitative or qualitative detection of an analyte in an assay and adequate reagents therefor, particularly a homogenous binding test. According to the invention, an analyte-specific binding partner R1 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner X that is associated with a component of a signal-forming system while a second analyte-specific binding partner R2 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner Y which is also associated with a component of a signal-forming system.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the quantitative or qualitative detection of an analyte in an assay and adequate reagents therefor, particularly a homogeneous binding test. According to the invention, an analyte-specific binding partner R1 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner X that is associated with a component of a signal-forming system while a second analyte-specific binding partner R2 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner Y which is also associated with a component of a signal-forming system.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification.

Abstract: The present invention proves instruments and methods for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a fluid sample. The fluid sample is placed in a sample chamber having a small, shallow detection region. The analyte is magnetically labeled using magnetic particles coated with a binding reagent, and is detectably labeled using a fluorescent dye or other detection reagent. The magnetically labeled analyte is concentrated into the detection region using a focusing magnet positioned underneath the sample chamber detection region. Concentrated analyte is measured using excitation optics positioned on top of the sample chamber detection region, adapted to illuminate only the detection region, and detection optics positioned on top of the detection region, adapted to detect only light emitted from the detection region. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a simple, rapid assay for measuring the concentration of CD4+T cells in a whole blood sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a low-cost method for identifying and/or measuring a subpopulation of cells in a biological sample, such as a subpopulation of CD4-positive cells in a whole blood sample. In accordance with the invention, one or more cell surface markers are identified on a subpopulation of interest, which collectively are present in higher numbers on the cells of the subpopulation than on cells not in the subpopulation of interest. A probe comprising a binding compound and a density label are combined with the sample and the resulting mixture is centrifuged or sedimented through a density medium in a capillary. Labeled cells of interest pass through the density medium and stack at the bottom of the capillary where they may be visually detected and quantified by the height of the stack.

Abstract: The present invention proves instruments and methods for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a fluid sample. The fluid sample is placed in a sample chamber having a small, shallow detection region. The analyte is magnetically labeled using magnetic particles coated with a binding reagent, and is detectably labeled using a fluorescent dye or other detection reagent. The magnetically labeled analyte is concentrated into the detection region using a focusing magnet positioned underneath the sample chamber detection region. Concentrated analyte is measured using excitation optics positioned on top of the sample chamber detection region, adapted to illuminate only the detection region, and detection optics positioned on top of the detection region, adapted to detect only light emitted from the detection region. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a simple, rapid assay for measuring the concentration of CD4+T cells in a whole blood sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting biomarkers in rare circulating cells by forming an enriched population of cells immunomagnetically followed by biomarker detection using binding compounds having releasable molecular tags. Preferably, biomarkers comprising one or more protein-protein complexes are detected in circulating cancer cells metastasized from a solid tumor. In the presence of biomarkers, the molecular tags of the binding compounds are released and separated from the assay mixture for detection and/or quantification.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification. A mixture comprising the sample and a first reagent comprising a cleavage-inducing moiety and a first binding agent for a binding site on a target polypeptide is subjected to conditions under which binding of respective binding moieties occurs. The binding site is the result of post-translational modification activity involving the target polypeptide. The method may be employed to determine the target polypeptide itself. In another embodiment the presence and/or amount of the target polypeptide is related to the presence and/or amount and/or activity of an agent such as an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of the target polypeptide.

Abstract: A photoactivation apparatus (200) separately delivers light to a plurality of wells of a multiwell plate (110). The device-includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (210) attached to a first surface of a substrate (220) such that when the photoactivation apparatus is positioned on the multiwell plate each of the light emitting diodes delivers light to one corresponding well. The light emitting diodes (210) may extend at least partially into the wells of the multiwell plate. A heat sink (250) and fan may be provided on the device to dissipate heat generated by the light emitting diodes. The components are preferably enclosed in a conveniently-sized housing (270). The housing may include one or more grips and air vents. The apparatus includes an interlocking lip (230) defining a recess which is sized to receive at least a portion of the multiwell plate. A power supply connected to the apparatus and configured to provide an equal voltage across each of the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for determining one or more target polypeptides in a sample where the target polypeptides have undergone a post-translational modification. A mixture comprising the sample and a first reagent comprising a cleavage-inducing moiety and a first binding agent for a binding site on a target polypeptide is subjected to conditions under which binding of respective binding moieties occurs. The binding site is the result of post-translational modification activity involving the target polypeptide. The method may be employed to determine the target polypeptide itself. In another embodiment the presence and/or amount of the target polypeptide is related to the presence and/or amount and/or activity of an agent such as an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of the target polypeptide.

Abstract: A cell culture bioreactor having a culture chamber for cell growth, a culture medium reservoir mounted externally to the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism for moving culture medium from the reservoir through the culture chamber, and an aerating mechanism for introducing air into and removing air from the culture chamber is provided. The cell culture bioreactor comprises a manifold mechanism mounted at the top end of the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism fluidly connected to the culture medium reservoir, for receiving culture medium from the culture medium reservoir and distributing culture medium into the culture chamber.