Abstract: A method for detecting lipoarabinomannan in a biological sample is described, including the step of contacting the biological sample with at least one acid selected from the group consisting of perchloric acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and sulfosalicylic acid. Methods for diagnosing diseases, including tuberculosis, and kits for the described methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method for making a fluid-processing apparatus involves mixing a colloidal suspension with a matrix material, applying the mixture to a surface of a conduit, and curing the applied mixture to provide a conductive coating. A fluid-processing apparatus includes a conduit and a conductive layer adjacent to a surface of the conduit. The conductive layer includes graphite particles embedded in a matrix. The fluid-processing apparatus supports, for example, electrospray-ionization for mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, or capillary electro-chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for effectuating increased chromatographic efficiency in a capillary column by employing a retaining frit disposed within an analytical capillary. By disposing the retaining frit within the analytic capillary, the void volume is significantly minimized. The columns and methods described herein produce a simplified analytical capillary and retaining frit apparatus that provides greater chromatographic efficiency. Additionally, the column of the instant invention maintains chromatographic fidelity by reducing the transfer diameter as well as facilitating fluidic connections in situ.

Abstract: A method for making a fluid-processing apparatus involves mixing a colloidal suspension with a matrix material, applying the mixture to a surface of a conduit, and curing the applied mixture to provide a conductive coating. A fluid-processing apparatus includes a conduit and a conductive layer adjacent to a surface of the conduit. The conductive layer includes graphite particles embedded in a matrix. The fluid-processing apparatus supports, for example, electrospray-ionization for mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, or capillary electro-chromatography.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates comprising one or more redox-active species, methods of making nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates, and methods for using nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates, for example, as diagnostic agents for the detection of various analytes.

Abstract: Nanocolumn chromatography devices useful, e.g., in CEC and nanoLC are disclosed. An exemplary chromatography device of the invention includes a nanocolumn, e.g., a capillary, packed with a particulate stationary phase material and a solid support. The solid support, or in situ frit, is adjacent to and integral with the stationary phase material. An in situ frit of the invention may be a mixture of the stationary phase material and a polymeric network of cross-linked poly(diorganosiloxane), e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxane), which may optionally be sintered. The invention also provides methods of making and using such devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrospray device for mass spectrometry that includes a fluid inlet, an outlet orifice, and a passage for fluid communication between the fluid inlet and outlet orifice. This passage is formed from a capillary (i.e., a first capillary). This first capillary (3) partially houses a second capillary (7) such that the outlet orifice is narrowed. A portion (17) of the second capillary extends beyond the first capillary. This extension permits a practitioner to clip away obstructed portions of the second capillary.

Abstract: Featured are devices, methods and kits for preparation of samples of peptides and proteins from a solution; more particularly to such devices and methods in which carbon nanotubes are utilized for sample preparation and/or purification of peptide and/or protein samples from a solution. A sample to be treated/processed can comprise proteins, peptides or any other molecule having an amine moiety that can be protonated under low pH, such as, but not limited to, pH 5. Such a sample also can contain contaminants such as salts, detergents, etc. that will be eliminated during the sample preparation/purification process of the present invention. The methods, devices and kits of the present invention advantageously provide for the concentration of the sample, removal of contaminants and ease of manipulation of small liquids without the concomitant loss of sample.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles comprising one or more redox-active species, methods of making such nanoparticles, and methods for using such nanoparticles, for example, as diagnostic agents for the detection of various analytes.