Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of modifying biocides obtained from biological sources, namely polyphenols. The modified biocide may have protective groups to reduce or prevent the oxidation of these phenols. The protective groups may also control the rate of hydrolyzation with regards to biocide efficacy. This invention also includes a method wherein the modified biocide may be incorporated and stabilized into a substrate like plastic.

Abstract: An optical biodisc has a substrate, a first reflective layer over the substrate, an opening in the first reflective layer for receiving an investigational feature, and a second reflective layer over the opening for reflecting light transmitted through the substrate.

Abstract: A interactive system for chemical and biological testing with the instant data processing and information analysis capability. The system utilizes a specially designed bio-disc and an optical reader attached to a computer to deliver a wide range of tests, such as clinical laboratory diagnostic tests, biological warfare agent detection, forensic DNA tests, and food and water contamination tests, to a remote location. The test data are analyzed by a central data processing unit connected to the computer through a network, and the result is distributed to authorized users through the network. The interactive system also offer users enhanced information and additional relevant products at the point of need.

Abstract: Methods for decreasing non-specific bindings of beads in dual bead assays and related optical bio-discs and disc drive systems. Methods include identifying whether a target agent is present in a biological sample and mixing capture beads each having at least one transport probe affixed thereto, reporter beads each having at least one signal probe affixed thereto, and a biological sample. Mixing is performed under binding conditions to permit formation of a dual bead complex if the target agent is present in the sample. The reporter bead and capture bead each are bound to the target agent. Denaturing the target agent and keeping it in the denatured form by use of a specialized hybridization buffer is also provided. A denaturing agent is guanidine isothiocynate.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for determining whether a target agent is present in a biological sample. The invention provides a sensitive and consumer friendly system for performing biological assays. More particularly, the invention is directed to the use of a biodisc in a dual bead assay designed to identify the presence of a target molecule. The invention further provides methods to optimize the selection of a suitable solid phase for use in a dual bead assay.

Abstract: Methods for deceasing non-specific bindings of beads in dual bead assays and related optical bio-discs and disc drive systems. The methods include determining the suitability of a test solid phase for purposes of use in a dual bead assay. The method also includes identifying whether a target agent is present in a biological sample and involves mixing capture beads, reporter beads, and a biological sample. The mixing is performed under binding conditions to permit formation of a dual bead complex if the target agent is present in the sample. The reporter bead and capture bead are each bound to the target agent. Cleavable spacers or displacement linkers may be used in forming the dual bead complexes. The methods also include placing the capture beads and the reporter beads spatially proximally, performing a ligation reaction employing a ligase, and isolating the dual bead complex from the mixture to obtain the isolate.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of conjugating biochemical probes onto a solid phase for use in biomedical assays as implemented in conjunction with an optical bio-disc system. The method includes determining the suitability of a test solid phase for purposes of use in a dual bead assay, selecting a test solid phase, conjugating a probe to the test solid phase in the presence or absence of a cross-linking agent, and determining the total amount of probe bound to the test solid phase in the presence or absence of a cross-linking agent. The method is further employed to determine the percentage of probe bound covalently or non-covalently to the solid phase and calculating the percentage of probe bound covalently thereby selecting the solid phase with the highest conjugation efficiency. The invention is further directed at methods for determining whether a target agent is present in a biological sample. A bio-disc for performing a dual bead assay according to these methods is also provided.

Abstract: An optical bio-disc that may be used to test a sample for a target nucleic acid of a prescribed sequence is described. The bio-disc includes a flow channel having target or capture zones, a return channel in fluid communication therewith, and in some embodiments a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the flow channel. The bio-disc may be implemented on an optical disc including an information encoding format such as CD, CD-R, or DVD or a modified version thereof. Methods of manufacturing the optical bio-disc and methods of using the optical bio-disc to detect nucleic acids according to the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An optical biodisc has a substrate, a first reflective layer over the substrate, an opening in the first reflective layer for receiving an investigational feature, and a second reflective layer over the opening for reflecting light transmitted through the substrate.

Abstract: A interactive system for chemical and biological testing with the instant data processing and information analysis capability. The system utilizes a specially designed bio-disc and an optical reader attached to a computer to deliver a wide range of tests, such as clinical laboratory diagnostic tests, biological warfare agent detection, forensic DNA tests, and food and water contamination tests, to a remote location. The test data are analyzed by a central data processing unit connected to the computer through a network, and the result is distributed to authorized users through the network. The interactive system also offer users enhanced information and additional relevant products at the point of need.