Abstract: A flow-through electrochemical detection system determines if a target nucleic acid polymer is present in a sample. This system contains, at a minimum, an assay reaction chamber that contains a porous working electrode to which target nucleic acid polymer capturing molecules are bound. As a sample passes through the working electrode, any target nucleic acid polymer present in the sample binds to the target nucleic acid polymer capturing molecules. After the sample passes through the flow-through electrochemical detection system, target nucleic acid polymer detectors are placed inside the assay reaction chamber and bind to any target nucleic acid polymer present. The target nucleic acid polymer detectors contain a means for generating an electric current when exposed to a chemical or an enzyme. A potentiostat connected to the working electrode measures the generated current, thereby detecting the presence and quantity of the target nucleic acid polymer in the sample.

Abstract: A flow-through electrochemical detection system determines if an analyte is present in a sample. This system contains, at a minimum, an assay reaction chamber that contains a porous working electrode to which analyte capturing molecules are bound. As a sample passes through the working electrode, any analyte present in the sample binds to the analyte capturing molecules. After the sample passes through the flow-through electrochemical detection system, analyte detectors are placed inside the assay reaction chamber and bind to any analyte present. The analyte detectors contain a means for generating an electric current when exposed to a chemical or an enzyme. A potentiostat connected to the working electrode measures that generated current, thereby detecting the presence and quantity of the analyte in that sample.

Abstract: Described herein is a soft leaf tissue elasticity tester comprising a modified piezoelectric finger (PEF) sensor and a sample pad useful for rapidly and sensitively screening plants for disease by quantifying changes in tissue elasticity and/or stiffness as an indication of plant disease. Also described is a method of screening plants for disease by quantifying changes in tissue elasticity and/or stiffness as an indication of infection. The tissue elasticity measurements used to screen plants for disease may be performed using the soft tissue elasticity tester described.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methodologies for identifying microbes in biofilms and adhered to biotic and abiotic surfaces, utilizing enzymes that degrade biofilms and disperse aggregated clusters of microorganisms. Utilizing enzymes such as CAase to degrade biofilms, organisms released from biofilms are identified more readily than from untreated biofilms. Biofilms from a variety of sources, both biotic and abiotic, can be analyzed utilizing the present disclosure.

Abstract: A flow-through electrochemical detection system determines if a target nucleic acid polymer is present in a sample. This system contains, at a minimum, an assay reaction chamber that contains a porous working electrode to which target nucleic acid polymer capturing molecules are bound. As a sample passes through the working electrode, any target nucleic acid polymer present in the sample binds to the target nucleic acid polymer capturing molecules. After the sample passes through the flow-through electrochemical detection system, target nucleic acid polymer detectors are placed inside the assay reaction chamber and bind to any target nucleic acid polymer present. The target nucleic acid polymer detectors contain a means for generating an electric current when exposed to a chemical or an enzyme. A potentiostat connected to the working electrode measures the generated current, thereby detecting the presence and quantity of the target nucleic acid polymer in the sample.

Abstract: A flow-through electrochemical detection system determines if an analyte is present in a sample. This system contains, at a minimum, an assay reaction chamber that contains a porous working electrode to which analyte capturing molecules are bound. As a sample passes through the working electrode, any analyte present in the sample binds to the analyte capturing molecules. After the sample passes through the flow-through electrochemical detection system, analyte detectors are placed inside the assay reaction chamber and bind to any analyte present. The analyte detectors contain a means for generating an electric current when exposed to a chemical or an enzyme. A potentiostat connected to the working electrode measures that generated current, thereby detecting the presence and quantity of the analyte in that sample.

Abstract: A single macroscopic magnetic capture device may be functionalized and utilized to query a volume of liquid for a particular target analyte. The magnetic capture device may be rotated to create a vortex to enhance the efficiency of capture. The magnetic capture device may include a ferromagnetic element and a bioactive coating affixed to the surface of the ferromagnetic element, the bioactive coating being configured to capture the target analyte. In some embodiments, a capture container may be utilized together with the magnetic capture device, the geometries of the magnetic capture device and capture container being predetermined to effect a desired fluid dynamic system within the capture container. A customizable kit for allowing a user to create a custom magnetic capture device is also contemplated.