Abstract: A fluidics-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. A sample membrane is utilized having a collection region and a detection region, the collection region having a known saturation volume for the intended test sample. A barrier is defined between the collection region and the detection region. The collection region is saturated with the test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters so that a known volume of the test sample is contained in the collection region. The barrier is removed from between the collection region and detection region of the membrane and a diluent is supplied to the collection region of the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample from the collection region to the detection region of the membrane.

Abstract: Positive electrode-active materials for use in lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries contain quaternary composite oxides of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum where one of the four is present at levels of over 70 mol percent. The composite oxides can be lithiated to form positive electrode-active materials that are stable over at least ten charge/discharge cycles at voltage levels over 4.8 volts, and have capacities of over 200 mAh/g. Methods for producing the materials and electrochemical cells and batteries that include the materials are also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid absorbent foam includes an integrated hybrid foam layer having an open surface, a closed surface, and a foam body extending between the open and closed surfaces. The integrated hybrid foam layer has an open-cell content of at least 50%, while the closed surface provides a barrier to aqueous liquids. The integrated hybrid foam layer is formed as a single layer, and has a substantially uniform polymer composition throughout its thickness. The integrated hybrid foam layer combines the functions of liquid absorbency, retention, and barrier into a single layer, and is useful in a wide variety of absorbent articles.

Abstract: A luminescent particle having a luminescent core structure formed from at least one type of luminescent metallic cluster complex and a shell that covers said core structure is described. The luminescent core structure includes one or more aggregates of metal cluster complexes. The shell has one or more layers of thin films formed predominately of organic or inorganic polymers, hydrid polymers, or combinations thereof. The luminescent particles can be adapted for optical detection or imaging applications. Methods of fabricating the various iterations of the luminescent particles are also provided.

Abstract: An antimicrobial protective article is described. The article has a first, outer surface that is coated at least partially with an antimicrobial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and at least one or a combination of the following: chitosan, a chaotropic surfactant, polyols, copper oxide, and an organic acid, and a second, inner surface adapted to contact a wearer's skin that has a therapeutic agent. The present protective article can adapted for used in a variety of applications in the home or resort spas.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. A sample membrane is utilized having a collection region and a detection region, the collection region having a known saturation volume for the intended test sample. A barrier is defined between the collection region and the detection region. The collection region is saturated with the test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters so that a known volume of the test sample is contained in the collection region. The barrier is removed from between the collection region and detection region of the membrane and a diluent is supplied to the collection region of the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample from the collection region to the detection region of the membrane.

Abstract: A therapeutic article includes a skin contact layer having a plurality of fibers forming a plurality of point-bearing surfaces configured for wear against a user's skin; a personal care composition disposed proximate the fibers; an external layer attached to the skin contact layer; and an intermediate layer interposed between the skin contact layer and the external layer, the intermediate layer being configured to activate the personal care composition, the external layer being configured to direct the activated personal care composition through the skin contact layer to treat the user.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit includes a housing, and a membrane disposed within the housing having a detection region and a collection region. A blood sample meter is provided having a first end for absorption of a blood sample, a filtering section adjacent to the first end that filters red blood cell components from the blood sample, and a storage section adjacent to the filtering section that receives plasma or serum from the filtering section. An opening in the housing is sized for insertion of the sample meter into the housing such that the storage section of the sample meter is disposed in fluid communication with the collection region of the membrane. The plasma or serum is transferred from the storage section of the sample meter to the collection region of the membrane for subsequent migration to the detection region.

Abstract: A polymer-coated protective garment is disclosed. The garment may be configured to fit around the arm, leg, foot or hand of a wearer. For example, in one embodiment, the protective garment comprises a glove. The glove includes a hollow member defining an opening for receiving a hand. The hollow member is made from an elastic laminate. The elastic laminate may comprise at least one nonwoven web. The hollow member further includes an elastomeric coating that covers at least a portion of the hollow member. In one embodiment, for instance, the elastomeric coating covers a palm portion and finger portions of the glove.

Abstract: A protective glove is provided made substantially from a laminate material. The laminate material includes a plurality of elastic strands. A first nonwoven web is attached to the plurality of elastic strands so that in a relaxed state of the elastic strands and the first nonwoven web at least one wrinkle is formed in the first nonwoven web. A second nonwoven web is also provided and is attached to the plurality of elastic strands so that in a relaxed state of the elastic strands and the second nonwoven web at least one wrinkle is formed in the second nonwoven web. The elastic strands, first nonwoven web and second nonwoven web form a laminate that is stretchable and permeable to liquid. A method of manufacture of a protective glove is also provided.

Abstract: A finger cover, such as a finger wipe that can fit onto a human finger, is provided with an improved seam structure. The cover includes a pocket member having an open end for the insertion of a finger. The pocket member is formed by a first panel attached to a second panel along a flush outwardly facing circumferential edge seam. The seam is less than about 1 millimeter (mm) in width and about 1 mm in height. Additional reinforcing weld points may be provided at various locations along the seam.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow in an assay device that employs a membrane is provided. Specifically, one or more recessed regions are formed in the membrane by applying a solvent treatment thereto. The solvent treatment is selected based on its particular dissolving capacity for the material used to form the membrane. For example, an alcohol-based solvent, such as methanol, may be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose membranes. Upon contact with the solvent treatment, a recessed region is formed that may serve a variety of different functions relating to flow control. In one particular embodiment, the recessed region may function as a metering channel that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay.

Abstract: An edge-stiffened sheet material probe is provided. The probe is useful for probing and cleaning of small, constricted or confined spaces. For example, the probe may be suitably used as a dental probe for cleaning interdental spaces. The probe formed from at least one fibrous web material that is cut and sealed to form an edge and terminates at a first point. In addition, the probe may be formed from or as a laminate of two or more fibrous web material layers that are cut and sealed, or may be formed from or as a laminate of the at least one sheet or material may be folded or two or more sheets may be cut and sealed to form. A pack of connected probes is also provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments less than about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, less than about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet from low-pain areas (due to reduced nerve endings than finger), such as the forearm, thigh, or other alternate sites, may have a volume of from about 0.1 to about 5 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample where the lateral flow assay device has a porous membrane in communication with a wicking pad. The porous membrane has a detection zone which has a chromophore configured to chemically react with an analyte or a secondary trigger or a reaction product from the analyte and a trigger generating reagent(s), to generate a visually detectible signal. Additional chrmophore zones may be located downstream from the first chrmophore zone to generate signals of varying color. Scavenging zones may be included between chromophore zones to attenuate the signal by reacting with the analyte without generating a visually detectable signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit is provided. The test unit comprises a stem having a first end and a second end, the stem defining at least one flow channel extending between the first end and the second end. A swab is disposed at the first end of the stem, the swab being configured to collect a test sample derived from a biological source that is suspected of containing an analyte. The test unit also comprises a fluid chamber configured to contain a fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the swab via the flow channel. The test unit also comprises a rupturable seal that inhibits leakage of the fluid from the fluid chamber prior to use, and an assay for detecting the presence or absence of the analyte. The assay is in fluid communication with the swab, the flow channel, and the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A protective article formed of a laminate between at least a layer of a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable barrier, and at least a layer of a stretchable or elastomeric, nonwoven fiber web is described. The barrier is reinforced at least on one side by the nonwoven fiber web, which remains elastic after being bonded to the barrier layer. The elasticity of both barrier and bonded fiber layers simulate the flexibility of natural or synthetic latex or other polymer films. The nonwoven fiber web includes at least about 75% of individual fibers with a length of over about 1 mm, and the fibers are substantially continuous. A second nonwoven web, a second barrier layer, or both may be attached to the exterior side of the breathable barrier. An elastomeric material coating, such as either a nature or synthetic latex or other polymers, may be applied over at least a portion of the article to provide for additional protection.

Abstract: A 3-D finger glove that may fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove that has a 3-D cavity so that it may easily be put on to a finger by a user and is formed by bonding together two nonwoven webs, at least one of which is elastic, while the elastic web stretched. Additionally, the 3-D finger glove successfully prevents the formation of stiff seams along the edge so that seams will not cause abrasion or damage to the areas where the glove is intended to be used. Additionally, the 3-D glove disclosed can have flush seams, which further reduces the stiffness along the seams so that the user feels more comfortable while wearing the glove. Furthermore, the 3-D shaped finger glove may provide a bigger surface area for cleaning or other uses. A number of therapeutic additives may also be applied to the glove.