Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Described are methods for generating a reporter molecule in response to a target analyte in a cell-free system. A synthetic biological circuit is used to modify the level of the reporter molecule in response to the presence of the target analyte. The reporter molecule may be glucose or another molecule readily detected using a device such as glucose monitor or other portable sensor. Also provided are kits comprising a cell-free system with a synthetic biological circuit that generates or consumes a reporter molecule in response to a target analyte.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for rapid, highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples. In particular, provided herein is a rapid, low-cost method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 that provides reliable, visible test results and does not require PCR reagents, elaborate biosafety precautions, or sophisticated laboratory equipment.

Abstract: Provided are signal-inducing CRISPR-sensitive nucleic acid, optionally DNA, sensors, for example comprising: a) a non-functional CRISPR-sensitive DNA reporter construct comprising a non-functional expression cassette with at least one CRISPR target site inserted, generated by removal or addition of nucleic acids or naturally present in the expression cassette, the non-functional expression cassette having a reporter construct upstream end upstream of the CRISPR target site and a reporter construct downstream end downstream of the CRISPR target site, and b) a function-restoring nucleic acid, the function-restoring nucleic acid comprising an upstream flanking end, a function restoring repair insert and a downstream flanking end, wherein the upstream flanking end interfaces with reporter construct upstream end and/or the downstream flanking end interfaces with the reporter construct downstream end and one or both of the flanking ends are capable of permitting insertion or ligation of the function restoring repai

Abstract: There are provided devices and methods for automated production of a purified target biomolecular product. The device can be portable, and can include a purification compartment, a wash buffer compartment, an elution buffer compartment, fluidic channels, a fluidic system and a processor powerable by a power source and operatively connected to the fluidic system for controlling the automated production of the purified target biomolecular product. The purification compartment can be configured to contain purification components and receive a raw biomolecular products mixture therein for binding a target biomolecular product and produce the purified target biomolecular product. The fluidic channels can be configured to successively introduce the raw biomolecular products mixture, a washing buffer and an elution buffer into the purification compartment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for rapid, highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples. In particular, provided herein is a rapid, low-cost method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 that provides reliable, visible test results and does not require PCR reagents, elaborate biosafety precautions, or sophisticated laboratory equipment.

Abstract: The present description pertains to a detection system and methods of using same comprising an upstream molecular circuitry system that is activated in the presence of a target molecule to produce a reporter molecule and a capture molecule bound to an electrode wherein the reporter molecule specifically binds to the capture molecule bound to the electrode to produce or reduce a detectable electrochemical signal.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are shelf-stable compositions based on synthetic gene networks and/or cell-free systems that are lyophilized on a solid support. The compositions can be easily transported and stored for a period of time, and activation can be done by simply adding water. Methods of use are also disclosed herein, including, but are not limited to, sensing and a variety of logic functions. The invention permits straightforward, sterile and abiotic distribution of synthetic biology-based technology to clinical settings, food processing and industry, the military and consumer products.

Abstract: Described are methods for generating a reporter molecule in response to a target analyte in a cell-free system. A synthetic biological circuit is used to modify the level of the reporter molecule in response to the presence of the target analyte. The reporter molecule may be glucose or another molecule readily detected using a device such as glucose monitor or other portable sensor. Also provided are kits comprising a cell-free system with a synthetic biological circuit that generates or consumes a reporter molecule in response to a target analyte.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are shelf-stable compositions based on synthetic gene networks and/or cell-free systems that are lyophilized on a solid support. The compositions can be easily transported and stored for a period of time, and activation can be done by simply adding water. Methods of use are also disclosed herein, including, but are not limited to, sensing and a variety of logic functions. The invention permits straightforward, sterile and abiotic distribution of synthetic biology-based technology to clinical settings, food processing and industry, the military and consumer products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwell plates suitable for spectrophotometry for low-volume liquid samples. For the multiwell plates, the bottom of at least one well has a layer of porous matrix disposed thereon, or is comprised of a layer of porous matrix. The layer of porous matrix permits a low-volume liquid sample to distribute evenly across the porous matrix. Also disclosed herein are methods of performing a photometric or spectrophotometric measurement on a liquid sample having a small volume, by using a multiwell plate comprising a layer of porous matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are shelf-stable compositions based on synthetic gene networks and/or cell-free systems that are lyophilized on a solid support. The compositions can be easily transported and stored for a period of time, and activation can be done by simply adding water. Methods of use are also disclosed herein, including, but are not limited to, sensing and a variety of logic functions. The invention permits straightforward, sterile and abiotic distribution of synthetic biology-based technology to clinical settings, food processing and industry, the military and consumer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic readers configured to perform optical measurements (e.g., absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, colorimetric analysis, etc.) on samples present on porous matrices. The electronic readers are particularly useful for measuring paper-based devices.