Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and chemical compositions for saliva sample processing and testing, and more specifically, rapid analysis of saliva biomarkers for detecting and monitoring disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and compositions for cancer immunotherapy, and more specifically, liquid markers for predicting effectiveness of cancer therapies. The disclosure features compositions and methods that are useful for predicting the efficacy of cancer treatment (e.g., a checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy) and, in some embodiments, administering the cancer treatment such as immunotherapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for automated sample handling are disclosed. In an example, a system for automated sample handling includes reaction wells, a magnet, a magnetic manipulator, and a punch. The reaction wells are configured to each hold a reagent and collectively move horizontally. A first reaction well holds magnetic beads, and a second reaction well is partitioned by a seal. The magnet is configured to move vertically and capture the magnetic beads on a bottom surface of the first reaction well when moving to an upper position beneath the first reaction well. The magnetic manipulator is configured to manipulate the magnetic beads and includes a magnetic rod configured to move vertically to be above or in the first reaction well and a sheath below the magnetic rod and configured to move vertically and receive the magnetic rod. The punch is configured to move vertically and break the seal of the second reaction well when moving to a lower position in the second reaction well.

Abstract: Embodiments of automated assay processing systems and methods are disclosed. In an example, an assay automation system includes an assay processing tube, a magnet, and a controller. The assay processing tube has a right arm and a left arm, the right arm having an opening for receiving reagent transferred from a reagent tube being held in one of the tube-holding arms of the reagent tube holder, the assay processing tube being driven to rotate. The magnet is driven to move vertically. The controller is configured to control coordinated movements of the assay processing tube and the magnet to perform an assay processing sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for automated sample handling are disclosed. In an example, a system for automated sample handling includes reaction wells, a magnet, a magnetic manipulator, and a punch. The reaction wells are configured to each hold a reagent and collectively move horizontally. A first reaction well holds magnetic beads, and a second reaction well is partitioned by a seal. The magnet is configured to move vertically and capture the magnetic beads on a bottom surface of the first reaction well when moving to an upper position beneath the first reaction well. The magnetic manipulator is configured to manipulate the magnetic beads and includes a magnetic rod configured to move vertically to be above or in the first reaction well and a sheath below the magnetic rod and configured to move vertically and receive the magnetic rod. The punch is configured to move vertically and break the seal of the second reaction well when moving to a lower position in the second reaction well.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for signal amplification of electrochemical sensing of target analytes. The method includes irradiating a complex comprising a target analyte and a nanoparticle, with a light source in proximity to an electrochemical sensor. The method further includes conducting electrochemical sensing, by the electrochemical sensor, with respect to the irradiated complex to determine a presence or quantity of the target analyte. The present disclosure also provides a system for detecting a target analyte. The system includes an electrochemical sensor, a potentiostat, and a light source. The electrochemical sensor includes a plurality of electrodes and configured to perform an assay to detect a presence or quantity of a target analyte in a sample. The potentiostat is operatively coupled to the electrochemical sensor. The light source is configured to irritate a complex including the target analyte formed during the assay.