Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a non-absorbent substrate having at least one microchannel imbedded in the substrate, a non-specific capture device, and one or more stationary mixing structures extending into the at least one microchannel. The present invention also relates to relates to various methods of using the microfluidic test device to detect or quantify an analyte in a test sample. The present invention also relates to a microfluidic device that includes a non-absorbent substrate having at least one microchannel imbedded in the substrate and one or more stationary mixing structures extending into the at least one microchannel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the encapsulation of luminescence-related molecules, including but not limited to, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenylate kinase (AK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), luminol and luciferin/luciferase cocktails, within liposomes. These liposomes can be employed to enhance the luminescence detection of microorganisms and compounds in various products and samples. The liposomes containing the luminescence-related molecules can bear a probe which has a specific sequence or structure that, in turn can be used to hybridize to, or couple with, a portion of the target analyte. Within the same assay, paramagnetic beads can bear a probe having a specific sequence or structure that, can hybridize to, or couple with, a second portion of the target analyte to create a complex of analyte bound to paramagnetic beads and liposomes. This type of assay can be often referred to as a ‘sandwich’ assay.