Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods in the field of detection of analytes. In particular to detection of viruses, cells, bacteria, lipid-membrane containing organisms, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and other biomolecules, organic molecules and inorganic molecules using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of analytes, and in particular to detection of analytes using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, analytes binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by analyte binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of analytes, and in particular to detection of organophosphates using a liquid crystal assay format and a variety of analytes in stand-off detection formats utilizing liquid crystals as part of reporting system. The present devices find use in detecting cumulative exposure to organophosphates in the aerosol phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods utilizing redox-active surfactants to provide electrochemical control over polymer interactions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a transfection method using a redox-active transfection agent that preferentially promotes transfection dependent on the oxidation state of the transfection agent. Accordingly, certain methods according to the invention provide spatial and/or temporal control of cell transfection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of analytes, and in particular to detection of viruses, cells, bacteria, lipid-membrane containing organisms, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and other biomolecules, organic molecules and inorganic molecules using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-modified substrates that demonstrate reduced non-specific adsorption of biological agents. The substrates are silicon or carbon substrates having ethylene glycol oligomers covalently bound to at least one substrate surface. The substrates may be used in sensor devices, such as biochips, and in implantable medical devices in order to reduce the non-specific binding of biological agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: A method for differentiating between a post-translationally modified peptide and a peptide contained in a sample, comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a peptide attachment surface to create a peptidized surface, wherein the sample includes at least one functional group; (b) contacting the peptidized surface with a recognition reagent that selectively binds or forms a complex with the post-translationally modified peptide in the sample to provide an incubated surface; and (c) contacting a liquid crystal with the incubated surface and detecting presence of post-translationally modified peptide in the sample with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: A rubbed substrate structure for use in a liquid crystal assay device, includes: a biochemical blocking compound chemically immobilized on a surface of one side of a support forming a biochemical blocking layer; and a biomolecule recognition agent deposited on the side of the support containing the biochemical blocking layer. The biomolecule recognition agent includes a recognition site capable of selectively recognizing a target species to be detected by the liquid crystal assay device. Additionally, the surface of the side of the support containing the biochemical blocking layer is rubbed such that it possesses features that drive a uniform anchoring of liquid crystals when the liquid crystals contact the side of the support containing the biochemical blocking layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for use in the detection of the presence of a selected pathogen in a sample are disclosed. Such apparatus include: a substrate with a detection region on a surface thereof, the detection region having microstructures including grooves formed therein that will align liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the width and depth of the grooves being in the range of 10 ?m or less; a blocking layer on the surface of the detection region of the substrate that does not disrupt the alignment of liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the blocking layer blocking nonspecific adsorption of pathogens to the surface; and a binding agent on the surface of the detection region of the substrate, the binding agent specifically binding the selected pathogen.

Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions that exhibit little or no toxicity with respect to cells include liquid crystals with chemical functional groups such as fluorine atoms, fluorophenyl groups, or difluorophenyl groups. Liquid crystals with little or no toxicity to cell lines may be added to cell culture media or added to components used in cell culture media. Cells may be grown in cell culture media that includes liquid crystals that exhibit little or no toxicity to cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices and kits for detecting a ligand. The methods involve capturing a ligand from a sample with an affinity substrate that includes a receptor for a ligand, transferring captured ligand to a detection surface and detecting the ligand on the detection surface with a liquid crystal. Accordingly, the capture step is decoupled from the detection step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a patterned surface wherein predetermined regions of the surface are masked with a self-assembled monolayer (“SAM”) covalently bound to a brush polymer overlayer. The remainder of the substrate surface will generally be functionalized with a second self-assembled monolayer. Preferably, the method involves a microcontact printing technique, wherein a molecular moiety capable of spontaneously forming an SAM upon transfer to a surface is “stamped” onto a substrate surface, followed by growth (or covalent attachment) of a polymer on exposed functional groups within the SAM molecules. Coverage of surface regions with both an SAM and a polymer overlayer provides a number of advantages, particularly with regard to surface masking during etching and the like. The method is useful in the manufacture of microelectronic circuitry, biosensors, high-density assay plates, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assasy format.

Abstract: Multilayered porous materials are formed by coating a porous substrate with a metal and adsorbing an organic layer comprising a recognition moiety onto the metal film. The recognition moiety interacts with an analyte of interest allowing for its detection, purification, etc. Suitable recognition moieties can be selected from a range of species including, small molecules, polymers and biomolecules and the like. The novel porous materials of the invention can be utilized in an array of methods including, ion-exchange, ion-selective ion-exchange, assays, affinity dialysis, size exclusion dialysis and the like.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a patterned surface wherein predetermined regions of the surface are masked with a self-assembled monolayer (“SAM”) covalently bound to a brush polymer overlayer. The remainder of the substrate surface will generally be functionalized with a second self-assembled monolayer. Preferably, the method involves a microcontact printing technique, wherein a molecular moiety capable of spontaneously forming an SAM upon transfer to a surface is “stamped” onto a substrate surface, followed by growth (or covalent attachment) of a polymer on exposed functional groups within the SAM molecules. Coverage of surface regions with both an SAM and a polymer overlayer provides a number of advantages, particularly with regard to surface masking during etching and the like. The method is useful in the manufacture of microelectronic circuitry, biosensors, high-density assay plates, and the like.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a patterned surface wherein predetermined regions of the surface are masked with a self-assembled monolayer (“SMA”) covalently bound to a brush polymer overlayer. The remainder of the substrate surface will generally be functionalized with a second self-assembled monolayer. Preferably, the method involves a microcontact printing technique, wherein a molecular moiety capable of spontaneously forming an SMA upon transfer to a surface is “stamped” onto a substrate surface, followed by growth (or covalent attachment) of a polymer on exposed functional groups within the SMA molecules. Coverage of surface regions with both an SMA and a polymer overlayer provides a number of advantages, particularly with regard to surface masking during etching and the like. The method is useful in the manufacture of microelectronic circuitry, biosensors, high-density assay plates, and the like.