Abstract: The present invention describes microplates with arrays of wells containing magnetic inserts in the form of disks, cylinders or otherwise shaped materials with apertures in the centre for optical interrogation of the contacting solution. These inserts are capable of capturing ferro- and paramagnetic nano- and microparticles. The subject microplates find use in a variety of applications, including clinical and environmental assays, high throughput screening for genomics, proteomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-of-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally and high-throughput screening of materials for separation and catalysis.

Abstract: Soluble or colloidal nanoparticles of molecularly imprinted polymer are produced reliably and consistently in a photoreactor with a reaction vessel (18) containing a solid phase (14) bearing immobilised template. Parameters such as temperature, fluid flows and irradiation time are controlled by a computer (52).

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and polymers for solid phase extraction by binding an analyte containing a primary amino group. The polymer is a reactive polymer, wherein binding of the analyte to the polymer causes fluorescent isoindole complex formation. A method of binding comprises use of an SPE carrier, such as an SPE cartridge, loaded with a reactive polymer. Binding of an analyte is detected by observing changes in fluorescence after applying the analyte to the polymer. Fluorescence can be detected using a fluorometer or transilluminator, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the reactive polymer is prepared from a monomer mixture comprising acetonitrile and triethylamine.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a fluorescent polymer contained within a solid-phase extraction (SPE) carrier. The fluorescent polymer is capable of adsorbing an analyte by means of functional monomers. In use of the apparatus, a sample, such as a foodstuff sample, is applied to the fluorescent polymer. If the sample comprises the analyte, adsorption of the analyte onto the fluorescent polymer causes quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorescent polymer. Fluorescence quenching can be detected using a fluorometer or transillumination system. The method can be used to determine whether mycotoxins are present in foodstuff samples.

Abstract: Polymers suitable for binding aflatoxins for use for in solid phase extraction of aflatoxins and immobilisation of aflatoxins in solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges for qualitative or quantitative analysis of aflatoxins in solutions extracted from foodstuffs or feedstuffs are prepared from allylamine; methylene bisacrylamide (MBAA); acrylamide, ethyleneglycol-methacrylate phosphate (EGMP); 4-vinyl pyridine; or 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulfonic acid (AMPSA) monomers. Preferred embodiments are polymers containing acrylamide moieties such as acrylamide and MBAA. The polymers are preferably cross-linked, for example using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or divinyl benzene (DVB), and macroporous.

Abstract: Polymers capable of binding ochratoxins are disclosed. The polymers may be used for solid phase extraction of ochratoxins and immobilisation of ochratoxins in solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, for qualitative or quantitative analysis of ochratoxins in liquid extracts from foodstuffs or animal feeds. The polymers may be prepared from monomers containing amido or amino-alkyl moieties and acid moieties. Preferred embodiments are polymers prepared from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulfonic acid (AMPSA) and from a mixture of diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) and itaconic acid (IA). The polymers are preferably cross-linked, for example using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or divinyl benzene (DVB), and made macroporous by polymerisation in the presence of a porogen solvent such as dimethyl formamide (DMF).

Abstract: A polymer able to bind a target compound selectively is designed by producing a virtual library of polymerisable monomers, and molecular models of the target compound and one or more potential interferents. The library is screened to identify monomers with substantial differences in strengths of binding to (a) target and (b) interferent. Monomers favouring the target may be used to produce polymers for selectively binding the target, for use in separation or analytical processes.

Abstract: Monomers (e.g. thinphenes) are caused to polymerise by mixing them with an oxidising agent (and generally a solvent comprising water) and irradiating the mixture with light (visible or UV). Polymer properties can be varied by doping or chemical modification. Uses include sensor elements for assays and electrical components such as electrodes.