Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for detecting interaction between members of a binding pair. The method involves associating one member of the binding pair with a nanoparticle and detecting the interaction between the two molecules by back-scattering interferometry.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a chip with a microfluidic channel opening onto a chip inlet and a chip outlet. The channel has a sensing area and fluid delivery area. A fluidic adaptor channel opening onto an adaptor inlet and an adaptor outlet can receive a pipette tip through the adaptor inlet wherein receipt of the pipette tip into the adaptor channel creates a direct fluid path between the pipette tip and the channel and wherein the microfluidic system is configured for sensing in the sensing area by interferometry.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting interaction between components associated with lipid membranes and analytes are described herein. In certain methods, a surface of a compartment of a device is coated with a material that attaches to lipid membrane from a sample. An analyte is introduced and interaction is detected, for example, by back scattering interferometry. In another method, a surface is passivated with a material that does not bind a lipid membrane. A sample is introduced that contains a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte. Interaction is detected. In a third method, a channel is filled with a first liquid that does not comprise a lipid membrane. A bolus of a second liquid that comprises a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte is introduced under laminar flow conditions so that a leading edge of the second liquid does not completely displace the first liquid in a sensing area that is interrogated by optical methods, for example, a laser.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting interaction between components associated with lipid membranes and analytes are described herein. In certain methods, a surface of a compartment of a device is coated with a material that attaches to lipid membrane from a sample. An analyte is introduced and interaction is detected, for example, by back scattering interferometry. In another method, a surface is passivated with a material that does not bind a lipid membrane. A sample is introduced that contains a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte. Interaction is detected. In a third method, a channel is filled with a first liquid that does not comprise a lipid membrane. A bolus of a second liquid that comprises a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte is introduced under laminar flow conditions so that a leading edge of the second liquid does not completely displace the first liquid in a sensing area that is interrogated by optical methods, for example, a laser.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for collection and analysis of heterogeneous samples in a single sample container by back scattering interferometry. The sample container is configured to allow collection of a heterogeneous sample, such as blood, from a subject, separation of insoluble materials, such as blood cells by, for example, centrifugation, and mounting on a back scattering interferometer for analysis. In certain embodiments the container is a capillary tube and the interferometer comprises a mounting to hold the capillary tube in position for analysis. The device and method allow point-of-care analysis of samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modifying surfaces using hydroxyl terminated PEG are described herein. The surfaces so modified are useful in detection of synthetic and natural product organic molecules, organometallics, biomolecules, particles, or cells.

Abstract: Polyurethane polymers bearing multiple reactive groups are readily prepared from easily accessible precursors. The reactive groups of the polymers are then derivatized with binding functionalities for analytes, energy absorbing molecules for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, fluorescent moieties and the like. The reactive groups can also be converted to different reactive groups having a desired avidity or specificity for a selected reaction partner. The polymers are incorporated into devices of use for the analysis, capture, separation, or purification of an analyte. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a substrate coated with a polymer of the invention, the substrate being adapted for use as a probe for a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: This invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including a substrate having a surface and a film that coats the surface. The film includes openings that define features for the presentation of an analyte. The film also has a lower surface tension that the surface tension of the substrate surface, and has a water contact angle between 120° and 180°.

Abstract: This invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including a substrate having a surface and a film that coats the surface. The film includes openings that define features for the presentation of an analyte. The film also has a lower surface tension that the surface tension of the substrate surface, and has a water contact angle between 120° and 180°.