Abstract: A nucleic acid hybridization detection assay is carried out at a solid electrode. A solid electrode, such as an indium tin oxide electrode, is modified by single-stranded capture oligonucleotides that are immobilized to the surface of the electrode. Using sandwich assay methodology, complementary target nucleic acid sequences hybridize to the capture oligonucleotides, which are in turn hybridized to a detection probe comprising a nanoparticle. When the assay is carried out in the presence of a redox mediator in solution, the nanoparticle catalyzes the transfer of electrons to the electrode, thus generating a detectable electrical current.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a member of a specific binding pair in a sample includes a substrate and a variable charge density layer having a surface adjacent to the substrate and a surface remote from the substrate. A first member of a specific binding pair is on the surface of the variable charge density layer remote from the substrate. The first member interacts with a second member of the specific binding pair present in a sample. The variable charge density layer has a charge carrier density that can be changed by the application of light and/or an electric field, so that a plasmon band is produced by a reflected light source impinging on the variable charge density layer.

Abstract: A machine and process for producing bags from roll stock of bag material are disclosed. The machine includes four subassemblies, a folding and cutting subassembly, a transport and first sewing subassembly and a second transport and sewing subassembly and a stacking subassembly. The folding and cutting subassembly, preferably includes a drum or reel with a plurality of peripheral clamps which are successively opened to receive the bag material and a blade positioned to force the bag material into an open clamp to define a fold. The adjacent closed clamp holding folded bag material tensions the bag material. A cutter severs adjacent folds between the adjacent clamps. Transfer and transport means are present to advance the folded cut bag blank past two sewing machines and then to the stacker subassembly.