Abstract: The microRNA detection level decreases when a microRNA-containing biological sample is preserved after being collected. Further, a relatively long period of time is required for dissolving a hydrochloride of a neutral amino acid, which is in the form of crystals, in water. Since a hydrochloride of a neutral amino acid is an acidic substance, and causes skin irritation and mucosal irritation, the handling of the hydrochloride requires safety precautions. The present invention provides a method of detecting a microRNA in a biological sample, the method including the steps of: mixing an acid with the biological sample, preserving the resulting mixture for a predetermined period of time, collecting the microRNA in the biological sample, and detecting the microRNA. Further, the present invention provides a homogeneous semi-solid composition composed of a hydrochloride of a neutral amino acid, water and an alcohol.

Abstract: An allergen-immobilized carrier is for use in allergy testing, which carrier is capable of simultaneously measuring multiple items of allergen-specific IgE antibodies with a high sensitivity even when the amount of sample smaller than that used conventionally is used, and capable of performing the measurement with a high correlation with the measured values obtained using “ImmunoCAP.” The carrier is an allergen-immobilized carrier for use in allergy testing, characterized in that the allergen(s) is/are immobilized on the carrier at a density of from 120 to 500 ng/cm2.

Abstract: A biochip is capable of highly sensitively detecting a measurement target substance. The biochip includes a selective-binding substance capable of selectively binding to the measurement target substance, the selective-binding substance being immobilized on a surface of a substrate through a polymer containing a unit represented by Formula (Ia) or (Ib): wherein, R1 represents C1-C4 alkylene; R2 represents R3, OR4, or NHR5; R3 and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or C1-C4 alkyl; R4 represents C1-C4 alkyl; R6 represents C1-C2 alkylene; and R7 and R8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or C1-C4 alkyl.

Abstract: A method of biochip production includes a step A of applying a solution containing a selective binding substance, a salt, and a condensing agent to the surface of a substrate, a step B of immobilizing the selective binding substance to the surface of the substrate, a step C of drying the applied solution to allow the salt in the solution to precipitate on the surface of the substrate, and a step D of using an image detection device to detect a precipitate of the salt formed in the step C, wherein, in the step A, the condensing agent in the solution has a concentration of not less than 30 mM and not more than 80 mM.

Abstract: There is provided an immunopotentiator comprising, as an active ingredient, a modified ?-glucan which ?-glucan and poly(hydroxy acid) are covalently bonded. The immunopotentiator can potently enhance the immunopotentiating effect of ?-glucan.

Abstract: A process of producing an immunogenic particle includes mixing an aqueous solvent A wherein an antigen(s) is/are dissolved and a water-immiscible organic solvent B wherein an amphiphilic polymer(s) whose hydrophobic segment(s) is/are poly(hydroxy acid) is/are dissolved, to form a reversed-phase emulsion; and removing the solvent from the reversed-phase emulsion to obtain an antigen-adjuvant microparticle complex, wherein the aqueous solvent A and/or the water-immiscible organic solvent B contains a surfactant.

Abstract: There is provided an immunopotentiator comprising, as an active ingredient, a modified ?-glucan which ?-glucan and poly(hydroxy acid) are covalently bonded. The immunopotentiator can potently enhance the immunopotentiating effect of ?-glucan.

Abstract: A process of producing an immunogenic particle includes mixing an aqueous solvent A wherein an antigen(s) is/are dissolved and a water-immiscible organic solvent B wherein an amphiphilic polymer(s) whose hydrophobic segment(s) is/are poly(hydroxy acid) is/are dissolved, to form a reversed-phase emulsion; and removing the solvent from the reversed-phase emulsion to obtain an antigen-adjuvant microparticle complex, wherein the aqueous solvent A and/or the water-immiscible organic solvent B contains a surfactant.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition includes as effective ingredients: an immunogenic micro-particle composed of an antigen-adjuvant microparticle complex wherein an antigen(s) is/are encapsulated in an adjuvant microparticle composed of an amphiphilic polymer(s) whose hydro-phobic segment(s) is/are poly(hydroxy acid); and a surfactant encapsulated in the immunogenic microparticle.

Abstract: A microparticle includes an agglomerate of a hydrophilic active substance containing particle, which particle includes an amphiphilic polymer composed of a hydrophobic segment of poly(hydroxy acid) and a hydrophilic segment of polysaccharides or polyethylene glycol, and a hydrophilic active substance. It is characterized by an efficient inclusion of the hydrophilic active substance, and a release of the hydrophilic active substance at an appropriate speed in the human body, and is hence very useful as a DDS pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: A microparticle includes an agglomerate of a hydrophilic active substance containing particle, which particle includes an amphiphilic polymer composed of a hydrophobic segment of poly (hydroxy acid) and a hydrophilic segment of polysaccharides or polyethylene glycol, and a hydrophilic active substance. It is characterized by an efficient inclusion of the hydrophilic active substance, and a release of the hydrophilic active substance at an appropriate speed in the human body, and is hence very useful as a DDS pharmaceutical preparation.