Abstract: A spongy swab (16) is mounted against the distal face (15) of a piston (14) at the end of a push-rod (12). Once humected with a sample fluid, the swab and piston assembly is inserted into a tubular body (30) like the plunger of a syringe. As the swab is pushed and squeezed against the distal end (20) of the body up to a trippable stop, part of the fluid is excreted into a chromatographic immunoassay testing device (21) through a first aperture (19) in a distal section of the body. The remainder of the sample is kept in a sealed chamber (7) between the piston and the end wall of the tubular body until it is excreted through a second aperture (23) for a secondary test by pushing the piston beyond the trippable stop. That preserves the sample within the spongy swab that has been used to collect it; thus preventing the adsorption of the analytes on the surfaces of the sealed chamber, and to provide a convenient and rapid way to extract the remainder of the specimen in a syringe-like manner.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a microfluidics layer, a transduction layer and a transceiver layer. The transduction layer further includes a functionalized layer that reacts with a biomarker, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes adjacent the functionalized layer. The conductivity of the carbon nanotubes changes in response to a biomarker reacting with at least a portion of the functionalized layer. The functionalized layer can include dendrimers, such as a tadpole dendrimer scaffolding that includes a plurality of sites for receiving receptors for biomarkers.

Abstract: A method and device for the rapid detection of biomolecules (320) diffusing in a nanometer-confined slit (204) is claimed. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel concept of fluidic side apertures (205) that facilitates the filling of the device, the surface coating with biomolecules and that measures the affinity between fluorescently labeled biomolecules in aqueous solution with other biomolecules immobilized on surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing an chemical, biochemical, or biological assay on a sample comprising: a microfluidic assay cartridge (1) that contains at least one sample inlet well (2) configured to receive a sample; and a microfluidic sub-unit (3) associated with the microfluidic assay cartridge (1) and comprising microfluidic channels (8), micro-valves (4, 4a, 9) and at least one separate and fluidicly-isolated isolation channel (5), and at least one hollow element (14); the at least one hollow element (14) being functionalized with a capture moiety or molecules (15) so as to form at least one reaction vessel (19); the microfluidic channels (8) and micro-valves (4, 4a, 9) configured to respond to signaling containing information about performing the assay and to controllably receive the sample and at least one reagent in the at least one reaction vessel (19), and to provide from the at least one reaction vessel (19) light containing information about the assay performed on the sample inside the at

Abstract: A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate can perform qualitative and quantitative analyses simply without a separate tag. A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate and using a CMOS image sensor can be an economically beneficial biochip reusable and convenient in use by employing a relatively simple detection method without a need of using a separate tag.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.

Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay featuring encapsulated metal particles. The encapsulated particles may use SERS nanotags as the detection modality. The use of encapsulated particles as a detection modality, in particular encapsulated SERS tags increases the sensitivity of an LFI prepared for visual reading and introduces the ability to obtain substantially more sensitive qualitative results or quantitative results through the analysis of a SERS spectrum read from an LFI prepared in accordance with the present invention. The use of SERS as detection modality also enhances the ability of an LFI device to be used for a multiplexed test. Other aspects of the present invention include LFI devices specifically configured to test whole blood, a reader for the detection and interpretation of a multiplexed assay and the hardware and software components used to implement the reader.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a reagent composition, or a sample thinner, for immunochromatography which are more effective in suppressing nonspecific reactions than the conventional counterparts, which use an immunochromatography device to detect a target substance; also to provide a high performance and highly sensitive immunochromatography device and a detective kit capable of prompt and simple detection work. [Solution means] In detecting a target substance in a sample by means of immunochromatography method, it is possible to suppress nonspecific reactions through a use of a reagent composition for immunochromatography or a development solution for immunochromatography or a sample thinner for immunochromatography which contain a buffer solution, a chelating agent, and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunoassays, methods for carrying out immunoassays, immunoassay kits and methods for manufacturing immunoassay kits. In particular, the invention has relevance to capillary (especially microcapillary) immunoassay technology.

Abstract: An optical detection system (100) includes an optical element (116, 202, 502) that directs emission radiation (108), which traverses away from an optical collection path (122), to the path, wherein the emission radiation is emitted by a radiation sensitive material in a sample (204) under study in response to the material absorbing excitation radiation, and the emission radiation has a spectral characteristic that corresponds to the material.

Abstract: Method and system for carrying out heterogeneous chemical or biological reactions are disclosed. The method comprising providing an analytical device having at least one liquid processing unit having at least one reaction chamber and a first inlet channel in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. The method further comprises supplying to the reaction chamber via the first inlet channel or a second inlet channel analyte capturing particles, supplying to the reaction chamber via the first inlet channel or the second inlet channel a liquid sample containing an analyte of interest, and confining by an equilibrium of forces the analyte capturing particles in a particle rearrangement zone within the reaction chamber. The forces comprise a drag force Fd generated by flowing liquids and a counter-oriented force Fg. The method also comprises capturing analytes present in the liquid sample with the particles in the particle rearrangement zone.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a sample is provided, which comprises: a collecting chamber containing an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a detecting element for detecting an analyte in the liquid sample; and a lid for covering the opening of the collecting chamber. The device further comprises an indicating device thereon to indicate whether or not the lid covers at an appointed position. The operation of the device is very simple.

Abstract: A quantitative sensor and manufacture method thereof are disclosed. This quantitative sensor has a dual-mode film bulk acoustic resonator structure to achieve desirable performances in sensitivity, accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, this quantitative sensor serves as a fluid sensor when a fluid detection metal layer is formed in a sample-receiving chamber; and this quantitative sensor may also serve as a bio sensor when biocompatible metal layer and a bio-sensing layer are formed in the sample-receiving chamber instead of the fluid detection metal layer.

Abstract: A device for detecting Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and associated methods has been described. The stochastic behavior of a single-molecule probe is utilized to recognize wild type and SNP sequences in a microfluidic platform using a laser-tweezers instrument. The mechanical signal provides substantially noise free sensing with high sensitivity and the selectivity. The method has an inherent capacity to develop as a generic biosensor using other recognition elements such as aptamer for example.

Abstract: Analytical cartridges, systems and methods of processing a sample for analysis using capillary flows. Vertical gradient sample filtration provides filtrate to an incubation chamber for a time controlled by a flow modulator at the outlet of the incubation chamber. The flow modulator can include a serpentine capillary flow path without side walls. Incubated filtrate can flow from the incubation chamber to a detection channel after a predetermined time. The detection chamber can include one or more analytical regions in a porous substrate for detection of two or more analytes on the same cartridge from the same sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substance determining apparatus for determining a substance within a fluid. Particles attach the substance and bind to a binding surface (30), wherein a sensing signal is generated depending on the bound particles. Binding events indicating a binding of a particle on the binding surface (30) are determined from the generated sensing signal, and the substance within the fluid is determined based on the determined binding events. During a procedure of determining a substance within a fluid, particles may bind to the binding surface and may leave the binding surface. Therefore, during this procedure a number of binding events can be determined being much larger than the number of bound particles. The determination of the substance within the fluid can therefore be based on a very large amount of data, thereby increasing the accuracy of determining the substance within the fluid.

Abstract: [Object] To provide preparation of an ingredient derived from a specimen optimal for detecting by immunoassay pork in heated food with high performance and high sensitivity without causing non-specific reaction, a convenient and high-accuracy detection method using a polyclonal antibody obtained by using the ingredient, and a detection kit therefor. [Solution] When a target to be detected in a sample, pork-derived protein in heat-processed food, is detected by immunochromatography, a polyclonal antibody specifically recognizing a protein of approximately 23 kD (molecular weight: 23000) contained in heat-treated pork is used as at least one or both detection antibodies.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium having functional groups which covalently bond to one or more analytes of interest, e.g., proteins, in a sample upon application of an applied stimulus, e.g., light. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.

Abstract: A test unit cartridge for holding a plurality of test units includes a first test unit that contains a first analyte sensor and a second test unit that contains a second analyte sensor. The first and second analyte sensors use first and second reagents to detect first and second analytes, respectively. The first analyte is different from the second analyte and the first and second test units are functionally non-fungible. The plurality of test units can also include a third test unit that contains two analyte sensors having two reagents for detecting two different analytes using one fluid sample. A method of using the test unit cartridge is also described, which comprises loading the cartridge into an analyte testing device and cocking an actuator of the device that is configured to (i) expose an analyte sensor of a test unit, (ii) ready a lancet, and (iii) advance a lancet cartridge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a biosensor for detecting a target. One example sensor includes a first electrode. The first electrode includes a first electron conducting molecule and a first probe. The first probe includes a second electron conducting molecule. The first probe is configured to bind to the target of interest in solution. The first and second electron conducting molecules are different.

Abstract: Hybridization probes for hybridizing to the same target nucleic acid are disclosed, the hybridization probes comprising an electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe including a conjugating moiety for immobilization. Also disclosed is a biodetection method including the steps of: providing hybridization probes for hybridizing to the same target nucleic acid, the hybridization probes comprising an electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe; hybridizing the target nucleic acid with each of the electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe and a capture probe in a sample including the target nucleic acid; magnetically separating the hybridized target nucleic acid from the sample; capturing the hybridized target nucleic acid on a substrate through the capture probe; and measuring the oxidation-reduction signal of the electrically-active magnetic nanoparticle-labeled detector probe.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor head with at least two surfaces separated by a gap. One surface is mechanically fixed, a second surface is free to move and deflections of the second surface relative to the first surface are monitored by optical interferometry. An optical fiber could be used to direct light from a light source to the sensor and collect light reflected by the sensor. Interaction of molecules or other objects in the sample with the second surface is detected as a change in amplitude and/or phase of deflection the second surface in response to an applied driving signal. A layer of binding molecules may be immobilized on the second surface and this surface exposed to a sample.

Abstract: Excitation light from a light source is caused to enter a finely apertured thin metal film, having fine apertures with diameters less than or equal to the wavelength of the excitation light, formed on a surface of a substrate different from a light incident surface thereof, through the substrate, to cause near field light to be generated at the fine apertures. Fluorescent labels included in a sample liquid supplied to contact the thin metal film are caused to emit light by the near field light and by surface plasmon which are induced in the finely apertured thin metal film by the near field light. Fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent labels is detected with a detector. Fluorescent particles having a plurality of fluorescent pigments enveloped in a transmitting material that transmits both the excitation light and the fluorescence are employed as the fluorescent labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for performing assays, especially for determining the presence and/or amount of one or more analytes. In particular, the invention relates to a device for the detection of analytes, comprising a reversibly compressible matrix located between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method using such a device for the detection of one or more species of analytes.

Abstract: A testing device for identifying an antigen or antibody within a biofluid sample including: a substrate having a hydrophilic surface thereon; the surface including a collection zone, and at least one detection zone extending therefrom; wherein the biofluid sample can be mixed with a specific antigen or antibody, and deposited on the collection zone and transferred by capillary action to the detection zone; the antigen or antibody in the biofluid sample reacting with an appropriate said antibody or antigen thereby resulting in a visual indication within the detection zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis device which can analyze substances with low blood concentration with high precision without having to make the device larger. The analysis device is composed of: a specimen disk equipped with specimen containers; a reagent disk equipped with reagent containers; a first disk equipped with first containers where purification of the subject component to be measured in the specimen is carried out; a second disk equipped with second containers where purification of the sample purified in the first container is carried out; and a mass spectrometry unit which measures the specimen purified in the second container.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for the simultaneous detection and/or quantification of various analytes in a sample or for the simultaneous detection and/or quantification of an analyte in various samples, comprising: a multi-electrode chip (10) comprising an array of microelectrodes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d); a single-duct cell (20), comprising a groove (21) which accommodates the multi-electrode chip (10) and a duct (22) through which a fluid sample can sequentially flow through each of the microelectrodes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of a multi-electrode chip (10) when the latter is inserted into the groove (21); and a multi-duct cell (30), comprising a groove (31) housing the multi-electrode chip (10) and several independent ducts (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) through which several samples can pass independently through each electrode (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the multi-electrode chip (10).

Abstract: Tubing such as clear plastic disposable tubing or glass tubing includes a photonic sensor formed in or placed within the tubing. The photonic sensors can take the form of photonic crystal sensors, distributed feedback laser sensors, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors, including photonic crystal enhanced SERS sensors. Detection arrangements for the sensors are described. The invention has many applications including tubing used in hospital care (e.g., urinary catheters, intravenous fluid delivery tubing, tubing used in dialysis, e.g. heparin lines or blood tubing sets), food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, water quality monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system, device, kit and method for detecting the presence, or concentration of a target in a sample. An assay set comprising at least two spaced apart electrodes is used, comprising a recognition moiety, capable of specific binding to the target, which is attached to at least one of the electrodes or the substrate therein between. If the recognition moiety binds the target then a conductive bridge can be formed between the electrodes, based on the complex between the recognition moiety and the target. The conductive bridge is formed by using nucleation-center forming entities attached to the complexes or to the targets from which a conductive substance is substantially grown. Alternatively the conducting bridge forms a conductive polymer between the electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetic bead assisted sampling system for a fluid sensor. Magnetic beads are dispersed in a sampling volume for collecting the analyte. The beads are packed into a small volume for pre-concentration of the analyte. A solvent may be applied to the beads to elute the analyte from the beads for movement to an analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the diagnosis or prognosis of a systemic inflammatory condition such as sepsis.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody characteristics used to design a whole blood Point of Care Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) immunoassay using an ELISA sandwich assay lacking one or more wash steps between the antigen capture, detection antibody addition and substrate introduction steps. This invention exhibits low cross reactivity with biologically similar interfering cross reacting species, such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Chorionic Gonadotropin (CG).

Abstract: A graphene nanomesh includes a sheet of graphene having a plurality of periodically arranged apertures, wherein the plurality of apertures have a substantially uniform periodicity and substantially uniform neck width. The graphene nanomesh can open up a large band gap in a sheet of graphene to create a semiconducting thin film. The periodicity and neck width of the apertures formed in the graphene nanomesh may be tuned to alter the electrical properties of the graphene nanomesh. The graphene nanomesh is prepared with block copolymer lithography. Graphene nanomesh field-effect transistors (FETs) can support currents nearly 100 times greater than individual graphene nanoribbon devices and the on-off ratio, which is comparable with values achieved in nanoribbon devices, can be tuned by varying the neck width. The graphene nanomesh may also be incorporated into FET-type sensor devices.

Abstract: Series of bio-detection elements, shown as short hollow transparent reaction vessels (32), batch-surface-coated with capture-agent, are placed in channel of larger width (a3; c8; 15; 28; 44), and fixed by flexible or elastomeric over-lying sheet (a1; c7; 13; 38). Portions of sheet form pneumatically-activated pistons (22; 36) and valves (23-27; 54) to produce and control channel flow. Overlying sheet is of reflectively-coated Mylar (b4) or PDMS, bonded with channel-defining structure. PDMS sheet is surface-activated for molecular-bond with PDMS channel-defining structure, molecular-bond with PDMS-valve-seat-forming portions (34) defeated by repeated make-and-break contact during cure. Pick-and-place of detection elements in channel employs electrostatic attraction to seize elements, enabling tool removal. Rigidly-backed parts are brought together to channel-fix detection elements. Active capture-agent on batch-coated bio-elements defeated by shear-force removal or laser-scanning deactivation, so, e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of biomarkers. In at least one embodiment of a microarray system of the present disclosure, the microarray system comprises a microarray product comprising at least 100 diagnostic markers/cm2, a microarray identifier, and a stabilizing agent, a control microarray product comprising a first specific binding pair member that binds to a first detectable label, and a processor for providing information regarding the identification and concentration of markers on the microarray based on the identity of the array provided by the microarray identifier.

Abstract: Methods by which specific biomarkers in saliva are used for risk detection, early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for contactless control of magnetic beads on a microfluidic card by means of external magnetic fields, without having to use complicated mechanics or hydraulics. Based on a modulation of the gradient of a magnetic field, magnetic beads are lifted in a first step in a contactless way out of different reaction chambers of the microfluidic card. By means of a translation movement or a variation or modulation of the gradient of a magnetic field, horizontal transport of the magnetic beads over a mechanical barrier of the microfluidic card is facilitated in a second step. It is possible in a third step to use a further modulation of the gradient of the magnetic field to lower the magnetic beads into a desired further fluid zone.

Abstract: A sample analysis disc has concave sections and convex sections formed alternately in a track area of a disc surface. Labeled beads are immobilized to the track area. Each labeled bead has a biopolymer bound thereto. Only one of the labeled beads is allowed to be filled in each concave section.

Abstract: [Object] To provide preparation of a detection antibody optimal for detecting by immunoassay raw pork in non-heated food with high performance and high sensitivity without causing non-specific reaction, a convenient and high-accuracy detection process using the detection antibody, and a detection kit therefor. [Solution] Provided is an immunochromatographic detection process of a protein derived from raw pork in non-heated food using an antibody specifically recognizing immunoglobulin G contained in raw pork in non-heated food as a detection antibody, an immunochromatography detection apparatus for conducting the detection process, and an immunochromatographic detection kit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sample. In some embodiments, the methods comprise depleting a biological sample of beta-1 transferrin by contacting the sample with a sialic acid-specific lectin bound to a solid support, followed by subjecting the beta-1 transferrin-depleted sample to a lateral flow immunoassay. The methods can be used to detect CSF comprised by a sample in under one hour. Furthermore, the methods can detect CSF in a biological sample such as a plasma sample of a volume as small as about 10 ?l.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement system MS1 provided with a plurality of loading units 10 into which a measurement tool 4 supporting a reagent is loaded. The measurement system MS1 includes reading means 2 for reading information on an analyte provider that includes identification information, and guidance means 11 for guiding the measurement tool 4 to which an analyte derived from the analyte provider has been or is to be applied, to a loading unit that is selected from the plurality of loading units 10 and individually associated with the analyte provider based on the identification information that has been read by the reading means 2. With such configuration, the measurement results obtained from the analyte derived from the analyte provider can be easily associated with the information on the analyte provider that includes the identification information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical trapping particle including a birefringent crystalline particle having a body and a length extending between a first end and a second end, said particle comprising an optic axis perpendicular to the length of the body, wherein the length of the body is greater than the largest width dimension of the first or second ends. The present invention also relates to an optical trapping particle including an optically isotropic particle having a body and a length extending between a first end and a second end, said particle having an asymmetric cross-section, wherein the length of the body is from about 10 nanometers to about 10 micrometers and is greater than the largest width dimension of the first or second ends. Angular optical trap systems including the optical trapping particles, methods of making, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biogenic substance concentration measuring apparatus includes an optical measuring apparatus for measuring optical properties of a first substrate and a second substrate by using a cell for biogenic substance concentration measurement that includes: the first substrate on which a plurality of first metallic nanorods, each of which is modified with a substance that bonds specifically to a test substance, are immobilized such that the long axes thereof are aligned in the same direction; and the second substrate on which a plurality of second metallic nanorods, each of which is modified with a blocking substance, are immobilized such that the long axes thereof are aligned perpendicularly to the long axes of the first metallic nanorods on the first substrate, and calculates a biogenic substance concentration with high accuracy from the optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury.

Abstract: The invention provides for rapid response analysis through lateral flow chromatographic assays of specific antigens present in human or animal fluids, or in agricultural, microbial or biological products, with an audio and visual result of the analysis and when needed, an electronic surge to provide heat for rapid results. A lateral flow device for conducting the analysis includes a plurality of components, and a method for making the device forms components of the device on an elongate, ribbon-like substrate of dielectric material, then folds the substrate into shorter lengths which are then secured together to establish a multiple-layered, self-sustaining structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analysis device provided with: a first sample processing portion which is disposed in a first layer and performs some of a plurality of processes on a sample in a container; a second sample processing portion which is disposed in a second layer located above or under the first layer and performs at least some other processes among the plurality of processes on the sample in the container, the some of the plurality of processes having been performed on the sample; and a container transfer portion which transfers the container, which contains the sample on which the some of the processes have been performed, from the first layer to the second layer.

Abstract: Provided are a DNA sequence analysis method of high precision providing improved optical limits by detecting wavelengths of lights emitted from labels in the state where a DNA is electrically tethered and completely stretch, and a nanodevice chip for automating the method. Also provided are a DNA sequence analysis method capable of removing binding errors through complementarily binding between a plurality of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) labeled with labels emitting lights of different wavelengths and a target DNA to be sequenced, and resolving the limit in optical spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a target antibody, particularly a target autoantibody, in a sample, using a small molecule fluorophore-labelled target antigen, or a functional fragment, functional variant or functional derivative thereof that specifically binds to the target antibody. Detection is typically carried out using immunodiffusion or immunoelectrophoresis. The invention also relates to methods of diagnosing disease, particularly autoimmune disease, using small molecule fluorophore labelled target antigens and autoantigens. Small molecule fluorophore labelled target antigens, including autoantigens, are also disclosed, as are uses such.