Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, at least in part, to methods for imagewise patterning of a surface. Such patterned surfaces can be used, e.g., in microfluidic devices. Accordingly, the present invention is also directed, at least in part, to nanopatterned devices which include a microchannel structure and methods for forming such devices.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic control chip, which includes a filter section having a filter to which anti-immunoglobulin antibodies, which are bound to endogenous antibodies in blood to thereby remove the endogenous antibodies, are immobilized, a first reaction section to which detection antibodies immobilized to fluorescent nano-particles are adsorbed, the detection antibodies being bound to proteins to be detected in blood which is introduced from the filter section with the endogenous antibodies removed therefrom, and a second reaction and detection section including capture antibodies immobilized thereto, binding the capture antibodies to the proteins, which are bound to the detection antibodies introduced from the first reaction section, and detecting a concentration of the proteins based on an intensity of fluorescent light. Thus, the microfluidic control chip can minimize interference of an immune response to maximize the immune response.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions which may be utilized as adhesives or sealants in medical and surgical applications. The compositions may, in embodiments, be formed from the cycloaddition reaction of a first component possessing at least one azide group with a second component possessing at least one alkyne group.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor capable of a trace amount of sample and a fabrication method thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for fabricating a biosensor, the method comprising: immobilizing a receptor molecule, which binds selectively to a target substance, on an electrically insulated nano-electrode chip; binding an enzyme to the receptor molecule; and treating the bound enzyme with metal ions and depositing the metal ions on the nano-electrode surface, and to a biosensor fabricated thereby. According to the invention, a precipitate is produced on the nano-electrode surface by a precipitation between the enzyme and the metal ions, and the produced precipitate electrically connects the nano-electrodes together, thereby increasing electrical conductivity. Thus, the invention is useful for quantitative analysis of trace amounts and/or various concentrations of target substances.

Abstract: To provide a simple method for producing a cell culture scaffold material having a nanoporous surface in which the pore density, pore diameter and pore diameter distribution are easily controlled. A method for producing a cell culture scaffold material, comprising: providing a substrate; foaming a layer comprising a material having a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix on the substrate; and selectively removing the nanoparticles from the layer comprising a material having a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a Raman active composite material comprising a metal particle; a coating layer of a Raman active molecule bound to the metal particle; and an encapsulating layer of an amphiphilic polymer bound to the metal particle. The present invention also refers to methods of manufacturing a Raman active composite material described herein and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor, wherein non-specific adsorption on a surface that does not retain a physiologically active substance (reference unit) is suppressed. The biosensor of the invention includes a substrate having at least two types of surfaces on a single plane, wherein at least one of the surfaces does not retain a physiologically active substance, and wherein at least two types of hydrophilic compounds with different molecular weights are bound to the surface that does not retain a physiologically active substance.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding surfaces for the immobilization of ligands, ligand surfaces and structured surface arrays which present a plurality of identical or different ligands. The invention further relates to a process for the production and the use of such surfaces and to specific binder molecules which can be used for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for glucose sensing obtained by dispersing in a solvent such as acetone a nanofibrous membrane fabricated by electrospinning a mixture containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(aminophenylboronic acid). Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on an electrospun nanofibrous membrane by depositing the composition on an electrode.

Abstract: A resonant nanosensor apparatus associated with a functionalized monolayer for detecting carbon dioxide and a method of forming the same. A wafer including a sensing vibrating beam and a reference vibrating beam may be functionalized with a functional group in order to form a sensing self monolayer. The sensing self assembled monolayer may be configured by bridging oxygen or carbon atoms covalently bonded with respect to the vibrating beams. A liquid solution of hydrochloric acid may then be applied to the sensing self assembled monolayer at the surface of the reference beam by a direct printing process to obtain a reference monolayer. The liquid solution of HCl transforms the functional groups responsible for the carbon dioxide detection into protonated groups, which do not react with carbon dioxide, but possess visco-elastic properties similar to that of the sensing monolayer.

Abstract: Three-dimensional cellular arrays, methods of making three-dimensional cellular arrays, and methods of identifying agents using the arrays are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervention device is disclosed for collecting biological material comprises a surface with a coating covering the surface at least in part. In at least one embodiment, capture molecules, by which the biological material can be bound, are immobilized on the coating. The capture molecules are distributed stochastically on the coating.

Abstract: Provided are methods comprising the use of non-sugar organic compatible solutes for protection and preservation of the activity of biologically active molecules and conjugate labels. The methods are particularly adaptable for use in conjunction with immunoassays, such as for example, immunochromatographic test assays and may be incorporated into any test methodology wherein a dry test strip is used as a carrier for depositing, mobilizeable and/or immobilized biologically active molecules and/or conjugate labels.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor capable of increasing a detecting sensitivity of a target substance of glutamate, by using a nano wire having excellent electrical characteristics and by immobilizing a receptor of glutamate to be detected on a substrate which is disposed between a nano wire and another nano wire and a method for manufacturing the same. The biosensor for detecting glutamate according to the present invention can be manufactured with an arrangement in which the nano wire is selectively arranged on a solid substrate in a matrix. Since this biosensor can prevent the degradation of the nano wire in the electrical characteristic, it can sensitively detect glutamate even through a small amount thereof is contained in a food so that it can be effectively used in detecting the food additive existing in the processed foodstuffs.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a ligand to a surface are described that include contacting a surface with a substrate containing an amphiphilic comb polymer. The substrate is configured to provide a pattern of the amphiphilic comb polymer on a selected region of the surface. The substrate can be separated from the surface leaving the amphiphilic comb polymer on the selected region of the surface, thus providing a selected region of the surface having amphiphilic comb polymer on it. A ligand can then be deposited on the surface such that the selected region of the surface having the amphiphilic comb polymer is substantially free of the ligand.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biosensor chip includes: forming at least one metallic layer on a transparent substrate to form a composite member; disposing the composite member in a vacuumed chamber, and introducing a gas into the vacuumed chamber; applying microwave energy to the gas to produce a microwave plasma of the gas within the vacuumed chamber, and causing the microwave plasma to interact with the metallic layer so that the metallic layer is melted and formed into a plurality of metallic nanoparticles that are spaced apart from each other and that expose partially the surface of the transparent substrate; and disposing a receptor at the surface of the transparent substrate that is exposed among the metallic nanoparticles. A biosensor chip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for using gradient nanotopography to increase mammalian cell attachment and cell confinement on surfaces. A surface platform consisting of a thin film of gold possessing a gradient of topography on the surface and self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols presenting desired functional groups is formed. A gradient in the chemical properties is induced in the terminal groups of the monolayer because of the continuous increase in the surface area and the anisotropy of gold film structure. The gradient nanotopraphy provides simultaneous control of two key properties, the presentation of the terminal functional groups and a continuous increase in the surface density of functional groups on the surface. This control provides for drug screening assays using adherent cell-based experiments.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a plastic substrate with lower auto-fluorescence and better specificity. The method includes: (a) preparing a plastic substrate having an Atomic Force Microscopic (AFM) surface roughness of Ra<3 nm or Rq<4 nm under the condition of 50 ?m×50 ?m or less; (b) treating the plastic substrate with plasma; and (c) treating the plastic substrate with a surface-modifying monomer. A plastic substrate manufactured by the method is also provided. The plastic substrate exhibits a remarkably low auto-fluorescence and thus better specificity for detection of target biomolecules, which enables the broad application of a plastic substrate, which can be easily designed to include a microfluidic structure relative to a glass substrate but has been limitedly used due to high auto-fluorescence, to microarrays, biochips, or well plates.

Abstract: Improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates comprising chemically-derivatized magnetic microparticles complexed with metal colloidal particles or substrates. The SERS substrates permit collection, detection, measurement, and/or analysis of analytes present at concentrations ranging parts per trillion to parts per billion. Further, compositions, methods, and devices that provide for rapid and/or sensitive detection of chemical compounds of interest present in small concentrations. The subject matter has use in the areas of homeland security and force protection, for example, in the detection of trace samples including, for example, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), chlorinated solvents, TNT, nerve agents, blister agents, metal ions, anions, antigens, peptides, nucleic acids, spores, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral fluid rapid immunochromatography test. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oral fluid collection swab separate from a lateral flow immunochromatography strip for detecting an analyte in oral fluid, consisting essentially of a sample pad, a conjugate pad, a test zone and control zone pad made of at least one matrix material, wherein the conjugate pad lies downstream of the sample pad, and is striped with a conjugate; the test and control zone pad lies downstream of the conjugate pad, wherein the test zone is immobilized with an specific binding reagent that specifically binding to the target analyte; and the control zone, downstream of the test zone, is immobilized with a second capture reagent. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the strip, a lateral flow immunochromatography method for detecting an analyte in oral fluid by using the strip, and kits containing the strip.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a capillary driven assay device, includes the steps of: a) providing a capillary substrate, b) modifying the hydrophilicity of the surface of the substrate, c) mixing a matrix and a capturing molecule in a solution to obtain a solution comprising capturing molecules covalently bound to the matrix, and d) depositing the solution in a distinct area in the at least one retaining zone. A capillary driven assay device is obtainable by the method permitting the substrate to be modified with one surface chemistry and capturing molecules to be deposited in an optimal matrix on desired areas. Less matrix material is consumed, permitting several different matrix materials to be used on one chip.

Abstract: A method of stamping of molecular patterns and/or devices based on the reversible self-assembly of molecules, particularly organic molecules is disclosed. This method is suitable for the stamping of almost any nanofabricated device and can be used to transferring a large amount of pattern information from one substrate to another at the same time.

Abstract: A new class of biosensors and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The biosensors are multi-layered membrane composites, where at least one layer is prepared by the layer-by-layer process and at least one layer is responsive to changes is a property of a biological system such as changes in the concentration of an atom, ion, molecule or molecular assembly. Because the biosensors are multi-layered, a single biosensor is capable monitor a number of different properties of a biological system simultaneously. The biosensors are monitored by systems that impinge an excitation waveform on the biosensors and analyze a reflected and/or a transmitted resultant waveform. Additionally, the biosensors can be associated with field activated electronic components so that implantable, self-contained analytical devices can be constructed and monitored by field generators, where data is transmitted to an analyzer after field activation.

Abstract: Provided are a flexible biosensor using a gold binding substance and a method for manufacturing the same. The flexible biosensor includes: a flexible substrate; a silicon substrate which is formed on the flexible substrate and on which source and drain regions doped with a first type impurity are formed with a predetermined gap; and source, drain and gate electrodes which are formed on the silicon substrate and comprise gold, wherein, on the gate electrode, a fused protein which is formed by fusion with a gold binding substance specifically binding to gold is immobilized. Since the biosensor is embodied on a flexible substrate, it may effectively overcome the limitation of the existing biosensor embodied on a silicon substrate.

Abstract: A simple and reproducible preparative method for the fabrication of surface-chemical gradients is described herein. Surface-chemical gradient films are prepared by using a liquid front in relative motion to the substrate (e.g. immersion by a linear-motion drive or the use of a spreading droplet) to gradually expose substrate samples to very dilute solutions of adsorbates. As demonstrated by XPS, the self-assembled monolayer gradients produced in this way display a high packing density. This method can be used in the preparation of other gradients of various chemical or biochemical functionalities in one or two dimensions. Such gradients can be used in a wide variety of applications in such diverse areas as cell motility studies, nanotribology research, and high-throughput screening.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes conjugated probes that contain a specific binding member for the analyte of interest. The specific binding member preferentially complexes with the analyte within a test sample when contacted therewith. Excess analyte that remains uncomplexed with the specific binding member undergoes non-specific binding, such as to a hydrophobic domain. As a result, the ability of the uncomplexed analyte to compete with the complexed analyte at the detection zone of the device is restricted. Thus, the incidence of “false negatives” is limited in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying the amount or concentration of one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples using differentially isotopically-labeled peptides and/or proteins. The invention also provides methods of identifying one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples.

Abstract: A method of immobilising a biological molecule on a substrate comprises: (i) covalently attaching a substantially three-dimensional polysilane polymer to a substrate; and (ii) attaching a biological molecule onto and/or within the polymer. The method may additionally comprise the steps of coating the substrate (or the chemically protective layer) with a layer of radiation sensitive material, exposing the substrate to a source of radiation, and incubating the substrate in the presence of a first species of biological molecule.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: A concentrated and ligand-coated gold colloid and a method of preparing it. Also disclosed is a rapid biomolecule quantification assay involving the use of the concentrated gold colloid and an apparatus for performing the assay.

Abstract: An analytical strip including a substrate and a channel structure is disclosed. A substrate has a flat surface and the channel is formed on the flat surface according to a predetermined pattern. The surface of channel structure is not lower than the surface of the substrate. The channel has a hollow-matrix conformation and the channel is more hydrophilic than the flat surface of the substrate is. The strip also contains a reaction material formed in the hollow-matrix.

Abstract: A reagent device such as an electro-chemical micro-electrode sensor is provided with one or more reagent modules to carry respective reagents. The device includes respective receiving stations for receiving the reagent modules on board. The reagent modules may be tested independently before assembly of the device and hence yields are improved.

Abstract: An amperometric sensor for uric acid and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed, in which polyacrylamide is used to fix catalase, uricase and ferrocenecarboxylic acid on a working electrode. In determining concentration of uric acid, hydrogen peroxide is produced when enzyme and uric acid react with each other and then a reduction current generated from enzyme on the electrode with an external voltage 200 mV applied is detected. In determining concentration of uric acid, a concentration range of 2.5-20 mg/dl is achieved and sensibility of the sensor in a linear portion is 5.17 uAcm?2(mg/dl)?1. In addition, reaction time required for the reaction between enzyme and uric acid is 5.17 uAcm?2(mg/dl)?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an protein monolayer using a peptide hybrid for protein immobilization, more precisely a peptide hybrid for protein immobilization which has improved solubility by introducing a PEG linker and a proper reaction group to the oligopeptide having specific affinity to selected types of proteins and is designed to provide enough space between solid substrates and proteins immobilized, whereby various solid substrates treated by the hybrid catch specific proteins effectively on. The peptide hybrid for protein immobilization of the present invention facilitates the control of orientation of an antibody on various solid surfaces and immobilization of various antibodies of different origins or having different isotypes with different affinity. Therefore, the surface treatment technique using the peptide hybrid of the invention can be effectively used for the production of various immunosensors and immune chips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label-free biosensor system, a method for manufacturing said label-free biosensor system, its use for detecting biochemical reactions and/or bindings, enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid hybridizations, protein-protein interactions and protein-ligand interactions, as well as an assay method for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte of interest in a biological sample which comprises detecting the Recognition Induced Birefringence (RIB) generated in the presence as opposed to the absence of said analyte by bringing said sample into contact with said label-free biosensor system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing an analyte detecting device. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substrate, applying a plurality of layer of materials on said substrate; applying a layer containing at least one mediator; and screen printing a hydrogel on the layer.

Abstract: Provided are a biosensor and a method of fabricating the same. The biosensor has a transistor structure including a gate electrode formed on a substrate, a gate insulating layer formed on the gate electrode, source and drain electrodes formed on the gate insulating layer, and a channel region formed between the source and drain electrodes. Here, the channel region includes an active layer formed of an active polymer sensing an antigen-antibody reaction and a hydrophilic nano particle. The active layer is formed through direct printing, for example, inkjet printing. The biosensor having such a structure can be increased in reactivity between an antigen and an antibody and hydrophilicity to improve the sensor's characteristics, fabricated in a large-area process using direct printing, and further facilitates formation of devices on various substrates formed of, for example, plastic.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of chemical messengers is described herein. In particular a sensor for the detection of catecholamines, for example dopamine, epinephrine or norepinephrine, is reported. Catecholamines play pivotal roles as neurotransmitters and hormones in the human body. An electrode for detecting a catecholamine comprising a conducting or semi-conducting substrate, and a polymer comprising polyethylenedioxythiophene on said substrate is disclosed. The polymer is doped with a cyclodextrin macrocycle. Suitable cyclodextrin macrocycles include anionic cyclodextrin macrocycles, for example sulfonated ?-cyclodextrins (CDs). Also, disclosed in sensor capable of selectively detecting a catecholamine in the presence of ascorbic acid (ascorbate).

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample includes a liquid permeable composition for making a physical separation between compositions of the sample or for reacting with components. The liquid permeable composition has adhesive properties and can be used to make a multi-layered test strip or the composition can be used in the sample wells of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen-capture substrates useful for orienting capture antibodies for immunosorbent antigen determination.

Abstract: A device for performing target activated transfer that includes a mounting surface for mounting a tissue sample; and a light source positioned to substantially uniformly irradiate both stained and unstained regions of the tissue sample with light energy that activates the reagent to selectively adhere the stained regions to a transfer surface. Also described is an automated system for transferring tissue from a tissue sample to a transfer substrate. The system includes means for holding a tissue section that includes targets specifically stained with an absorptive stain thereby resulting in a stained tissue surface, and a flexible transfer film that includes a lower thermoplastic layer in sufficient thermal contact with the stained tissue surface; an irradiating assembly configured to provide a predetermined uniform light dose to the entire tissue section; and means for applying a constant pressure to the transfer film during irradiation.

Abstract: Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid immunochromatographic detection of a target in a sample by double sandwich immunoassay detection, wherein the target is an antibody and/or an antigen, using different colloidal gold conjugates conjugated with a first and a second specific antibody or antigen and with at least one oligonucleotide and its at least one complementary oligonucleotide and/or at least one non-specific antibody and its related non-specific antigen, to a rapid immunochromatographic detection device, to uses of the method for detecting diseases or specific conditions, and to a method for the manufacture of the device as well as to a kit which comprises the device.