Abstract: An element for the attachment of protein arrays, the element comprising a surface to which are attached a plurality of piperazine functional groups wherein the piperazine functional groups are represented by Formula I: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, are hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylhalo, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylthio, alkoxy, with the proviso that at least one of R1 to R10 be a non-labile chemical unit that attaches the piperazine functional group to the surface of the element.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for creation of patterned lipid bilayer membranes as well as methods for refunctionalization of such patterned membranes with selected components. Such components optionally comprise, e.g., lipid bilayer membranes (which optionally comprise specific proteins), proteins, non-biologic moieties, etc.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid crystal device, includes: contacting an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant and a receptor molecule with a top surface of a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is in a holding compartment of a substrate, and the receptor molecule is adsorbed on the top surface of the liquid crystal forming an interface between the liquid crystal and the aqueous solution. The receptor molecule is different than the surfactant. A method of detecting a compound in a flowing stream includes passing an aqueous solution over a top surface of a liquid crystal in a holding compartment of a substrate. The method also includes determining whether a change in the orientation of the liquid crystal occurs as the aqueous solution is passed over the top surface of the liquid crystal. A change in the orientation of the liquid crystal indicates the presence of the compound in the flowing stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrochemical sensor for the detection of an analyte in a fluid test sample. The electrochemical sensor is of the type in which the fluid test sample is drawn into a capillary space and the improvement to the sensor involves an arrangement where a portion of the sensor's counter electrode is placed on the edge of the capillary space in a relationship to the sensor's working electrode such that if the capillary space is not completely filled there will be generated only a very weak current. When the sensor is connected to a properly programmed current detector, the weak current caused by the underfilling of the capillary space will be detected as an error and will notify the user of the sensor that the test should not be continued.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biosensors having improved sample application and measuring properties and their uses for detection, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample. In particular, the invention provides for a biosensor having a sample application, reaction area and liquid soluble hydrophilic material facilitating the speed and uniformity of sample application, especially small volume sample application, via capillary flow. Methods for assaying analytes or enzymes using the biosensors are further provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method of making a microarray comprising the steps of: providing a support; coating on the support a receiving layer to receive microspheres, the receiving layer being capable of undergoing sol/gel transition; coating on the receiving layer a dispersion of microspheres in a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid contains at least one crosslinking agent and is capable of solvating the receiving layer; allowing the microspheres to partially submerge into the receiving layer; creating conditions to induce sol/gel transition in the receiving layer, thus immobilizing the microspheres; evaporating off the carrier fluid; and allowing crosslinking reaction between the receiving layer and the crosslinker in the carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides imprint bead compositions useful for capturing, isolating, detecting, analyzing and/or quantifying molecules in a sample. The imprint bead compositions comprise a matrix material having imprint cavities of a template molecule or molecules imprinted thereon wherein a substantial number of the imprint cavities are located at or near the surface of the matrix material.

Abstract: Methods of fixing and processing tissue and samples on a membrane by using ultrasound radiation as a part of the method are presented. Ultrasound of a frequency in the range of 0.1–50 MHz is used and the sample or tissue receives 0.1–200 W/cm2 of ultrasound intensity. The use of ultrasound allows much shorter times in the methods. Also presented are apparati comprising transducers of one or of multiple heads for producing the ultrasound radiation and further comprising a central processing unit and optionally comprising one or more sensors. Sensors can include those to measure and monitor ultrasound and temperature. This monitoring system allows one to achieve accurate and optimum tissue fixation and processing without overfixation and tissue damage. The system also allows the performance of antigen-antibody reactions or nucleic acid hybridizations to be completed in a very short time while being highly specific and with a very low or no background.

Abstract: A composition containing polydisperse aminodextran polymer molecules is soluble in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. The molecules therein have a narrow size distribution characterized by an average molecule mean hydrodynamic diameter of greater than 115 nm, a polydispersity index of between 0.10 and 0.47, an average molecular weight (MW) greater than 3 million daltons, and an amine content of greater than 50 amines per molecule. Similar soluble compositions contain the polymer molecules with an average MW of greater than 7 million daltons. These compositions are useful in forming reagents by conjugation with proteins for labeling cells. Methods of making these compositions and reagents from conventional mixtures of aminodextran polymers involve fractionation on column chromatography.

Abstract: A method including forming a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide on a substrate having a dimension suitable for an implant and forming a second coating layer on the first coating layer that promotes osseointegration. An apparatus comprising a substrate having a dimension suitable as a medical or dental implant and a coating on a surface of a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide and a second coating layer that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices for the localized delivery of therapeutic agents, such as drugs, to a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to a device having a gradient of water soluble therapeutic agents within a therapeutic agent layer and a mixing layer that allows for controlled release of the therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A device containing a support member, a cross-linked polymer, and a pH buffer agent. A surface of the support member is coated with the cross-linked polymer in which the pH buffer agent is embedded.

Abstract: A method for the acyl fluoride activation of a carboxysilyl-coated glass is described. The method includes providing a glass substrate having a surface with at least one pendant carboxysilyl linker comprising a carboxyl group and activating without etching the surface of the glass by converting the carboxyl group into an acyl fluoride group. In one embodiment, the surface of the glass may be activated by contacting the surface with a fluoridating agent and a tertiary amine reagent, and a solvent that is capable of binding hydrogen fluoride. A substrate for the covalent immobilization of nucleophile-containing species is also provided. The substrate comprises a glass having a surface with a pendant carboxysilyl linker activated by acyl fluoride without etching the surface of the glass. The invention also provides a bioarray formed on a glass surface activated with acyl fluorides without etching.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and this is quite stable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioactive coating composition, method and devices for bodily fluid-contacting surfaces. The coating comprises a complex of Formula II: wherein R1 is an C1-18alkyl or C6-32aryl group, each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-18alkyl and C6-32aryl, R3 is N or O, n is a number from 1 to 10, and x in a number from 1 to about 30, directly bound to a heparin-activity molecule via covalent bonding, with one or more bioactive molecules bound to the heparin-activity molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for derivatizing supports on a carriers, wherein a functional group is activated on a support surface by reaction with an activating reagent and then reacted with an amine component. The invention also relates to a support with a dendrimer structure on its surface and to the use of a support that has been produced according to the invention for binding biopolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a material surface, comprising the steps of: (a) applying to the material surface a tie layer comprising a polyionic material; (b) covalently binding a bifunctional compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated double b3nd to the tie layer; and (c) graft polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer onto the compound comprising the ethylenically unsaturated double bond. The coated articles that are obtainable by the process of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding adherences to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability, biocompatibility and permeability and are thus useful for the manufacture of biomedical articles such as ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for coating a metallic or semimetallic surface in which coating molecules containing reactive groups are bound covalently to the surface by irradiation with light and it also concerns a structured coated surface.

Abstract: Multifunctional, polyionic copolymers with molecular architectures and properties optimized for specific applications are synthesized on/or applied to substrate surfaces for analytical and sensing purposes. The coatings are particularly useful for suppression of non-specific interaction, adsorption or attachment of molecular or ionic components present in an analyte solution. Chemical, biochemical or biological groups that are able to recognize, interact with and bind specifically to target molecules in the material containing the analyte to be detected can be coupled to, integrated into, or absorbed to the multifunctional copolymers. These multifunctional copolymer coatings are compatible with a variety of different established methods to detect, sense and quantify the target molecule in an analyte.

Abstract: A method is provided for the labeling of individual cells. Labeling is accomplished by coating a particle with at least one dye or nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker protein. The particle is then propelled toward the cell resulting in the particle contacting the cell for a time sufficient for the dye or nucleic acid to leave the particle and enter the cell. The present method allows for the differential labeling of individual cells within dense populations of cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for the controlled deposition and alignment of carbon nanotubes. A carbon nanotube (CNT) attraction material is deposited on a substrate in the gap region between two electrodes on the substrate. An electric potential is applied to the two electrodes. The CNT attraction material is wetted with a solution defined by a carrier liquid having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended therein. A portion of the CNTs align with the electric field and adhere to the CNT attraction material. The carrier liquid and any CNTs not adhered to the CNT attraction material are then removed.

Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal. Components of such systems include: (1) an airway adapter, sampling cell, or the like having a sensor which is excited into luminescence with the luminescence decaying in a manner reflecting the concentration of oxygen in gases flowing through the airway adapter or other flow device; (2) a transducer which has a light source for exciting a luminescable composition in the sensor into luminescence and a light sensitive detector for converting energy emitted from the luminescing composition as that composition is quenched into an electrical signal indicative of oxygen concentration in the gases being monitored; and (3) subsystems for maintaining the sensor temperature constant and for processing the signal generated by the light sensitive detector. Sensors for systems of the character just described, methods of fabricating those sensors, and methods for installing the sensors in the flow device.

Abstract: A gelatin-based substrate for fabricating protein arrays, the substrate containing: gelatin and a trifunctional compound A—L—B; wherein A is a functional group capable of interacting with the gelatin; L is a linking group capable of interacting with A and with B; and B is a functional group capable of interacting with a protein capture agent. A may be the same or different from B.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A system for drying chemical reagents on material, particularly for producing product used in making reagent test strips is described. By drying selected chemicals on substrate drawn past a radiant energy source (preferably an IR source), rapid drying may be achieved while obtaining high-quality product. Airflow sufficient to break or disturb a vapor boundary layer above drying solution may be provided to increase drying speeds. Any airflow provided should not disturb the surface of the solution. Still, air-impingement drying techniques may be employed in the system to finish drying reagent material once it is sufficiently dry to be stable in shape. The substrate upon which chemicals are dried may include a reflective coating to facilitate its use with high levels of radiant energy. A metallic or metalized substrate is advantageously used in producing electrochemical test strips. Such test strips may be used in conjunction with various kits and be conveniently read using known hand-held meters.

Abstract: Biomedical devices with stable peptide coatings are provided. The coatings are formed by incorporating at least one latent reactive component into the reactive mixture, forming a medical device from said reactive mixture and reacting said medical device with a coating effective amount of a coating peptide to bond said coating to the surface by ester or amide linkages.

Abstract: A system for drying chemical reagents on material, particularly for producing product used in making reagent test strips is described. By drying selected chemicals on substrate drawn past a radiant energy source (preferably an IR source), rapid drying may be achieved while obtaining high-quality product. Airflow sufficient to break or disturb a vapor boundary layer above drying solution may be provided to increase drying speeds. Any airflow provided should not disturb the surface of the solution. Still, air-impingement drying techniques may be employed in the system to finish drying reagent material once it is sufficiently dry to be stable in shape. The substrate upon which chemicals are dried may include a reflective coating to facilitate its use with high levels of radiant energy. A metallic or metalized substrate is advantageously used in producing electrochemical test strips. Such test strips may be used in conjunction with various kits and be conveniently read using known hand-held meters.

Abstract: A sensor including a sensing layer is disposed over an electrode or an optode and a layer-by-layer assembled mass transport limiting membrane disposed over the sensing layer. The membrane includes at least one layer of a polyanionic or polycationic material. The assembled layers of the membrane are typically disposed in an alternating manner. The sensor also optionally includes a biocompatible membrane.

Abstract: A manufacture method for forming a disposable plate electrode with biological active film is used to cooperate with a biological sensor for analyzing composition and measuring concentration of a test sample according to electric effect resulted from a biochemical reaction. The plate electrode comprises at least an electrode portion for transmission of the electric effect as well as a biological active film that reacts with the test sample chemically or biochemically. The biological active film contains a carrier layer (cellulose, for example) for adsorbing and keeping the biological active substance (enzyme, for example), which, the carrier layer, can change the electrode portion from hydrophobic into hydrophilic and protect the biological active substance against impairment during relatively higher temperature drying process.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biosensor comprising a conducting surface, a layer of dielectric material overlying the conducting surface, a plurality of micro electrodes constituted by a plurality of pores extending through the thickness of said dielectric layer, a biopolymer positioned on the conducting surface in said pores, and a counter electrode arranged such that electrical connection can be made between it and at least part of said conducting surface by a fluid to be assessed. Such a device can be made using a method comprising the steps of providing a conducting surface; providing a layer of dielectric material adjacent to said conducting surface, said dielectric material comprising a plurality of pores extending through the thickness of the dielectric layer; providing a biopolymer on the conducting surface in said pores; and providing a counter electrode insulated from said conducting surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an auxiliary area that contains a redox species on a working electrode. The auxiliary area provides a low resistance current path between the working electrode and a pseudo reference/counter electrode. The auxiliary area is an integral part of the working electrode and allows an enhanced current to flow. The enhanced current adds to the measurement signal. This reduces non-monotonic current decay, which can lead to erroneous analyte measurements.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode (ISE) array is described, as well as methods for producing the same. The array can contain multiple ISE which are individually electronically addressed. The addressing allows simplified preparation of the array. The array can be used for water quality monitoring, for example.

Abstract: As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an electrode test strip. The electrochemical electrode test strip comprises an insulating base plate, a electrode system on the base plate, a spacer which partially covers the electrode system and a channel trench with a constant width is formed thereof, a reactive film, and a cover on the spacer with an first opening thereof. Wherein the electrode system comprises at least a working electrode and a reference electrode, and the working electrode and the reference electrode is isolated. The reactive film contains at least on active species that can have a specific redox reaction with the analyte. The first opening exposes the channel trench, and two second openings are located at the two ends of the channel trench.

Abstract: The microarrays of the present invention are prepared by using a separate fiber for each compound being used in the microarray. The fibers are bundled and sectioned to form a thin microarray that is glued to a backing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the treatment of surfaces using surface adsorbing polymers, methods for decreasing the adsorption of organic materials onto the surface of treated devices or vessels, methods for performing fluid operations involving the treatment of surfaces, and apparatus and systems comprising the treated surfaces. Further, the present invention provides a method for treating the surface of microfluidics channel wherein the microfluidics surface is coated for deactivation and wherein this coating can be easily regenerated. The present invention also provides a method for treating the surface of a plastic device. The surface adsorbing polymers of the invention are particularly stable at temperatures and conditions required for biochemical reactions, especially in applications involving temperature cycling or polymerization of polynucleotides or polypeptides.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Multiplexed assays using the surface detector array device of the present invention are disclosed, as are automated methods for making the surface detector array device that enable formation of arrays wherein the composition of the individual, addressable bilayer regions is unrestricted.

Abstract: A substrate with a charged surface coated with one or more bilayers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Subsequent optional bilayers of polyelectrolytes must bear alternating opposite charges. The final or top layer may be activated for biomolecular attachment.

Abstract: A system for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strop production.

Abstract: The present invention provides imprint compositions useful for capturing, isolating, detecting and/or quantifying macromolecules in a sample, methods of making and using the same. Generally, the imprint compositions comprise a matrix material defining an imprint of a template molecule, and the template molecule typically corresponds to a portion of a macromolecule of interest.

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: A medical diagnostic device has a non-absorbent substrate that has a hydrophilic target area on which a reagent is deposited by non-impact printing of microdroplets. During deposition, the device is moved relative to the stream of microdroplets to form a substantially uniform reagent layer on the substrate. The device is particularly well adapted for measuring blood coagulation times. In a preferred embodiment, coagulation times are determined by monitoring the optical transmission of light through the target area as an applied blood sample interacts with the reagent.

Abstract: A film media which is sensitive to low-energy x-rays which is suitable for use for measuring exposures within the range from about 200 to 1500 rads which is the range likely to cause patient skin injury. Moreover, the film product of the present invention can be made in large sheets. Accordingly, it is suitable for use during surgical procedures and particularly for full body exposure and in those cases when the location of the point of maximum exposure is not necessarily known. The Inventive film media is composed of a first support layer of a polymeric film which is permeable to low energy x-rays and a second layer thereon of a composition comprising a microcrystalline dispersion of a substantially crystalline image receptive polyacetylenic compound, and a compound that selectively absorbs incident low energy photon radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for fabricating solid supports. More specifically, the present invention features methods for fabricating solid supports for in situ synthesis and for carrying out large numbers of reactions. The present invention also features solid supports with in situ synthesized long polynucleotides.

Abstract: Amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticle compositions and processes for synthesizing the same are described. The process consists of obtaining a carboxylated polymer in substantially pure form, which is used to prepare a substantially size homogeneous, polymer coated carboxyl, functionalized magnetic nanoparticle. The carboxyl groups are converted to reactive primary amino groups by the use of a water-soluble carbodiimide followed by reaction of a large excess of a diamine. The amine-terminated nanoparticles are then reacted with bifunctional crosslinking agents and with various biomolecules to make nanoparticles for in vitro assays, cell sorting applications and target specific MR contrast agents.

Abstract: A printing plate is prepared by applying an imageable medium to a lithographic substrate by positive-displacement metering of the imageable medium. The method is applied in on-press platemaking machines, separate platemaking machines and plate coating machines.

Abstract: We describe an assay device which comprises (a) a substrate comprising: (i) a porous material capable of chromatographically transporting a liquid and (ii) one or more test reagents for an assay provided on the porous material; and (b) a water-impermeable coating polymer attached to the porous material so as to define a continuous bibulous compartment.

Abstract: An optical fiber is tapered, preferably adiabatically, and has a material coated on it for chemical bonding with fluorophores. When the fluorophores couple with the material, evanescent radiation generated fibers causes the fluorophores to fluoresce, and the fluorescence is coupled back into the fiber.