Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant OmpG polypeptides, compositions comprising the OmpG variant polypeptides, and methods for using the variant OmpG polypeptides as nanopores for determining the sequence of single stranded nucleic acids. The variant OmpG nanopores reduce the ionic current noise versus the parental OmpG polypeptide from which they are derived and thereby enable sequencing of polynucleotides with single nucleotide resolution. The reduced ionic current noise also provides for the use of these OmpG nanopore variants in other single molecule sensing applications, e.g., protein sequencing.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for reduction of autofluorescence in biological samples, comprising the steps of: a) providing a biological microscopy sample; b) irradiating the sample with visible light, wherein the visible light has a spectrum such that at least 50% of the light intensity emanates from a narrow wavelength interval within the visible range. The invention also discloses a method for autofluorescence reduction with triplet sensitizers irradiated with visible light.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibitors and/or antagonists of plasma kallikrein. Also provided are methods of utilizing the inhibitors as therapeutics.

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of magnetically labeling a bacterial cell by contacting the call with an affinity ligand and subsequently contacting the cell with a magnetic agent, where the affinity ligand and magnetic agent include bioorthogonally reactive groups that can react with each other to form a covalent bond. Compounds, compositions, kits and applications of the method are also described.

Abstract: Isolated peptides comprising no more than ten amino acids and having anti-bacterial properties are disclosed. In one embodiment the peptides have a consensus amino acid sequence X1X2X3X4X5, wherein X1 and X5 comprise polar amino acids. In another embodiment, the peptides have a consensus amino acid sequence X1X2X3X4X5, wherein X2 and X4 are asparagine (N) residues and X3 is tryptophan (W). Compositions comprising same are also disclosed and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: A device including a composition formed by oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide. A composition includes graphene oxide sheets including holes therein formed by oxidation to form a network of interconnected graphene oxide nanoribbons.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to nanopores useful as sensors for detecting intermolecular interactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for capturing and concentrating at least one microorganism or at least one protein secreted by a microorganism that may be present in the sample placed in a container, the method including the following steps: a) in the container, bringing the sample into contact with a culture medium and a sponge capable of capturing the microorganism(s) or the protein(s) secreted by at least one microorganism to be detected, functionalized with a binding partner of at least one microorganism or of at least one secreted protein; b) placing the container in suitable conditions allowing growth of the microorganism or microorganisms; and c) repeatedly compressing and decompressing the sponge while it remains in contact with the medium.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one analyte generally comprises (i) a support having a chamber for receiving a biological fluid therein, wherein said chamber is an elongate chamber having a length axis; (ii) a carrier or agitator in said elongate chamber, said carrier or agitator having opposite end portions and a side portion, the carrier or agitator dimensioned to travel in said chamber along said length axis and/or permit said liquid sample to flow in the chamber therearound, either (or both) thereby agitating the liquid sample; and (iii) at least one anti-analyte antibody coupled to either the carrier and/or the chamber side wall. Methods of using the device are also described.

Abstract: A novel dual mode sensor may combine mass-sensing measurements of dynamic-mode cantilevers with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy employed for transduction in sensitive electrochemical biosensors. The integrated design of the sensor may provide simultaneous and continuous measurement of resonant frequency shift and charge transfer resistance of a target analyte bound to a surface of the sensor. Binding of a target analyte to the surface of the sensor may cause charge transfer resistance to increase and the resonant frequency of the sensor to decrease. These simultaneous dynamic modes of the sensor may be utilized to measure an amount of mass of the target analyte accumulated on the surface of the sensor and to reduce and/or eliminate false negative measurement results.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to methods and apparatuses for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. In some examples, the microculture apparatus includes a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: A magnetizable trap and flow system and process are detailed that uniformly disperse paramagnetic or superparamagnetic analyte capture beads within a scaffold of magnetizable beads or other magnetizable materials in a capture zone that provides selective capture of target analytes. A magnet placed or energized in proximity to the trap may magnetize the magnetizable scaffold and secure the paramagnetic or superparamagnetic analyte capture beads in their uniformly dispersed state within the magnetizable scaffold to provide selective capture of target analytes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for labeling specifically living bacteria of a given category in a sample, the method including: a) incubating said bacteria of said sample with at least one analog of a monosaccharide compound, and b) contacting the bacteria with a labeling molecule having a second reactive group.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production and use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement aptamer assay formats. The assay schemes involve FRET in which the analyte (target) is quencher (Q)-labeled and previously bound by a fluorophore (F)-labeled aptamer such that when unlabeled analyte is added to the system and excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte added. Alternatively, the aptamer can be Q-labeled and previously bound to an F-labeled analyte so that when unlabeled analyte enters the system, the fluorescence intensity also changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moving microorganisms to a surface, where they are grown in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, and by monitoring the growth of the microorganisms over time in the two conditions, their susceptibility to the antimicrobials can be determined. The microorganisms can be moved to the surface through electrophoresis, centrifugation or filtration. When the movement involves electrophoresis, the presence of oxidizing and reducing reagents lowers the voltage at which electrophoretic force can be generated and allows a broader range of means by which the target can be detected. Monitoring can comprise optical detection, and most conveniently includes the detection of individual microorganisms. The microorganisms can be stained in order to give information about their response to antimicrobials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid, highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), referred to as N-Assay, a device, and a kit, for detection and identification of microorganisms in a sample, in thirty minutes or less, with little or no interference from non-target microorganisms. The present invention also provides for simultaneous determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganism in the N-Assay.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the extraction and detection of pathogens using carbohydrate-functionalized biosensors. Immobilized carbohydrate moieties on the biosensor provide a means for non-specific binding of a plurality of target analytes. When a sample containing the target analyte is applied or otherwise transported to the biosensor detection surface, non-specific binding interactions between the carbohydrate moiety and the analyte immobilize/retain the analyte at the detection surface. The carbohydrate moiety is a stable binding pair member that allows on-sensor rinsing of a sample to enhance detection of an analyte in the sample. Specific analyte identification can be achieved with an analyte probe having a detection moiety and a binding pair member specific to the target analyte of interest.

Abstract: Described herein are biosensors for early, pre-symptomatic detection of infectious agents and methods for their use. In particular, this disclosure describes biosensors that utilize toll-like receptor (TLR) binding domains to detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Also provided herein are methods of detecting and/or capturing a PAMP from a biological sample using the disclosed biosensors.

Abstract: A method of fabricating biochip sensor comprising providing a precursor; depositing the precursor on a substrate to form a coating; and rapid melting/quenching treatment of the coating with an energy source to form micro/nanotextured surface with enhanced reflectance for fast chemiluminescence response of E-Coli bacteria.

Abstract: A system for detecting infectious agents in biological samples in real time that includes a sample to be tested for at least one specific infectious agent; and at least one biosensor, wherein the biosensor is operative to detect a specific infectious agent in the sample to be tested; wherein the biosensor emits a detectable signal when it reacts with the specific infectious agent; wherein the biosensor is a hybridoma cell that naturally expresses an endogenous anti-target antigen specific IgM; and wherein the hybridoma cell has been converted to a B cell receptor biosensor by introducing a detectable reporter gene into the cell.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a biomarker in a biological sample is provided. A biological sample is loaded onto a microchip and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific to the biomarker is performed on the microchip. A color image of the microchip is generated using a mobile device and a color intensity of a selected portion of the color image is determined. The color intensity is correlated with a biomarker concentration using a baseline curve calculation and the concentration of the biomarker is then reported.

Abstract: Provided are methods of collecting, detecting and altering cells and molecular entities using glycoprotein micelles and vesicles. Glycoprotein vesicles comprising a glycoprotein micelle, at least a monolayer of lectin and/or a monolayer of biologically active glycoproteins are also provided. The invention further provides methods of detecting protein glycosylation using the vesicles of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a device for expediting delivery of an agent to a damaged bacterial cell. In one embodiment, the methods and devices are useful for screening candidate antibiotics. In another embodiment, the methods and devices described herein are used to determine susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic. The methods also provide a method for determining an appropriate antibiotic to treat an individual having a bacterial infection.

Abstract: A method for increasing the presentation of ETEC CS6 antigen on cell surface, comprising the step of contacting cells expressing said antigen with an aqueous solution comprising 0.6-2.2 percent phenol by weight, such that the presentation of said antigen is increased by at least 100%. A method for the manufacture of a killed whole cell vaccine for immunization against CS6-expressing ETEC. Cells and vaccines obtainable by the above methods.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject at risk of developing or having a neurodegenerative disorder is provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject and assaying a level of a marker of intestinal permeability in the sample. The method further includes comparing the subject's level to a control level for the marker of intestinal integrity and identifying the subject having an increased intestinal permeability relative to the control intestinal permeability as having an increased risk of developing or having a neurodegenerative disorder. A method of monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for a neurodegenerative disorder is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood group A/B/H determinant on Type 1 Core glycosphingolipids chains as recognition point for the FedF protein of F18-fimbriated Enterotoxigenic and verotoxinogenic Escherichia coli and the use of compounds comprising such determinants for the treatment of F18+ E. coli infections in pigs and in screening methods.

Abstract: A molecular net formed as a branched pseudorandom copolymer including two broad classes of subunits: capture agents and linking agents. The subunits self-assemble to form a structure capable of binding to predetermined targets. The binding can then be detected.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional, modified glucose-galactose binding proteins (GGBPs), that have a greater melting temperature (Tm) than a reference GGBP. The present invention also relates to biological sensors, e.g., glucose sensors, comprising these thermostable GGBPs. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding these thermostable GGBPs.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a disposable cartridge suitable for use in detecting the presence of analytes in fluid samples. The cartridge is designed to provide “lab on a chip” capabilities and comprises a plurality of sample storage reservoirs and analytical compartments/channels. A valve system based on valve disks aids in securely transferring samples from storage reservoirs to analytical channels and detectors with minimal use of common channels, which reduces risk of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A process for detecting cells from a sample, comprising the following steps: (a) applying the sample or a fraction of the sample in liquid phase in a direction of flow to a porous, generally two-dimensional support with pores having on the surface thereof at least one binding molecule specific for the cells to be detected or for fragments of such cells; (b) allowing the cells to be detected or of fragments of such cells to enter from the sample or sample fraction into the pores of said porous, generally two-dimensional support, said pores having such a mean pore size that the cells or fragments to be detected are able to enter into the pores; (c) retaining the cells or fragments to be detected by at least one binding molecule specific for the cells or fragments to be detected; (d) performing an optical read-out method on said substantially two-dimensional support by an imaging method, optionally after the cells or cell fragments to be detected have been labeled with a labeling agent; wherein (e) the optica

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for vaccinating a mammal to produce an antibody against Enterobacteriaceae infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, or E. coli in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation, which comprises administering an effective amount of an OmpK36/homologues or its derivatives to the mammal.

Abstract: An imaging probe can include a photoluminescent carbon nanostructure configured to emit a wavelength of light detectable through living tissue, and a targeting moiety including a first binding partner configured to interact with a second binding partner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more target bacteria in a test sample are provided. It is shown herein that photosensitizers combined with intense light exposure reduce fluorescing background due to non-bacterial particles. This permits detection of subsequently labeled target bacterial cells (e.g., using a fluorescently labeled antibody) against a largely black background. In particular examples, the methods include incubating the test sample in a growth medium that permits growth of bacteria present in the sample, contacting the sample with a photo-sensitizer; exposing the sample to light under conditions sufficient for the photo-sensitizer to photobleach contaminating non-bacterial particulates present in the sample. The bacteria can then be substantially separated from the sample, thereby generating an isolated bacterial sample. The method can also include contacting the isolated bacterial sample with a binding agent specific for the one or more target bacteria, and detecting the one or more target bacteria.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies such as sm-FRET on a membrane protein which permits observation and quantification of conformational dynamics of a membrane protein. Also disclosed herein are mutant membrane proteins in which one or more mutations have been introduced for affixing a fluorophore, as well as reagents and kits containing such mutant membrane proteins for conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can be used in screening for compounds that enhance or reduce the activity of a membrane protein, useful for treating diseases associated with the malfunction of the membrane protein or alterations in membrane protein conformation.

Abstract: A kit for dot immunogold directed filtration assay including a dot immunogold directed filtration card, a detection probe labeled by nano colloidal gold or latex beads, a negative standard, a positive standard, and a cleaning solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the rapid detection, semi-quantification and quantification of live microorganisms in solutions or suspensions using immunomagnetic particles, without requiring pre-enrichment through culture of the microorganism. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out said processes and to the quantification of the microorganisms detected by means of automated biosensor equipment.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting dicarboxylic acids using a transcription factor biosensor.

Abstract: Provided are methods of collecting, detecting and altering cells and molecular entities using glycoprotein micelles and vesicles. Glycoprotein vesicles comprising a glycoprotein micelle, at least a monolayer of lectin and/or a monolayer of biologically active glycoproteins are also provided. The invention further provides methods of detecting protein glycosylation using the vesicles of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified, living non-mammal organism, having increased HMG-CoA-reductase activity compared to the wild type, and having reduced C24-methyltransferase and/or delta22-desaturase activity compared to the wild type. The invention is characterized in that the organism has increased dehydrocholesterol-delta70-reductase activity compared to the wild type. The invention further relates to different uses of such an organism, to a test kit comprising such an organism, and to a membrane extract of such an organism.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors for detection of an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting very low levels of targets, such as cells, are provided. In some embodiments, for example, the methods can detect bacteria present in a sample at concentrations less than 25 cells/mL. The method involves detecting nanoparticle aggregation in the absence of the target.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides various fluorescent conjugated polymers with a BODIPY-based backbone. The invention also provides methods of using the polymers of the invention, such as for imaging and detection of cells, tumors, bacteria and viruses.