Abstract: The invention discloses a detection method using nanoaggregate-embedded beads and system thereof, which are characterized in that the nanoaggregate of Raman dye and metal nanoparticles is coated by an inorganic oxide to form a nanoaggregate-embedded bead, and which is then conjugated with a probe molecule to form a sensor bead. The Raman spectra of the product formed by binding of the sensor bead and an analyte in a sample is detected for determining whether the analyte exists in the sample. In embodiment, the pH of the solution of metal nanoparticles is controlled to keep at 10, and the concentration of the Raman dye is controlled to keep between 1×10?6M and 2×10?6M for reducing the size of the nanoaggregate.

Abstract: Arrays of microparticle populations, each population labeled with a single fluorescent dye, are provided for use in multiplex assays. The populations form a virtual multidimensional array wherein each microparticle is identified by fluorescence intensity in two different fluorescence detection channels. The arrays are useful in a variety of assays, including multiplex, multi-analyte assays for the simultaneous detection of two or more analytes by, for example, flow cytometry, and a labeling reagents in, for example, microscopy. The use of singly-dyed microparticles to form multidimensional arrays greatly simplifies the creation of multiplex assays.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided with at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). The interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: A homogeneous immunoassay method and system for quantitative determination of total immunoglobulin E and specific antibody levels to a plurality of allergens, in which a relatively small sampling of blood is required. The method utilizes relatively small microparticles in aqueous suspension. The immunoassay procedure is an immunometric sandwich procedure preferably utilizing biotin-streptavidin signal amplification techniques and R-phycoerytherin fluorescent labels.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for reducing non-specific binding in a binding assay for the determination of an analyte in a sample where one of the reagents for conducting the binding assay comprises a solid support comprising a polysaccharide. The method comprises including in an assay medium for conducting the binding assay a soluble compound comprising a protein linked to a polysaccharide. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The methods include as reagents a solid support comprising a polysaccharide and a soluble compound comprising a protein linked to a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of docetaxel and novel docetaxel immunogens derived from the 7 and 10 positions of docetaxel and monoclonal antibodies generated by these docetaxel linked immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of docetaxel in biological fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of characterizing autoimmune diseases by detecting and measuring at least one analyte using multiplexed assay systems. According to one embodiment, a target is detected and measured by different bead sets having different reactants. According to another approach the ratio of self-antigen to autoantibody is measured by exposing a sample suspected of containing self-antigen and autoantibody to a bead set associated with monoclonal antibody specific for the self-antigen and a bead set associated with the self-antigen.

Abstract: The present disclosure features a variety of compositions, kits, and methods that are useful for, inter alia, detecting and/or analyzing an interaction between two molecules, a target molecule and a target-specific binding agent which can be, e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, saccharides or polysaccharides, small molecules, or combinations of any of the foregoing. The compositions, kits, and methods can also be used, e.g., to detect the presence or absence of an enzymatic activity (e.g., a kinase activity, a protease activity, or a phosphatase activity) in a sample; to identify a compound that modulates an interaction between two molecules; or to identify compounds that modulate the activity of an enzyme.

Abstract: A test apparatus is for testing a DNA substrate on which a plurality of DNA fragments for testing are arranged, wherein absolute precision is not required. A substrate is provided on which a plurality of biomolecule spots containing a group of biomolecules (e.g., DNA, etc.) of a specific type are formed, where the pattern or position of the DNA spot is changed depending on specific data so that information of the specific data is recorded on the substrate.

Abstract: A self-calibrated, magnetic binding assay (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The magnetic binding assay includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining anti-infectious agent IgG avidity, for example, human anti-cytomegalovirus and human anti-toxoplasma IgG avidity, using a competitive assay format.

Abstract: A biochemical labeling material and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method provides a plurality of nanoparticles, bonding the nanoparticles to template molecules by molecular imprinting, polymerizing the nanoparticles to form a matrix with uniformly-distributed template molecules, finally removing the template molecules from the matrix to reveal a detection group of the matrix, leaving a cavity with specific area.

Abstract: An assay method for determining presence of a target antibody or antigen in a specimen qualitatively or quantitatively by mixing the specimen with an antigen or antibody immunologically reactive with the target antibody or antigen, and assaying the level of the immunological agglutination reaction, wherein the reactive antigen or antibody is effectively immobilized on the carrier via an amino acid sequence capable of binding to the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample, said method comprising: a porous surface to which particles having attached thereto a binding substance, analyte and binding substance coated label particles are added. If said analyte is present in the sample an immuno- or chemical reaction occurs in the liquid phase. The separation of bound complex from unbound material is achieved by using said surface where the separation occurs mainly two dimensionally on the surface of the porous surface (e.g. grid). Interestingly, the disclosed surface enables a separation where said complexes are distributed two dimensionally on the porous surface (e.g. grid), whereas unbound materials are distributed three dimensionally. Accordingly, said surface enables both a two and a three dimensional separation.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices and methods are provided. The diagnostic devices preferably comprise a test strip with a test area. The sample to be analyzed contacts the test area, which comprises a specific binding partner for the analyte of interest. Analyte, if present in the sample, binds to the immobilized binding partner in the test area and is subsequently contacted with a conjugate. The conjugate specifically binds the analyte and provides a visual indication of the presence of the analyte. The devices may be used for the diagnosis of particular diseases or disorders in a patient, such as HIV or hepatitis. They may also be used to determine if an individual is pregnant.

Abstract: In an affinity-type purification, ligands dissociated from the stationary phase that would otherwise leach into the species being purified are captured by a second ligand that is also incorporated into the stationary phase, the second ligand exhibiting an affinity-type interaction with the dissociated first ligand with sufficient specificity to avoid the undesired retention by the second ligand of species from the liquid sample or source liquid other than the species sought to be purified in the affinity column.

Abstract: A method of small volume bead-based radioimmunoassay which includes utilization of an immunoassay particle having a solid phase substrate linked to a target particle capture moiety which dissociably captures target particles in an immunoassay sample. Specifically, a bead linked to antibody which competitively dissociably captures target particles and labeled particles of an immunoassay sample in a small volume bead-based radioimmunoassay to allow determination of the concentration of target particles, the level of protease activity, or the level of protease inhibitor activity in such immunoassay samples.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of maintaining chips or arrays of particles, or arrays of particles deposited on chip surfaces, in a designated area on a substrate surface. This is accomplished by having hydrophilic chips or arrays of particles, and a substrate which has a series of hydrophilic regions designed to accommodate the chips/arrays of particles, surrounded by hydrophobic regions. In the presence of aqueous solution, the chips or arrays of particles are held in the designated regions.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanoparticles, in particular metal salt nanoparticles. To the synthesis mixture is added a modifying reagent which binds, by means of a first functional group, to the nanoparticle surface and which carries a second functional group for binding to molecules which are specifically selected in dependence on the subsequent use of the nanoparticles. This dispenses with a postsynthetic, separate, application-specific modification step. A new substance class, the pentaalkyl iminobis(methylenephosphono)carboxylates, are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: A biochemical labeling material and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method provides a plurality of nanoparticles, bonding the nanoparticles to template molecules by molecular imprinting, polymerizing the nanoparticles to form a matrix with uniformly-distributed template molecules, finally removing the template molecules from the matrix to reveal a detection group of the matrix, leaving a cavity with specific area.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods relating to cell membrane fragments associated with microbeads, so that the characteristics of the cells the fragments originated from can be determined. The fragments can be oriented with what was the outer surface of the cell membrane facing outwardly, so that the antigens associated with the membrane can be contacted with ligands (including antibodies) to antigens in the membranes which would be accessible to antibodies in vivo. The system is useful, inter alia, for detection of panel reactive antibodies in donor serum, as well as detection of other cell membrane antigens; or quantitation of particular cell membrane antigens.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte is described in which an up-converting luminescent species that is excited by absorption of long wavelength light is provided as a donor of energy to an acceptor species that can be bound to, or generated in proximity to, the luminescent species. The analyte either alters the proximity between the luminescent species and the acceptor species or alters the absorbance or luminescence properties of the acceptor species. The luminescent energy donor is excited with long wavelength light and transfers up-converted energy to the proximate acceptor species and this transfer of energy is detected by measurement of appropriate luminescence properties of either the donor or of the acceptor or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay method in which blood can be measured even without pretreatment by means of a centrifuge etc. In the present invention, antibodies or antigens in a sample are subjected to agglutination reaction with insoluble carriers onto which antigens or antibodies specifically reacting with the antibodies or antigens in the sample have been immobilized and the resulting agglutination mixture is determined for the change in its absorbance or in its scattered light by irradiation with light, wherein said sample is whole blood and the whole blood is forcibly lyzed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for separating a first population of cells from a second population of cells in a sample by discontinuous density gradient separation using dense particles to target the first population of cells and a density separation medium (DSM) that is at least about 0.001 g/cm3 higher than the density of the second population of cells.

Abstract: A competitive immunoassay, dye and method for rapidly detecting the presence of one or more target ligands within a fluid sample suspected of containing such ligand or ligands. The immunoassay comprises a protein-binding membrane, a first absorbent pad, a second absorbent pad, and a third absorbent pad. The protein-binding membrane has at least two regions of antibodies bound thereto for detecting dissimilar ligands. The second absorbent pad has formed therein a colloidal gold tracer having one, and preferably two or more ligand analog protein complexes adhering thereto. To utilize the system, the immunoassay strip is placed within a fluid sample. To the extent the target ligand is absent, a visual indicator will be provided signaling such absence. To the extent the target ligand is present at or above a threshold level, no such visual signal will be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) A reagent for an immunoassay of a target substance existing in a free form and a bound form in a specimen, comprising a latex 1 which is immobilized with a monoclonal antibody 1 for the target substance, and a latex 2 which has a different mean particle size from the latex 1 and is immobilized with a monoclonal antibody 2 having a different recognition site for the target substance from the antibody 1, (2) An immunoassay method comprising reacting the target substance with the reagent of (1) and determining an amount of the substance based on the result of an agglutination reaction among the target substance, the latex1 and the latex2, and (3) A reagent kit comprising a reagent of (1) and a reagent containing an agglutination accelerator for an antigen-antibody reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilized procainamide analogs, as well as to a method of making immobilized procainamide analogs. These immobilized analogs are prepared by activating the carboxyl group on a substituted p-benzoic acid derivative toward nucleophilic attack; reacting the activated benzoic acid derivative with a polyamine to produce the benzoic acid derivative of Formula 3: and binding the benzoic acid derivative of Formula 3 to a latex polymer having functional groups that react with aliphatic amino groups. A method of conducting an immunoassay using the immobilized procainamide analog Formula 3 is described, comprising the steps of preparing a solution comprising said immobilized procainamide analog; adding a sample suspected of containing procainamide to said solution; adding an anti-procainamide antibody to said solution and observing the rate of increase in solution turbidity following antibody addition.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of magnetic particles within a sample using a tuned circuit having a capacitor and a coil. The method comprises: a. determining the difference in the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit when the sample is exposed to a magnetic field generated by the coil and when the sample is not exposed to the magnetic field generated by the coil; and b. using the difference in the resonant frequency to determine the number of magnetic particles within the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals associated to a compound, wherein the nanocrystals have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is tunable to a desired wavelength by controlling the size of the nanocrystal, and wherein said emission provides information about a biological state or event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes of separating, analyzing and/or collecting selected species within a target sample by use of magnetic microspheres including magnetic particles, the magnetic microspheres adapted for attachment to a receptor agent that can subsequently bind to selected species within the target sample. The magnetic microspheres can be sorted into a number of distinct populations, each population with a specific range of magnetic moments and different receptor agents can be attached to each distinct population of magnetic microsphere.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising (a) a metal chelate wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium osmium and ruthenium in at least a hexacoordinated state and (b) a compound having a double bond substituted with two aryl groups, an oxygen atom and an atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen wherein one of the aryl groups is electron donating with respect to the other. Such composition is preferably incorporated in a latex particulate material. Methods and kits are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. The methods and kits employ as one component a composition as described above.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for controlled transport of magnetic beads between a position X and different position Y, such that the magnetic beads are manipulated or transported by applying successively a series of N local magnetic fields which have magnetic field gradients different from 0 in the neighborhood of said magnetic beads. Each of these N local magnetic fields is generated by a single current carrying structure, in which the current density is not constant. The invention generally relates to application in the domain of biochips and micro-arrays, used in diagnostics, genetics and molecular studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of one or more analytes of interest in a sample by measuring changes in fluorescence anisotropy as a result of binding of the analytes to specific aptamers. The aptamers are immobilized on a solid support and may be in the form of an array.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biospecific assay method, in which microparticles coated with the bioaffinity reactant A binding the analyte to be assayed; the sample to be analyzed, and the labelled bioaffinity reactant B are mixed. After the binding reaction the signal strength from the labelled bioaffinity reactant B bound to the microparticles is quantitated for the determination of the concentration of the analyte in the sample. According to the invention, such an amount of sample and microparticles is used in the assay that after binding of the analyte of the sample to the said amount of microparticles, each individual microparticle will emit such a signal strength as to allow the measurement of the analyte concentration over the whole range of typical analyte concentrations, and the signal strength from each microparticle is measured separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of characterizing autoimmune diseases by detecting and measuring at least one analyte using multiplexed assay systems. According to one embodiment, a target is detected and measured by different bead sets having different reactants. According to another approach the ratio of self-antigen to autoantibody is measured by exposing a sample suspected of containing self-antigen and autoantibody to a bead set associated with monoclonal antibody specific for the self-antigen and a bead set associated with the self-antigen.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of taxol and novel taxol immunogens derived from the 9 and 7 positions of taxol and monoclonal antibodies generated by these taxol linked immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of taxol in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-immobilized capture particles, and substrates coated with film-immobilized capture particles. In particular, the present invention provides microarrays for detecting the presence or absence of a target in a sample employing film-immobilized capture particles. In preferred embodiments, the present provides very high density arrays that allow simultaneous analysis on a number of samples.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: A reagent useful in immunoassays, comprising a direct particulate level co-sensitised with a specific binding agent having specificity for an analyte or analyte analogue and with a non-specific protein which can participate in a control reaction with another specific binding agent which does not bind to the first specific binding agent nor participate in the formation of a complex by means of which detection of the analyte or analyte analogue is accomplished. Preferably the first specific binding agent is an antibody raised in a first species and the non-specific protein is an immunoglobulin from another species. Optionally, the reagent additionally comprises a second population of the direct particulate label sensitised solely with the non-specific protein.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel fluorescent particle including a core or carrier particle having on its surface a plurality of smaller polymeric particles or nanoparticles, which are stained with different fluorescent dyes. When excited by a light source they are capable of giving off multiple fluorescent emissions simultaneously, which is useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a sample. The coupled complex particles carrying on their surface fluorescent nanoparticles, methods of preparing such polymer particles, and various applications and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and corresponding devices for controlled transport of magnetic beads between a position X and different position Y, such that the magnetic beads are manipulated or transported by applying successively a series of N local magnetic fields which have magnetic field gradients different from 0 in the neighborhood of said magnetic beads. Each of these N local magnetic fields is generated by a single current carrying structure, in which the current density is not constant. The invention mainly points to application in the domain of biochips and microarrays, used in diagnostics, genetics and molecular studies.

Abstract: Microparticle-based analytical methods, systems and applications are provided. Specifically, the use of resonant resonant light scattering as an analytical method for determining either or both a particle's identity and the presence and optionally, the concentration of one or more particular target analytes is described. Applications of these microparticle-based methods in biological and chemical assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a carrier having a biomolecular interaction incorporated therein. The carrier is described as comprising a silica based glass and in an embodiment is a sol-gel derived glass. Also described are methods of incorporating biomolecular interaction within a carrier of the invention. Various types of biomolecular interaction are discussed as well as applications of carriers containing one or more biomolecular interactions.

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 system for analyzing expression levels and activity of a plurality of proteins is provided. A bio-displayed polypeptide binding component associated with a predetermined marker is used to bind the proteins of interest. The predetermined marker components are then amplified and detected in a high throughput manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled synthetic libraries of random oligomers and methods and apparatus for generating labeled synthetic oligomer libraries. Each member of such a library is labeled with a unique identifier tag that specifies the structure or sequence of the oligomer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the identifier tag is a microchip that is pre-encoded or encodable with information that is related back to a detector when the identifier tag is pulsed with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled synthetic libraries of random oligomers and methods and apparatus for generating labeled synthetic oligomer libraries. Each member of such a library is labeled with a unique identifier tag that specifies the structure or sequence of the oligomer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the identifier tag is a microchip that is pre-encoded or encodable with information that is related back to a detector when the identifier tag is pulsed with electromagnetic radiation.