Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for detecting cellular products using detection particles having product-specific detection reagents and having a characteristic spectral feature. In particular, devices and methods are provided for measuring secreted cellular products including cytokines. Detection substrates, include microwells having product-specific capture reagents thereon or comprising hydrophobic membranes are described having greater capability to detect products from individual cells in a mixture of heterogeneous cells. With the use of multiple detection particles, multiple cellular products can be detected in a single well. Additionally, using the inherent spectral properties of detection particles, no enzymatic reactions are needed to visualize a secreted product, thereby increasing the sensitivity, reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from imatinib and monoclonal antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of imatinib or its pharmacologically active salts in biological fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for carrying out continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes in which the solid-liquid mixture is subjected to magnetic field gradients and centrifugation.

Abstract: A plurality of particles of from about 5 nm to 100 ?m possessing predetermined isoelectric points in the pH range of from about 2.5 to 11 is used in a method of detection of a plurality of analytes, wherein the isoelectric particles of each isoelectric point further contain as label and a member of a binding pair capable of interacting with a selected analyte. The particles that form specific binding pairs are recovered and separated by isoelectric focusing followed by the detection of the labels associated with the particles. A flow cytometer may be used as a detector of the isoelectric particles.

Abstract: Described here is an automated robotic device that isolates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other biological structures with extremely high purity. The device uses powerful magnetic rods covered in removable plastic sleeves. These rods sweep through blood samples, capturing, e.g., cancer cells labeled with antibodies linked to magnetically responsive particles such as superparamagnetic beads. Upon completion of the capturing protocol, the magnetic rods undergo several rounds of washing, thereby removing all contaminating blood cells. The captured target cells are released into a final capture solution by removing the magnetic rods from the sleeves. Additionally, cells captured by this device show no reduced viability when cultured after capture. Cells are captured in a state suitable for genetic analysis. Also disclosed are methods for single cell analysis. Being robotic allows the device to be operated with high throughput.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: To provide a method for enhancing analysis sensitivity of bio-related molecules in mass spectrometry. To provide a method for rapidly and conveniently analyzing biological acid molecules using the method of enhanced analysis sensitivity in mass spectrometry. A method of preparing a bio-related molecule to be subjected to mass spectrometry, in which at least a part of acid group(s) is esterified, comprising reacting a bio-related molecule comprising an acid group(s) with a triazene compound to esterify at least a part of said acid group(s). A method of analyzing bio-related molecules comprising reacting a bio-related molecule comprising an acid group(s) with a triazene compound to esterify said acid group(s), and then subjecting said bio-related molecule having an esterified acid group(s) to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A biosensor provided herein includes a semiconductor laser device having an optical resonator with at least one reflective surface and a light output surface, and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) unit disposed on the reflective surface of the optical resonator. The SPR unit has specific biological molecules fixed thereon for reacting with corresponding biological molecules of an analyzed object.

Abstract: A biosensor is described. The biosensor includes a fixed multilayer stack providing a magnetization oscillation, a voltage source electrically coupled to the fixed multilayer stack, and a binding molecule covalently bonded to the biosensor. The voltage source provides a direct current through the fixed multilayer stack to generate the magnetization oscillation and a target molecule including a magnetic nanoparticle forms a complex with the binding molecule and alters the magnetization oscillation.

Abstract: A one- or two-dimensional arrangement of flow cells is provided, as part of an array of sample compartments, with at least one inlet and outlet for each sample compartment, formed by a base plate and a body, with an arrangement of spatial recesses corresponding to the (geometrical) arrangement of the sample compartments, combined with the base plate. The arrangement allows for supplying to or removing from the sample compartments, which can be arranged at a high quantity on a small base area, even very small amounts of samples or reagents.

Abstract: An apparatus and a related method for performing particle agglutination reactions in at least one disposable probe tip are disclosed. The at least one probe tip includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition, at least one flanking cavity for the capture of particles by centrifugation or other means, a transition zone for the mixing of the sample with reagents for agglutination and a detection zone for the optical detection of particle agglutination. A mechanism may be attached to the probe tip for the controlled movement of fluids through the internal volume of the probe tip. The probe tip is particularly useful for the automation of high-throughput agglutination-type assays.

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: Electrokinetic devices and methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents from a dielectric fluid medium. Electrokinetic flow may be induced by the use of plasma generation at high voltage electrodes and consequent transport of charged particles in an electric voltage gradient. In one embodiment, the agents are directed electrokinetically to the sample collection assay device with no intermediate transfer steps. The agents are directed by creation of an electrokinetic potential well, which will effect their capture on to an assay device. Environmental agents such as biowarfare agents, pathogens, allergens or pollutants are collected autonomously on to the assay device, without any human intervention. The dielectric fluid medium, such as air, is sampled by electrokinetic propulsion with no moving parts or optionally, by transporting the dielectric fluid by a fan, pump or by breath.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemically active surfaces for the detection of nitroaromatic, nitramine, and nitrate ester compounds, the primary constituents of explosive devices. Transparent conductive composites (TCCs) combine with gold nanoparticles in a conducting polymer matrix to create a conductive, flexible, and electrochromic material. Hybrid, nanostructured surfaces constructed from TCCs are decorated with conjugated conductive oligomer wires. Selective binding of the target to the oligomer alters the electron charge mobility in the TCC, affecting the redox state. The binding event is identified by measuring the conductivity of the TCC and/or through color changes of the TCC. Conjugated oligomers that are functionalized with thiol groups at one end and nitro-derivative receptors at the other provide the bases for selectivity and sensing. The thiol group anchors the oligomer to the metal sites on the TCC surface and the receptor starts the charge transfer mechanism when targeted with the appropriate molecule.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

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 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: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation process comprising simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to localized magnetic field gradients and the centrifugation and to improved centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes wherein the improvement comprises simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to a homogeneous magnetic field, a magnetic field gradient or both prior to and/or during the centrifugation.

Abstract: Method of enriching specific cells from cellular samples are disclosed, comprising contacting in solution a cellular sample with affinity-tagged ligands (ATLs) each comprising a first ligand linked to an affinity tag, wherein the ligand selectively binds a cellular marker of the rare cells and the affinity tag can be selectively captured by a capture moiety, wherein the affinity tags do not comprise a magnetic particle; and flowing the sample through a microfluidic device comprising the capture moiety to selectively retain ATL-bound cells. Methods for enriching circulating tumor cells, and devices for enriching specific cells from cellular samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonhemolytic sensor for determination of analytes in erythrocyte-containing biological fluids is disclosed that comprises an optical material having a deposit on a surface thereof, where this deposit includes an analyte-reactive reagent and a particulate means for suppressing hemolysis of erythrocytes in an erythrocyte-containing biological fluid, such as whole blood. Thus, a porous array of negatively charged particles, e.g., polymeric beads having a plurality of carboxylate surface groups, are disposed on a sampling surface of an optical sensor, and suppress hemolysis of erythrocytes coming into contact with the sampling surface. In the case of an optical sensor, such particles can simultaneously enhance reflectance of a light beam transmitted through the optical material to the sampling surface site.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic kit for simultaneous assay of antibiotics of different classes. The kit contains a single reaction mixture containing at least one first labelled receptor, specific of recognition of ?-lactams, a second labelled receptor, specifically and competitively identifying a tetracycline and a biotinylated nucleic acid fragment, an antisulfamide antibody and a labelled sulfamide analogue; and a recovery system in the form of a solid support comprising a nitrocellulose membrane whereon are fixed in three separate testing zones, respectively an antibiotic with ?-lactam nucleus, an avidin and an antibody capable of specifically identifying the antisulfamide antibody, so that the labelling intensity detected on the recovery system at the three testing zones results independently from a competitive recognition of each antibiotic by its labelled receptor.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a method for attaching a protein to a conductive polymer, that can be used in particular for producing a sensor or a multisensor, for example a biochip. This aim, and also others, are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by means of a method for attaching a protein to a pyrrole polymer, comprising the following steps: coupling of the protein to be attached with pyrrole so as to obtain a first solution of a protein-pyrrole coupling compound, preparation of a second solution of pyrrole not containing the protein, mixing of said first solution with said second solution so as to obtain an electropolymerization solution, electropolymerization of the pyrrole and of the protein coupled to the pyrrole on a conductive support using said electropolymerization solution.

Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor that can detect binding of a compound with a functional protein and then assay a reaction product derived from the activity of the functional protein again.

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted particle agglutination assay methods and apparatuses are described based on first providing a standing wave ultrasound field at a resonance frequency of a test liquid in a resonator cell containing microparticles covered with a binding agent with high affinity to an analyte sought to be detected by the assay test. Formation of the specifically-bound and nonspecifically-bound aggregates of these microparticles is then followed by effective stirring of the liquid with swept-frequency sonication causing disintegration of nonspecifically-bound aggregates and leaving specifically-bound aggregates in place for further detection and measurement. The methods and devices of the invention allow significant improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of agglutination tests and are advantageously applicable to detecting various proteins, DNA, RNA and other biologically active substances. Specific examples are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a biomolecule-immobilized plate having a flat part, at least a surface of the flat part comprising a polymer material, wherein the flat part has an arithmetic average roughness of 0.1 nm˜5 nm, and a portion of the flat part has functional groups. Further, the biomolecule-immobilized plate is fabricated by irradiating the flat part of the plate surface which comprises the polymer material, with an ultraviolet ray under ozone atmosphere to produce functional groups having bonding ability to the biomolecules on a portion of the flat part. Thereby, it is possible to provide a biomolecule-immobilized plate having a surface of a high degree of smoothness on which functional groups are produced, a biomolecule-immobilized plate on which biomolecules are immobilized via functional groups, and methods for fabricating these biomolecule-immobilized plates easily and inexpensively.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the isolation of molecules of interest using tubes in which at least a portion of the inner walls of the tube are coated with microbeads that are coated with a capture reagent to bind the molecule of interest. The microbeads may be glass or polymer beads. The invention is a method and apparatus for preparation of the tubes for use in the method of the invention. The invention is a method for determining ratios of guanine nucleotides bound to guanine-nucleotide binding proteins.

Abstract: By using an antibody which is covalently bonded to a water soluble polymer as an antibody to be used in a competitive immunoagglutination assay in a homogeneous system, a protein antigen at a high concentration can be accurately assayed in an undiluted system without resorting to dilution.

Abstract: Each well of a multiwell plate adapted to accept a plurality of biological samples for testing for the presence of analytes in the sample is further adapted herein for immobilizing on the side walls of a well a 3D arrangement of ligand arrays. A well is formed with planar side walls and a stack of sample separators is placed within a well in positions so as to not come in contact with ligand spots in the array(s). The spacing between each pair of adjacent separators in a stack forms a sample chamber in a position corresponding to an array of the 3D arrangement of ligand arrays.

Abstract: This invention provides an immunochromatography detection apparatus exhibiting excellent convenience, sensitivity, and specificity, a detection method therefore, a kit using the same, and a method for producing such apparatus and kit, by constructing a solid-phase support, on which the conditions for the reaction wherein an analyte specifically binds to a labeled reagent containing a ligand that specifically binds to the analyte and those for the reaction wherein a capture reagent specifically binds to a complex of the analyte and the labeled reagent in the immunochromatography detection method are continuously optimized, and the pretreated specimens are optimized for such reactions.

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: The present invention provides a protein-immobilized carrier which can realize highly efficient use of an immobilized antibody and prevent non-specific binding. A protein-immobilized carrier including a porous body having mesopores characterized in that the carrier has mesopores having an organic substance adsorbed therein other than an antibody, an antigen or a fragment thereof having a particle size smaller than the pore size of the mesopores and having an antibody, an antigen or a fragment thereof physically adsorbed and immobilized from the pore entrance to a depth of not more than the pore size in the depth direction of the mesopores.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: A peptide-coated nanoparticle that includes a nanocrystal core surrounded by a graded shell that is composed of at least two different semiconductor molecules. At least one peptide is attached to the surface of the graded shell to render the nanoparticle biocompatible. The nanocrystal core and graded shell are optionally annealed with ultra violet radiation prior to and/or after attachment of the peptide(s).

Abstract: An electrochemical-based assay device capable of detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte of interest that is provided. The device contains two or more substrates, one containing a detection working electrode and another containing an auxiliary electrode, such as a counter/reference electrode(s). The substrates are positioned in a face-to-face relationship so that the electrodes are adjacent to each other during performance of the assay. Besides the electrodes, any of a variety of other components may also be employed in the assay device.

Abstract: A substrate for testing a carrier liquid for biomolecules using SPR or other techniques provides a metallic island surrounded by a hydrophobic layer, the islands being a location for the attachment of probe molecules. The hydrophobic layer may also be a dielectric material providing improved sensitivity in SPR imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for fluorescence amplification including a substrate, a fluorescence amplifier coating applied to the substrate, and a thin fluorescencable material which lies on the coating and emits light with the emission wavelength ?E when it is exposed to excitation light of an excitation wavelength ?A. The fluorescence amplifier coating includes an interference layer system of high-index and low-index dielectric layers, which reflects at least the excitation light. What is crucial for the design of the coating is that the fluorescencable material applied to the coating is arranged on the surface of the coating in the region of the maximum of the electric field amplitude of the standing wave with the excitation wavelength ?A, which is formed during exposure to the excitation light.

Abstract: A metallic nanoparticle coated water-soluble polymeric substrate and the process for preparing and using the same is described.

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: The techniques described herein are directed to removing material that has attached to or preventing material from attaching to the surface of a piezoelectric cantilever. The material can be a target material, other, non-target, material that may be weakly bound or attached to the cantilever sensor, or the material may be a combination thereof. Accordingly, the cantilever sensor can be reused, in situ, without degraded detection performance of the cantilever sensor. The techniques may also be utilized to remove all material that has attached to a surface of the cantilever sensor which provides means for reusing the cantilever sensor.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a target substance by detecting the presence or concentration of a target substance in a sample solution by bringing the sample solution into contact with a detecting element including a detecting part and a non-detecting part and detecting the presence or number of a magnetic label (magnetic marker) present in the vicinity of the surface of the detecting part and provides a target-substance detection kit.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting biomolecular interactions. The detection can occur without the use of labels and can be done in a high-throughput manner. The invention further relates to self-referencing colorimetric resonant optical biosensors and optical devices.

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 biological molecule-immobilized chip is produced by: allowing a biological molecule having a portion capable of forming coordination bond to a metal ion to form a coordination bond to a metal ion, bringing the resultant complex adjacent to an electrically conductive support, and applying reduction potential to the electrically conductive support.