Abstract: The invention provides among other things methods and kits based on assaying for cardiac troponin autoantibodies, either in conjunction with an assay for cardiac troponin and/or as an independent indicator of cardiac pathology, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and/or ischemic heart disease. Assay methods of the invention can be employed among other things to identify cardiac pathology, or risk thereof, in subjects who have an autoimmune disease or who are related to an individual with an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the invention also provides a method of determining whether a subject having, or at risk for, a cardiac pathology is a candidate for immunosuppressive therapy or immunoabsorption therapy. The invention also provides kits and kit components that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assaying cell samples, which may be living cells, using probes labeled with composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COINs) and microspheres with COINs embedded within a polymer matrix to which the probe moiety is attached. COINs intrinsically produce SERS signals upon laser irradiation, making COIN-labeled probes particularly suitable in a variety of methods for assaying cells, including biological molecules that may be contained on or within cells, most of which are not inherently Raman-active. The invention provides variations of the sandwich immunoassay employing both specific and degenerate binding, methods for reverse phase assay of tissue samples and cell microstructures, in solution displacement and competition assays, and the like. Systems and chips useful for practicing the invention assays are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a polydiacetylene supramolecule comprising diacetylene molecules, capable of immobilizing a receptor molecule having a thiol group. Since the polydiacetylene supramolecule has a receptor immobilized thereon having a thiol group, for example, an antibody, and thus shows color transition when reacting with a sample, an antigen can be detected through specific color transition of the polydiacetylene when employing in a receptor-ligand reaction, for example, an antibody-antigen reaction.

Abstract: Dipstick tests for detecting analyte are described. In a preferred embodiment, a multiple biotinylated antibody capable of binding analyte is bound to an anti-biotin antibody labelled with colloidal gold and wicked up the dipstick with test solution thought to contain analyte. Complex formed between analyte, biotinylated anti-analyte antibody, and colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is captured at a capture zone of the dipstick. Presence of colloidal gold label at the capture zone indicates the presence of analyte in the test solution. The sensitivity of analyte detection using such methods is an order of magnitude higher than for comparable methods in which biotinylated anti-analyte antibody bound to analyte is wicked up the dipstick in a first step, and a colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is wicked up the dipstick in a separate step. Kits for performing the tests of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are an immunoassay device which comprises a labeled substance dotting portion and a specimen dotting portion provided thereon, and an immunoassay method using the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port, and a mesoscale flow system that includes a sample flow channel extending from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analyte detection region in fluid communication with the flow channel comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding moiety and the analyte. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mesoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor assembly includes piezoelectric material, a first acoustic wave resonator element structure mounted on the piezoelectric material for interacting with an electrical signal, the acoustic wave resonator element structure being operable to interact with an acoustic wave propagating within the piezoelectric material to produce a first frequency response. Further acoustic wave resonator element structures are mounted on the piezoelectric material for interacting with electrical signals, the further acoustic wave resonator element structures being operable to interact with further acoustic waves propagating within the piezoelectric material to produce subsequent frequency responses. The first acoustic wave resonator element structure and further acoustic wave resonator element structures are combined to form a ladder or lattice filter network to produce an overall frequency response.

Abstract: A non-linear optical material comprising a plurality of non-centrosymmetric nanoparticles juxtaposed to non-linear optical (NLO) film at a localized surface Plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the nanoparticles. The LSPR is resonant at a wavelength of an incident light source, wherein a second-order non-linear susceptibility (?(2)) of the NLO film with respect to the incident light is enhanced by the juxtaposition to the LSPR of the nanoparticles. The non-linear optical material lacks global inversion symmetry.

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: Systems and methods for detecting a gaseous analyte utilize a micromechanical piezoelectric resonator having a functionalization layer configured to bind with the gaseous analyte. The functionalization layer may include a layer of carbon nanotubes affixed to the resonator and coated with biopolymers configured to bind with the gaseous analyte. The gaseous analyte may be detected by operating the micromechanical piezoelectric resonator and functionalization layer in the presence of the gas, detecting a change in the resonant frequency of the resonator, and determining the concentration of the gaseous analyte from the change in resonant frequency. Finally, the layer of carbon nanotubes may be grown on the piezoelectric resonator by depositing a catalyst on a piezoelectric structure, heating the piezoelectric structure and the catalyst to enhance the growth of the carbon nanotubes, and growing the carbon nanotubes at growth sites on the piezoelectric structure.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the realization that the bonds between a target molecule, or a target molecule attached to a particle, and a surface, can be ruptured by mechanically oscillating the surface at increasing amplitude, leading to detachment of the target molecule or particle from the surface. The required acceleration, and hence force, will depend on a variety of factors, including the mass of the molecule or particle, the nature of the bond to the surface and the geometric shape or size of the target molecule or particle. The present invention may therefore be used to separate or to size different target molecules, or to detect their presence.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ligand sensor device (MLSD), system and method are provided having at least one magnetostrictive particle (MSP) to which is bound at least one binding element. The MSP may be dispersed in a sample containing a target ligand such that the target ligand binds thereto. A driver is also provided to emit a varying magnetic field such that the MSP produces a resonance response detectable by a measurement device configured to receive and detect changes in the resonance response that are due to alterations of the binding element. The MLSD and assays find use in identifying and quantitating ligands as well as chemicals and environmental conditions in a sample or patient.

Abstract: A cell isolating device and method is provided to concentrate or isolate cells with specific characteristics from a mixture of different cell types. One embodiment may comprise two subtypes of antibodies that are directly conjugated to biotin (Abb) and conjugated to a fluorescent molecule (Abf). The conjugated antibodies (Abb+Abf) bind to the target cells in a mixed cell suspension. The cell suspension is then passed over an immobilized avidin or streptavidin substrate on a glass microscope slide. The biotinylated target cells adhere to the avidin/streptavidin substrate, while the unbound cells are washed off and collected in a wicking member. Captured cells on the avidin/streptavidin substrate may then be visualized directly using a fluorescent microscope or detected and enumerated via an on-board fluorescent detection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the determination of pharmacological properties of substances, such as, e.g., chemical substances. The invention also relates to methods and kits for use in the determination of the free fraction, fu, of pharmacologically active compounds in aqueous solutions and serum. The invention also relates to the above methods in which solid particles, coated with a lipophilic medium, are used.

Abstract: A method for measuring an analyte in a whole blood sample comprising the steps of (1) bringing the whole blood sample into contact with a first substance which is carried on an insoluble carrier and specifically binds to the analyte to be measured and a second substance which is labeled with an alkaline phosphatase and specifically binds to the analyte to be measured, and (2) measuring a resulting complex on the basis of an enzyme reaction of the alkaline phosphatase, the measuring step (2) being carried out in the presence of an inhibitor of endogenous alkaline phosphatases, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The method involves performing an indirect competitive binding assay on a microarray to identify biological or chemical targets and screen for compounds of interest. The microarray comprises a common ligand located among membrane-, lipid- or protein-associated active binding sites. The method takes advantage of known or well-characterized binding kinetics, and steric interference between biological or chemicals targets of interest and universal readout units for different binding sites within the limited confines of a microspot. The biological targets, chemicals or organisms can specifically bind to target-binding sites, while the universal readout unit binds to the ligands in the microspot.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope and a method for detecting interactions between a probe and two or more sensed agents on a scanned surface and determining the relative location of two or more sensed agents is provided. The microscope has a scanning probe with a tip that is sensitive to two or more sensed agents on said scanned surface; two or more sensing agents tethered to the tip of the probe; and a device for recording the displacement of said probe tip as a function of time, topographic images, and the spatial location of interactions between said probe and the two or more sensed agents on said surface.

Abstract: Assays for detecting molecular modifications such as phosphate modifications and the presence and/or activity of enzymes and other agents involved in facilitating or otherwise regulating such modifications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensitive SE(R)RS based methods for detecting analytes such as explosives and drugs, which may be present in a sample at extremely low levels. The methods may be generally carried out in situ employing novel chemistry which is compatible with flow-cell technology and with time-scales and concentrations required for rapid and informative screening of large numbers of samples. The present invention also relates to novel compounds e.g. synthons and apparatus for use with the methods disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for collecting blood and separating blood plasma as a liquid sample using a channel that absorbs the liquid sample by capillary forces. To obtain a uniform filling of the channel with the liquid sample and an effective separation, deaeration takes place in a transverse direction to the main filling direction or to the longitudinal direction of the channel, immediately downstream of a separation device in an inlet region of the channel.

Abstract: An assay method is described, which comprises the steps of immobilizing a binding partner (e.g., an antigen or antibody) for an analyte to be detected (e.g., an antibody or antigen) on a portion (140) of a surface (130) of a microfluidic chamber (120,122,124); passing a fluid sample over the surface and allowing the analyte to bind to the binding partner; allowing a metal colloid, e.g., a gold-conjugated antibody, to associate with the bound analyte; flowing a metal solution, e.g., a silver solution, over the surface such as to form an opaque metallic layer; and detecting the presence of said metallic layer, e.g., by visual inspection or by measuring light transmission through the layer, conductivity or resistance of the layer, or metal concentration in the metal solution after flowing the metal solution over the surface.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoparticle for detecting biomaterials and a biosensor by using the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle includes a metal nanostructure around which an electric field is induced by localized surface plasmon resonance when light is irradiated onto a surface of the metal nanostructure, a spacer covering the surface of the metal nanostructure, and capture molecules specifically reacting with fluorophore-labeled target molecules, and immobilized on a surface of the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials, methods, and kits for reducing nonspecific binding of molecules to a surface, particularly in a solid phase material, and more specifically a solid phase material that includes a hydrophobic portion, by contacting the solid phase material with a fluorinated nonionic surfactant comprising two or more fluorinated hydrophobic segments and one or more hydrophilic segments.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A nanoparticle having a self assembly monolayer of molecules as a shell on the nanoparticle. The monolayer may include organic molecules working as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) reporters. Also, the core shell may include at least a receptor, and/or the like, to ensure that a target analyte can be bound for measurement with SERS. The target analyte may be organic, chemical, biological, inorganic, gas, liquid, solid, and so forth.

Abstract: Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized inorganic oxide surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting an oxide surface to a plasma to create hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and reacting the hydroxyl functionalities with epoxy group-containing molecules in situ in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of oxide surfaces, including glass, quartz, silica and metal oxides.

Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting a pathogenic microorganism in real-time, using a modified flow-type surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, comprising the steps of: i) performing, in a batch-type, an immune reaction of a pathogenic microorganism and an antibody thereto; ii) selectively separating the pathogenic microorganism bound with the antibody; and iii) binding the pathogenic microorganism bound with the antibody on a surface of a chip of a flow-type SPR sensor system in real-time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for enhancing fluorescence comprising a support (10) carrying fluorescence enhancement means (11), the fluorescence enhancement means offering a reception surface for chemical or biological elements intended to be read by detection of a fluorescence signal emitted by a fluorophore, associated with the chemical or biological elements, under the effect of an excitation light beam. The fluorescence enhancement means (11) is made up of a thin, transparent, dielectric layer or a stack of thin, transparent, dielectric layers (12 to 16) ensuring a mirror function for the fluorescence signal and excitation light beam, the material of the thin layer or of each thin layer of the stack being chosen from among the following materials: TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, ZrO2, MgO, SiO2, Si3N4, MgF2 and YF3. The fluorescence enhancement device may be used for a biological or chemical optic sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting binding of biological and/or chemical components of liquid or gaseous mixtures and solutions, which are of mainly biological origin and/or determine parameters of living activity of biological objects, to substances that bind said components due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction; and analysis of mixtures and solutions to determine presence of biological and/or chemical components. Binding substances are arranged on a surface of or inside a sensor layer, which changes its thickness due to the binding being detected; the layer is affected by light of different wavelengths; a signal due to interference on the sensor layer is registered in the reflected or transmitted light.

Abstract: An immunological or immunohematological assay system is disclosed that includes a filter vessel capable of containing an assay sample, an incubator, a sample separation system, an image acquisition system, and a robotic pipettor. The immunological assay system may also include a washer. Also disclosed is an immunological assay method that includes the steps of placing a immunological assay sample in a filter vessel, which includes a filter, adding testing reagents to the filter vessel, incubating the sample and reagent mixture in the filter vessel, separating the sample and reagent mixture in the filter vessel into components above and below the filter, and analyzing the filter vessel to determine the presence of interactions between the sample and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate for protein microarrays, whereby compound A and GPTS are mixed for coating onto a solid support to form a layer, wherein said compound A is selected from a group consisting of nitrocellulose, poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) and polyvinylidene fluoride. Moreover, the present invention also provides a protein microarray by depositing proteins on said layer of said substrate.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis unit comprises a base plate, which has holes, and a porous adsorptive material, which is filled in each of the holes and forms each of adsorptive regions. Each of the adsorptive regions is provided with a layer, which has pores having a comparatively small mean pore diameter, and a layer, which has pores having a comparatively large mean pore diameter. In cases where the layers, which constitute each of the adsorptive regions, are connected with the layers, which constitute an adjacent adsorptive region, at one of surfaces of the base plate, the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a signal absorbing layer for absorbing a signal, which passes through layers located under the base plate and thus propagates from a certain hole toward an adjacent hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the identification and use of diagnostic markers for differential diagnosis of diseases. In a various aspects, the invention relates to methods and compositions able to determine the presence or absence of one, and preferably a plurality, of diseases that exhibit one or more similar or identical symptoms. Such methods and compositions can be used to provide assays and assay devices for use in determining the disease underlying one or more non-specific symptoms exhibited in a clinical setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a concentration of a biological active substance in a sample by the means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The device comprises a solid support within a tubing for binding an immunosorbent and an inlet for fluids, a detector for detecting radiation due to an activity in the tubing, wherein the tubing is arranged inside a microchip extending substantially in one plane, for conducting the fluids along the plane of the microchip. The tubing forms a reaction cell having a large detection area. The reaction cell of the microchip is arranged perpendicular to the detector. The method comprises the steps of introducing the fluids into the tubing, conducting the fluids through the tubing forming a reaction cell, in which reaction cell the radiation emitting activity takes place, and detecting the light emitted from the reaction cell substantially perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting biomolecular binding events using gigahertz or terahertz radiation. The methods and systems use low-energy spectroscopy to detect biomolecular binding events between molecules in an aqueous solution. The detected biomolecular binding events include, for example, nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen binding, and receptor/ligand binding.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, rugged, easy-to-operate biosensor useful for rapidly detecting cells, viruses, antibodies, and other proteins. A capillary tube has a capture antibody immobilized on its interior surface. The specific capture antibody is selected based upon a desired target analyte to be detected. A sample potentially containing the target antigen is introduced into the capillary tube. Thereafter, a second antibody labeled with a fluorescent dye is introduced. Upon excitation by electromagnetic energy, typically supplied by a laser, the fluorescence of the sample is captured and analyzed. The apparatus is extremely compact and rugged making it ideal for field use. In addition, accurate results may be obtained by relatively unskilled operators directly from a self-contained readout. Optionally, an external device (e.g., a computer) may be connected to the apparatus via an optional interface.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 ?m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition. The photoactive substance is activated and the effect of the activating on the optical properties of the combination is detected.

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: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the detection of small quantities of amniotic fluid in the vagina. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of PAMG-1 in the vagina using anti-PAMG-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for conducting multiplexed assays. The methods are particularly well suited for measuring a plurality of analytes that may be present in very different abundances. The invention also relates to systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods.

Abstract: Methods and applications of surface plasmon resonance-enhanced antibacterial, anti-adhere, adhere, catalytic, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, spectral change, biological and chemical decomposition properties of materials with embedded nanoparticles are disclosed. A method of the nonlinear generation of surface plasmon resonance enables the use of light with wavelengths from X-Ray to IR to enhance properties of materials by several orders of magnitude. The nanoparticle size is crucial for the enhancement and their size is considered to be in the proposed methods and applications within a range of 0.1 nm to 200,000 nm. The nanoparticles preferably are made of noble metals and/or semiconductor oxides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modifying surfaces using hydroxyl terminated PEG are described herein. The surfaces so modified are useful in detection of synthetic and natural product organic molecules, organometallics, biomolecules, particles, or cells.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a target substance-capturing body comprising: a base consisting of a soluble protein; and two or more functional domains capable of binding to different target substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an analyte in a sample. According to the method of the present invention, a probe is transferred from a stamp member onto an analyte that is bound to a support member. The present invention is particularly suitable for microarrays.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry, as well as associated methods and devices, for example, nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining nucleic acids or other analytes suspected to be present in a sample (for example, their presence and/or dynamical information), e.g., at the single molecule level. For example, a nanoscale wire device can be used in some cases to detect single base mismatches within a nucleic acid (e.g., by determining association and/or dissociation rates). In one aspect, dynamical information such as a binding constant, an association rate, and/or a dissociation rate, can be determined between a nucleic acid or other analyte, and a binding partner immobilized relative to a nanoscale wire. In some cases, the nanoscale wire includes a first portion comprising a metal-semiconductor compound, and a second portion that does not include a metal-semiconductor compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles having a hydrophilic surface coating, to methods of production thereof and to the use thereof in biological, molecular biological, biochemical and medical applications.

Abstract: Magnetic particles with a metal coat holding target substance captors are made to react with a target substance contained in a specimen in a solution where the magnetic particles are dispersed in a liquid medium. Subsequently, the dispersion of the magnetic particles is applied to a surface having a periodic structure that is adapted to generate plasmon resonance and a change in the plasmon resonance attributable to the concentration of the target substance held on the magnetic particles fixed magnetically to the surface is optically detected to determine the concentration of the target substance in the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing immuno assays (“biochip” or “lab on chip” respectively), a procedure for its fabrication and the use of the device for performing immuno assays. Furthermore the present invention relates to the use of a photo lithographically patternable dry film photo resist based on a material with functional chemical groups for the immobilization of biomolecules.