Abstract: Disclosed is a product that includes an optical sensor; a target-responsive hydrogel matrix on a surface of the optical sensor (where the hydrogel matrix comprises one or more target-specific receptors and one or more target analogs), and one or more high refractive index nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix, where a detectable change occurs in a refractive index of the hydrogel matrix when contacted with one or more target molecules. Sterile packages and detection devices containing the product, and methods of detecting a target molecule using the product, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides the description of an inexpensive and disposable handheld device for detecting Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood called a handheld CTC detector (HCTCD). The HCTCD is capable of detecting less than 1 CTC per milliliter. The HCTCD consists of a dense array of high aspect ratio freestanding metallic nanoneedles, functionalized with antibodies that integrated within a microfluidic device and selectively capture and count (using electrical signal detection) the CTCs. By selecting a right functionalization protocol for the nanoneedles array, the HCTCD can be used for selective capturing a variety of rare cells that are mixed in human fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunochromatographic device, which contains the following (a) and (b): (a) a first device part holding a first insoluble carrier used for developing a complex formed with an analyte and a labeling substance comprising a metal labeled with a first binding substance that can bind to the analyte and capturing the analyte and the labeling substance at a reaction portion containing a second binding substance that can bind to the analyte, and (b) a second device part holding a second insoluble carrier used for developing a liquid and a third insoluble carrier used for absorbing a liquid, in such a way that the first insoluble carrier does not come into contact with the second insoluble carrier and the third insoluble carrier.

Abstract: A substrate of a target substance-detecting element for detecting a target substance in a specimen based on localized surface plasmon resonance comprises a supporting member and a metal nano-dot group provided on the supporting member, metal nano-dots each of which is comprised in the metal nano-dot group and adjacent to each other are arranged with a gap between the metal nano-dots of not larger than 30 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include sensors comprising high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with capture reagents on a gate region of the HEMTs. Example sensors include HEMTs with a thin gold layer on the gate region and bound antibodies; a thin gold layer on the gate region and chelating agents; a non-native gate dielectric on the gate region; and nanorods of a non-native dielectric with an immobilized enzyme on the gate region. Embodiments including antibodies or enzymes can have the antibodies or enzymes bound to the Au-gate via a binding group. Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the sensors for detecting breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney injury, glucose, metals or pH where a signal is generated by the HEMT when a solution is contacted with the sensor. The solution can be blood, saliva, urine, breath condensate, or any solution suspected of containing any specific analyte for the sensor.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials, devices, and methods related to determination of an analyte. In some embodiments, an analyte may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a luminescent material (e.g., particle) upon exposure to an analyte. The present invention may be particularly advantageous in that some embodiments may comprise an emissive species useful as an internal reference standard. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the quantitative determination of an analyte. In some cases, the present invention may allow for selective determination of an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: Materials and methods for studying and modulating the interaction of carbohydrate-containing moieties with other species are described, in particular, small particles, e.g. clusters of metal or semiconductor atoms, which can be employed as a substrate for immobilising a plurality of ligands comprising carbohydrate groups. These “nanoparticles” can then be used to study carbohydrate mediated interactions, e.g. with other carbohydrates or proteins, and as therapeutics and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor biointerface with a rigid thiol linker layer and/or interaction layer ligand loading with reversible collapse and/or iron oxide nanoparticle sensor response amplification.

Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.

Abstract: A novel ligand conjugate which is effectively utilizable for analyzing a function of a protein; a ligand-supporting object; and a method of analyzing a protein. The ligand conjugate has a structure which comprises: a linker compound having a structure represented by the following General Formula (1): (wherein n and p each is an integer of 0 to 6) in which X is a structure comprising one, two, or three hydrocarbon derivative chains which have an aromatic amino group at the end and may have a carbon-nitrogen bond in the main chain, Y is a hydro-carbon structure containing one or more sulfur atoms, and Z is a straight-chain structure comprising a carbon-carbon bond or carbon-oxygen bond; and a sugar which has a reducing end and is bonded to the linker compound through the aromatic amino group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an object having a pattern of plasmon resonant particles (PREs) distributed in or on the object are disclosed. In the method, a field containing the pattern is illuminated, and one or more spectral emission characteristics of the light-scattering particles in the field are detected. From this data, an image of positions and spectral characteristic values in the field is constructed, allowing PREs with a selected spectral signature to be discriminated from other light-scattering entities, to provide information about the field. The image may be compared to a database of reference images to identify or validate the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assay of multiple analytes. The method uses a sensing element comprising a substrate upon which is arranged a multiplicity of recognition elements, such that each element is laid out in a predetermined pattern. Each pattern is unique in that it can give rise to a characteristic diffraction pattern in the assay. The patterns may or may not be interpenetrating on the substrate surface. The method of detecting multiple analytes includes contacting the medium of analytes with the patterned substrate, illuminating the substrate by a light source, and detecting any resultant diffraction image. The pattern of diffraction and the intensity of the diffracted signal provides information about the existence of specific analytes and their quantification.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-dimensional sensors with fluidic flow channels for processing fluid samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal oxide nano-composite magnetic material, fabrication method, and method for linkage, enrichment, and isolation of phosphorylated species. The metal oxide nano-composite magnetic material comprises the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, a silica layer immobilized onto the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle and a metal oxide layer coated onto the silica layer. The magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can be used for absorbing microwave radiation to accelerate the enrichment and linkage for phosphorylated species onto the metal oxide nano-composite magnetic material. Furthermore, the magnetic property of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles leads to isolation of the metal oxide nano-composite magnetic material-target species conjugates by simply employing an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of multiple different light emitting molecules that emit different and detectable emission signals to provide systems and methods to detect different target products in a single assay sample, wherein the different light emitting molecules are positioned an optimal distance from metallic particles thereby enhancing emissions. Preferably, the systems and methods further comprise use of either microwave or sonic energy to increase binding reactions, timing of such reactions within the assay sample and reduce background non-specific biological absorption.

Abstract: A novel protein profiling method of testing for Lysosomal Storage Diseases (“LSD”) using discovered normalized lysosomal fingerprint patterns. The fingerprint patterns reveal the health of lysosomal organelles, specific LSD, and clinical severity. Multiplexing bead technology for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Compounds, reagents, and methods for identifying and quantifying multiple target enzymes and proteins.

Abstract: Coated colloidal materials, methods for making coated colloidal materials, and methods of using coated colloidal materials are disclosed. The method yields coated colloidal materials where the optical characteristics of the core is not adversely affected. The coated colloidal materials can be self-assembled into films, layers, or structures and used in the detection of analytes through detection assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides for metallic nanostructures or nanoburgers comprising a dielectric layer positioned between metallic layers and their use in metal enhanced emissions systems to enhance emissions from fluorophores, including intrinsic and extrinsic; luminophores; bioluminescent species and/or chemiluminescent species. The multilayer nanoburgers exhibit several distinctive properties including significantly enhanced intensity of emissions, decreased lifetime and increased photostability by simply varying the thickness of the dielectric layer while maintaining a constant thickness of the two metallic layers on opposite sides of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A coated magnetic particle comprising an optionally porous magnetic polymer particle of a matrix polymer, said polymer particle having on a surface and/or in the pores thereof superparamagnetic crystals, said coated particle having a coat formed of a coating polymer, wherein said coated magnetic particle is essentially non-autofluorescent.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an immunochromatography method which is capable of performing a detection with high-sensitivity or reduced false-positives by suppressing the occurrence of false-positive when a signal is amplified. An immunochromatography method includes in a state of where a complex of a test substance and a labeling substance containing a metal coupled with a first binding substance for the test substance is formed, developing the complex on an insoluble carrier in presence of a protease hydrolyzate of protein; capturing the test substance and the labeling substance at a detection site of the insoluble carrier containing a material which has a binding property to the first binding substance for the test substance or a second binding substance for the test substance; and detecting the test substance by amplifying the labeling substance captured.

Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.

Abstract: A biosensor having an optical fiber having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and one or more nanoparticles associated with the optical fiber, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A coated magnetic particle comprising an optionally porous magnetic polymer particle of a matrix polymer, said polymer particle having on a surface and/or in the pores thereof superparamagnetic crystals, said coated particle having a coat formed of a coating polymer, wherein said coated magnetic particle is essentially non-autofluorescent.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

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

Abstract: Droplet actuator devices and methods for immunoassays and washing are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a droplet in contact with a surface of a super paramagnetic bead with a reduced concentration of a substance is provided and includes: (a) providing a super paramagnetic bead in contact with a droplet comprising a starting concentration and starting quantity of the substance and having a starting volume; (b) conducting one or more droplet operations to merge a wash droplet with the droplet provided in step (a) to yield a combined droplet; and (c) conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets. The set of droplets includes: (i) a droplet in contact with the super paramagnetic bead having a decreased concentration of the substance relative to the starting concentration; and (ii) a droplet which is separated from the super paramagnetic bead.

Abstract: In the present invention, it is demonstrated for the first time, the influence of electrical current on the ability of surface plasmons to amplify fluorescence signatures. An applied direct current across silver island films (SiFs) of low electrical resistance perturbs the fluorescence enhancement of close-proximity fluorophores. For a given applied current, surface plasmons in “just-continuous” low resistance films are sparsely available for fluorophore dipole coupling and hence the enhanced fluorescence is gated as a function of the applied current.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the use of nanoparticles, which may be referred to herein as mass dots, as mass tags for probes such as antibodies, aptamers, nucleic acids, etc. in multiplexed bioassays with ICP-MS detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for increasing fluorescence detection in surface assay systems while increasing kinetics of a bioreaction therein by providing low-power microwaves to irradiate metallic materials within the system in an amount sufficient to increase heat thereby affecting the kinetics of a bioreaction therein.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for amplifying mass spectrometric signals. A novel method for detecting signals of a target molecule includes: allowing a sample, which comprises a target molecule, to contact a gold particle having a surface modified to selectively bind the target molecule, allowing a low molecular weight molecule engrafted to the gold particle generate mass spectrometric signals after the interaction, e.g., binding, between the gold particle and the target molecule, and amplifying the mass spectrometric signals to generate much mass spectrometric signals of the low molecular weight molecule even when trace amounts of the target molecule are present. An assay system using the method and the gold particle prepared in the method are provided. The method amplifies signals of the target molecule without pretreatment of a sample, making it possible to measure the target molecule simply and precisely.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biosensor for quantitatively analyzing a bio-material and a manufacturing method thereof. The biosensor has an exposed conductive region of a few-nanometer scale distributed on an insulated metallic substrate in a desired pattern or randomly. The quantitative analysis of protein can be carried out by means of simplified procedures, without the necessity of rinsing out a signal-producing material, which is non-specifically bonded to the materials to be analyzed. The biosensor utilizes only the size of the molecules, and thus can be universally used for the analysis of bio-materials. A selective and separate analysis can be realized in which interference caused by other materials is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A DNA hybrid which comprises a porous oxide matrix and DNA immobilized thereon, and is useful for environmental clean-up, where the hybrid is prepared by removing a dispersion medium from a dispersion of colloidal oxide and DNA.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biosensor chip includes: forming at least one metallic layer on a transparent substrate to form a composite member; disposing the composite member in a vacuumed chamber, and introducing a gas into the vacuumed chamber; applying microwave energy to the gas to produce a microwave plasma of the gas within the vacuumed chamber, and causing the microwave plasma to interact with the metallic layer so that the metallic layer is melted and formed into a plurality of metallic nanoparticles that are spaced apart from each other and that expose partially the surface of the transparent substrate; and disposing a receptor at the surface of the transparent substrate that is exposed among the metallic nanoparticles. A biosensor chip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical-waveguide sensor chip includes an optical waveguide having a first substance immobilized on the surface thereof, the first substance being specifically reactive with an analyte substance, and fine particles dispersed on the optical waveguide and having a second substance immobilized on the surface thereof, the second substance being specifically reactive with the analyte substance.

Abstract: Detection of detection target substances at a sensor portion is expedited and the efficiency thereof is improved in biological substance analysis, to enable accelerated analysis with high sensitivity. A biological substance analyzing cell equipped with a reaction chamber having a sample supply space, an acoustic matching layer which is provided at a predetermined region of an inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces another inner wall, and a sensor portion provided within the reaction chamber is employed. Ultrasonic waves are emitted such that a standing wave are generated between the acoustic matching layer and the inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces the acoustic matching layer. The detection target substance is concentrated by the capturing forces of the standing waves, and the concentrated detection target substance is detected at the sensor portion.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence or amount of a metal-labelled species in a sample may include causing the metal of the metal-labelled species in the sample to form a soluble electrochemically-active complex which is stable relative to moieties present or potentially present in the sample which will form an insoluble and/or electrochemically-inactive complex with the metal, and electrochemically measuring the formed complex to provide an indication of the presence or amount of the metal-labelled species.

Abstract: A sample compressor applies pressure to a sample collector and a sample application zone of a test strip to transfer a sample from the sample collector and a binding partner of an analyte to the sample application zone in a lateral flow device. At least one of the binding partners of the analyte is not located on the test strip prior to use of the lateral flow device. The test strip may be a universal test strip with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte is located on the test strip. The sample compressor may be a universal sample compressor also with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte on the sample compressor. The lateral flow device may also include one or more enhancement elements, where the enhancement elements bind to the analyte sandwich to increase a detection signal in the test zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biosensors, in particular to surface-enhanced Raman biosensors for detection of in vivo and ex vivo analytes. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the in vivo detection of analytes such as glucose.

Abstract: A nanopore device capable of single molecule detection is described. The nanopores are formed in thin, rigid membranes and modified by a sputtered metal that forms an overhang during application. The overhang causes the pore to be narrower in a certain region, allowing passage of only a single molecule through the pore at a time, or binding to a biomolecule on the pore to be detected by a change in ionic current flow through the nanopore. Embodiments include a silicon nitride membrane formed on a silicon substrate and having a nanopore drilled with a focused ion beam system, followed by gold sputtering onto the membrane. Devices are formed with one or more nanopores and chambers having electrodes on either side of the nanopore.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include methods and assays for detecting an analyte in a sample using a plurality of control zone capture agents. Some embodiments include detection of multiple analytes in a sample utilizing a plurality of analyte binders and a control zone containing multiple control zone capture agents. In some embodiments, the multiple control zone capture agents capture a plurality of binders within one control zone. Test results are determined by comparison of the control zone signal to a test zone signal.

Abstract: A conjugate of a modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer without a core and a member of a binding pair is described. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain chain branches, terminal branches or both. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain random asymmetric branches or random asymmetric junctions. The binding pair can be an antibody, antigen or a ligand. The conjugate includes a drug.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an immunosuppressant drug in a sample suspected of containing an immunosuppressant drug. The method includes providing in combination in a medium the sample, a first monoclonal antibody for the immunosuppressant drug, and a second monoclonal antibody for the immunosuppressant drug. The second monoclonal antibody binds to a portion of the immunosuppressant drug other than the portion to which the first monoclonal antibody binds to the immunosuppressant drug. The medium is incubated under conditions for binding of the first monoclonal antibody and the second monoclonal antibody to the immunosuppressant drug. The medium is examined for the presence of an immunocomplex comprising the immunosuppressant drug, the first monoclonal antibody and the second monoclonal antibody. The presence and/or amount of the immunocomplex indicates the presence and/or amount of the immunosuppressant drug in the sample.

Abstract: A method for detecting a ligand is provided. Antibodies to a predetermined ligand are attached to substrates. The substrates are superparamagnetic, dyed beads. The beads are exposed to an electromagnetic field to immobilize the beads. The beads are contacted with a sample and the antibodies are allowed to recognize and capture the ligand in the sample. The electromagnetic field is optionally removed. The beads are contacted with a liquid crystalline material and the light transmission properties of the liquid crystalline material are examined for alteration caused by the presence of aggregates of the beads and the ligand.

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: 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 of a surface of a microfluidic chamber; 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: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.

Abstract: A method for differentiating between a post-translationally modified peptide and a peptide contained in a sample, comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a peptide attachment surface to create a peptidized surface, wherein the sample includes at least one functional group; (b) contacting the peptidized surface with a recognition reagent that selectively binds or forms a complex with the post-translationally modified peptide in the sample to provide an incubated surface; and (c) contacting a liquid crystal with the incubated surface and detecting presence of post-translationally modified peptide in the sample with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can adjust a molecular density of the film of functional molecules (e.g. DNA molecules), which is utilized for biochips such as DNA chip, to a desired degree efficiently and easily. The method for producing a molecular film with an adjusted density according to the present invention includes forming a molecular film and adjusting a molecular density. In the forming a molecular film, a molecular film composed of molecules is formed on a conductive substrate, wherein the molecule includes a region capable of binding to the conductive substrate at least in a portion thereof. In the density adjusting, a molecular density of the molecular film is adjusted by desorbing a part of the molecules which make up the molecular film from the conductive substrate.