Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Proteomics-to-Genomics approach allows for in silico validation of biomarkers and drug targets. Biomarkers having high prognostic value in predicting cancer patient populations that may benefit from mitochondrial biogenesis inhibitor therapy may be identified under the present approach. Also disclosed are methods for identifying candidates for anti-mitochondrial therapy, and in particular mitochondrial biogenesis inhibitor therapy. Diagnostic kits including reagents for determining transcripts or probes of high prognostic value are also disclosed. Additionally, mitochondrial biogenesis inhibitors may be used as anti-cancer agents for diverse oncogenic stimuli, including for example, c-MYC and H-Ras oncogenes, as well as environmental stimuli such as, for example rotenone.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the method and apparatus to magnetically separate biological entities with magnetic labels from a fluid sample. The claimed magnetic separation device removes biological entities with magnetic labels from its fluidic solution by using a soft-magnetic center pole with two soft-magnetic side poles. The claimed device further includes processes to dissociate entities conglomerate after magnetic separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining concentration of polyelectrolyte or phosphonate in a sample comprising polyelectrolyte or phosphonate in low concentrations. The method comprises admixing the sample with a reagent comprising a lanthanid(lll) ion; admixing the sample with silica; allowing the polyelectrolyte or phosphonate in the sample to interact with the reagent comprising the lanthanide(lll) ion and the silica; exciting the sample and detecting a sample signal deriving from the lanthanide(lll) ion by time-resolved fluorescence measurement; and determining the concentration of the polyelectrolyte or phosphonate in the sample by using the detected sample signal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating magnetically responsive beads from a droplet in a droplet actuator. Droplet operations electrodes and a magnet are arranged in a droplet actuator to manipulate a bead-containing droplet and position it relative to a magnetic field region that attracts the magnetically responsive beads. The droplet operations electrodes are operated to control the droplet shape and transport it away from the magnetic field region to form a concentration of beads in the droplet. The continued transport of the droplet away from the magnetic field causes the concentration of beads to break away from the droplet to yield a small, concentrated bead-containing droplet immobilized by the magnet.

Abstract: A system for measuring electrical characteristics of bioparticles is described. The system comprises an incubator for performing electrochemical measurements in a defined environment and a substrate holder positioned in said incubator for holding a substrate comprising a plurality of wells. The system is furthermore configured for continuously or regularly measuring electrochemical data. The system also comprises a processing means for comparing the continuously or regularly measured electrochemical data with reference data and for determining a moment for adding an active compound based on said comparison.

Abstract: An automatic analysis device which can be accessed from a front surface of the device to a rear surface side of the device when a user accesses the automatic analysis device and reduce the risk of damage to a rod-shaped member due to contact. A reagent suction position, a reagent discharge position, a reagent dispensing nozzle cleaning portion, and a reagent dispensing mechanism retraction portion from which the reagent dispensing mechanism is retracted are disposed on a trajectory of an arm of the reagent dispensing mechanism. A nozzle guide accommodation portion accommodates a nozzle guide of a reagent dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing nozzle. The reagent dispensing mechanism retraction portion is a cylindrical member protruding downward from an upper surface cover of the automatic analysis device and prevents direct contact with the reagent dispensing nozzle by positioning the reagent dispensing nozzle in the nozzle accommodation portion.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is described herein that can be used to perform magneto-optical detection and discernment of crystals within a biofluid sample. A magnetic field can be applied by the diagnostic device in a direction relative to light traveling through the sample. The presence of a crystal can be determined based on the magneto-optical properties of the sample. The detected crystal can be one of two similar crystal types that may be in the biofluid sample. The two similar crystal types can exhibit different magneto-optical properties under a magnetic field in a different direction. Accordingly, the type of crystal can be discerned by applying the magnetic field in the different direction as light travels through the sample. Discernment of the type of crystal can lead to diagnosis of the particular disease condition and subsequent proper treatment of the disease condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting incorporating magnetic shielding to reduce exposure of any of samples, reactants, devices or people from exposure or prolonged exposure to magnetic or electromagnetic fields generated with the system. Some embodiments provide an automation system for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting comprising an automation track having a sidewall provided with magnetic shielding. In some embodiments, the magnetic shielding comprises an 80% nickel alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic single-core nanoparticles, in particular stable dispersible magnetic single-core nanoparticles (e.g. single-core magnetite nanoparticles) having a diameter between 20 and 200 nm in varied morphology, and the continuous aqueous synthesis thereof, in particular using micromixers. The method is simple, quick and cost-effective to perform and is carried out without organic solvents. The single-core nanoparticles produced by the method form stable dispersions in aqueous media, i.e. not having a tendency to assemble or aggregate. In addition, the method offers the possibility of producing anisotropic, super-paramagnetic, plate-shaped nanoparticles which, due to their shape anisotrophy, are extremely suitable for use in polymer matrices for magnet field-controlled release of active substances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detecting one or more target analytes which includes a resistor structure comprised of a substrate, a graphene-based nanocomposite material located on a surface of the substrate with the graphene-based nanocomposite material exhibiting one or more magnetoresistance properties. A surface of the nanocomposite material includes molecular sensing elements bound thereto which exhibit an affinity for binding with the target analytes. Electrodes are connected to the resistor structure connectable to a power source and a device for measuring a resistance across the resistor structure for sensing a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) value of the resistor structure. Included are magnetic colloidal nanoparticles exhibiting preselected magnetic properties with an outer surface of the magnetic colloidal nanoparticles being modified to allow interaction with the surface of the resistor structure resulting in a change in the GMR value of the resistor structure.

Abstract: A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).

Abstract: Methods of separating magnetic particles from a fluid include introducing a fluid mixture that includes a liquid media, a biological component, and magnetic particles into an internal compartment of a container through an inlet, allowing at least a portion of the mixture to travel around a partition formed within the internal compartment and then exit the internal compartment through an outlet on the opposite side of the partition, and applying a magnetic field to the mixture in the internal compartment so that the magnetic particles are retained within the container or internal compartment thereof by the magnetic field. The partition is formed by permanently or reversibly securing upper and lower container walls together, such as by welding or pressing, between the inlet and the outlet such that the media and biological component must flow around the partition and through the magnetic field to exit the internal compartment through the outlet.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods are described for capturing magnetic target entities bound to one or more magnetic beads. The systems include a well array device that includes a substrate with a surface that has a plurality of wells arranged in one or more arrays on the surface. A first array of wells is arranged adjacent to a first location on the surface. A second and subsequent arrays, if present, are arranged sequentially on the surface at second and subsequent locations. When a liquid sample is added onto the substrate and caused to flow, the liquid sample will flow across the first array first and then flow across the second and subsequent arrays in sequential order. The wells in the first array each have a size that permits entry of only one target entity into the well and each well in the first array has approximately the same size.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for rapid amplification of nucleic acids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mixing a reaction solution during amplification of nucleic acids and to methods for amplifying nucleic acids. Also disclosed are methods for lysing cells in a sample and amplifying nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, a magnetic microbeads adsorption mechanism, which is configured to adsorb a magnetic microbeads in a reaction cup and is provided with a cup inlet station and a cup outlet station; the magnetic microbeads adsorption mechanism includes a pedestal, a turntable and multiple magnetic adsorption components; the turntable is rotatably mounted on the pedestal; the turntable can drive the reaction cup to rotate around a central axis of the turntable; the multiple magnetic adsorption components are arranged on a mounting circumference of the pedestal at intervals; the mounting circumference and rotation track of the reaction cup are concentrically arranged; and during a process when the reaction cup rotates from the cup inlet station to the cup outlet station, the adsorption height of the magnetic microbeads relative to cup bottom of the reaction cup can be changed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards characterizing liquids through the use of magnetic discs that rotate in response to dynamic magnetic fields. In some embodiments, a light beam is transmitted into the liquid while the magnetic discs rotate, and one or more parameters of a light beam signal associated with the transmitted light beam are identified. Various characteristics of the liquid may be detected based on the one or more parameters of the light beam signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated liquid-phase immunoassay apparatus used with a cuvette having a plurality of chambers containing a reagent necessary for detection of an analyte in a biological specimen. The apparatus includes a movable cuvette module equipped with the cuvette, an optical reading module for optical assaying of a material resulting from a reaction between the specimen and the reagent, and a dispenser module which is positioned on the cuvette module and which dispenses the specimen and the reagent to the plurality of chambers of the cuvette and washes the specimen and the reagent therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition of albumin microbubbles to which are bound one or more moieties that exhibit a binding preference for the albumin microbubbles relative to free, native HSA. Production of the albumin microbubble composition and use of the albumin microbubble composition in ultrasound mediated delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents is also discussed.

Abstract: A significant enhancement of detection capabilities of the room temperature MPQ is seen using optical lithography-defined, ferromagnetic iron-nickel alloy microdisks. Irreversible transitions between strongly non-collinear (vortex) and a collinear single domain states, driven by an ac magnetic field, translate into a nonlinear magnetic response that enables ultrasensitive detection of material at relatively small magnetic fields.

Abstract: A chemical sensor that enables high detection accuracy. A chemical sensor includes a substrate, a magnetoresistance-effect element disposed over the substrate, a first film disposed over the magnetoresistance-effect element, and a second film disposed in a region in the vicinity of the magnetoresistance-effect element or over a region in the vicinity of the magnetoresistance-effect element, wherein the second film has higher solubility in a specific liquid than the first film.

Abstract: A Quality Control (QC) material for performing a QC procedure with respect to at least one detector is introduced. The QC material comprises at least one first QC substance and at least one second QC substance, wherein the first QC substance is interferable with the second QC substance or with the performance and/or lifetime of the detector and wherein the first QC substance is entrapped by carrier particles that prevent the first QC substance to interfere with the second QC substance or with the performance and/or lifetime of the detector. An in-vitro diagnostic system comprising a first detector and a second detector and the QC material is also introduced. An in-vitro diagnostic method comprising performing a QC procedure with respect to a first detector and/or to a second detector comprising providing the QC material is also introduced, as well as a method of manufacturing the QC material.

Abstract: A toner composite material includes toner particles that include a sulfonated polyester and a wax and metal nanoparticles disposed on the surface of the toner particles. A method includes providing such toner composite materials, fusing the material to a substrate and covalently linking a ligand to the surface of the silver nanoparticles via a thiol, carboxylate, or amine functional group. Detection strips include a substrate and such toner composite materials fused on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantification of a target nucleic acid in a sample are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of discrete sample portions. Each of the plurality of discrete sample portions comprising a portion of the sample, and a reaction mixture. The method further includes amplifying the plurality of discrete sample portions to form a plurality of discrete processed sample portions. At least one discrete processed sample portion containing nucleic acid amplification reaction products. Fluorescence signals are detected from the at least one of the plurality of discrete processed sample portions to determine a presence of the at least one target nucleic acid. The method also includes determining the respective volumes of the plurality of the plurality of discrete processed sample portions, and estimating the number of copies-per-unit-volume of the at least one target nucleic acid in the sample.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for detecting a target in a sample suspected of containing the target. The method comprises contacting the sample and a first binding molecule attached to a magnetic particle with a second binding molecule attached to a solid support. The first binding molecule is capable of binding to the second binding molecule, and the target is capable of interfering with this binding. Magnetic force is applied to bring the magnetic particle into close proximity with the solid support. The number of magnetic particles bound to the solid support is detected.

Abstract: A method of detecting a metal ion in a protein-containing sample includes adding a protein degrading enzyme to the protein-containing sample to form an enzyme degradation product, adding an acid to the enzyme degradation product to provide a mixture, filtering the mixture to provide a supernatant, extracting the supernatant with an organic solvent to remove organic solvent soluble byproducts to provide a washed aqueous layer, and detecting the metal ion in the washed aqueous layer. The method is amenable to the detection of heavy metal ions in complex products such as milk. A kit includes reagents for performing the method.

Abstract: A ratio of rare cells to non-rare cells in a blood sample suspected of containing rare cells and non-rare cells is enhanced. A treated blood sample is prepared by providing in combination the blood sample, a platelet deactivation agent, a fibrin-formation-arresting agent and fibrin in an amount sufficient to cause a predetermined level of agglutination of the rare cells. The treated blood sample is then contacted with a porous matrix such that agglutinated rare cells are preferentially retained on the porous matrix. The rare cells may then be identified.

Abstract: A method for measuring fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) in a sample, which comprise the following steps: (1) reacting, in an aqueous medium, FGF-23 in a sample with magnetic particles, a first antibody or a fragment thereof which binds to FGF-23, and a second antibody or a fragment thereof which binds to FGF-23, to form on the magnetic particles an immunocomplex comprising the first antibody or a fragment thereof which binds to FGF-23, FGF-23, and the second antibody or a fragment thereof which binds to FGF-23; (2) collecting the magnetic particles in the reaction mixture after step (1) by magnetic force, and separating the magnetic particles collected by magnetic force from the other components; and (3) measuring the immunocomplex on the magnetic particles separated in step (2). The present invention provides a method for measuring FGF-23 in a sample, which have a high sensitivity and have a wide measurement range.

Abstract: The invention provides devices that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient detection of individual microscopic targets at low magnification for highly sensitive testing. The invention does not require washing steps and thus allows sensitive and specific detection while simplifying manual operation and lowering costs and complexity in automated operation. In short, the invention provides devices that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests.

Abstract: In one aspect, presence and/or level of an analyte within a sample is determined by use of a construct comprising a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety. In one embodiment, the construct is magnetically migrated to a transparent surface and then dragged along the surface. In one aspect, an evanescent field is applied and changes in the diffusional or rotational properties of the fluorescent moiety as it migrates in and out of the evanescent field are measured by changes in its fluorescent emission, providing a measure of the interaction between the construct and a component of the sample.

Abstract: Small molecule analytes (less than 1000 Daltons) in a fluid sample are detected using a competitive assay in a magnetic biosensor. The fluid sample is added to a biosensor detection chamber together with detection probes and magnetic tags which bind to the detection probes. The magnetic biosensor is functionalized with a capture probe that shares an epitope with the analytes, and the detection probe is capable of binding the epitope shared by the analytes and the capture probe, so that the presence of the analyte prevents detection probes (and magnetic tags) from binding to the biosensor. By measuring the binding of the magnetic tags to the magnetic biosensor, an amount of analytes in the solution is determined.

Abstract: Methods, microfluidic devices, and instruments for magnetic separation of particles from a fluid are described. Examples include microfluidic devices having a removable portion. Examples include microfluidic devices having one or more regions of reduced fluid velocity. Examples further including instruments having pneumatic interfaces. Examples further includes instruments having controllable magnets, imaging components, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target substance, containing the steps of: incorporating labeling particles into a test liquid containing an analyte; heating the test liquid; irradiating the test liquid with excitation light, and detecting the target substance contained in the test liquid depending on a state of light emission of the labeling particles; wherein an aggregation state of the labeling particles is changed by the heating step; and wherein the labeling particles have a thermoresponsive polymer on a surface of a composite particle containing a magnetic material and a fluorescent material, and further have a biomolecule having properties of binding with the target substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to highly fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles to which biomolecules and other compounds can be chemically linked to form biocompatible, stable optical imaging agents for in vitro and in vivo applications. The fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles may also be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus providing a multi modality imaging agent.

Abstract: This disclosure describes microfluidic devices that include one or more magnets, each magnet being operable to emit a magnetic field; and a magnetizable layer adjacent to the one or more magnets, in which the magnetizable layer is configured to induce a gradient in the magnetic field of at least one of the magnets. For example, the gradient can be at least 103 T/m at a position that is at least 20 ?m away from a surface of the magnetizable layer. The magnetizable layer includes a first high magnetic permeability material and a low magnetic permeability material arranged adjacent to the high magnetic permeability material. The devices also include a microfluidic channel arranged on a surface of the magnetizable layer, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the microfluidic channel is arranged at an angle to or laterally offset from an interface between the high magnetic permeability material and the low magnetic permeability material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the presence of an analyte by means of a distribution of small magnetic particles. According to said method, the magnetizations of the small particles are oriented in relation to each other by means of an outer magnetic focusing field; once the focussing field has been terminated, the magnetizations of the small particles are rotated asynchronously to the magnetic field by means of an outer magnetic field of suitable field intensity and rotational frequency, which rotates about a longitudinal axis (z); the temporal course of the superpositioned transverse magnetization of the set of particles is detected; and the presence of the analyte is deduced from the detected temporal course. The invention also relates to a corresponding device (1).

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

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes methods and kits for the removal of white blood cells from samples of immunomagnetically enriched rare cells by treating the sample with a leukocyte marker conjugated to a hapten which adheres to the white blood cells and treating the resulting product with a second medium that adheres to the hapten of the white blood cells that are labeled with the leukocyte marker conjugated to hapten and removing the labeled white blood cells.

Abstract: A magnetic biosensor can include a magnetic stack comprising a free layer, a fixed layer, and a nonmagnetic layer between the free layer and the fixed layer. At least one of the free layer or the fixed layer may have a magnetic moment oriented out of a major plane of the free layer or the fixed layer, respectively, in an absence of an external magnetic field. The magnetic biosensor also may include a sample container disposed over the magnetic stack, a plurality of capture antibodies attached to a bottom surface of the sample container above the magnetic stack, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the free layer or fixed layer.

Abstract: Coated Ferromagnetic Density Particles or Density Particles with binding agents bound thereto capable of binding biological molecules and methods of use and apparatus for means are disclosed. Coated particles coupled to specific binding agents can be used for molecular biology and proteomic applications in research and diagnostics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for differentiating multiple detectable signals by excitation wavelength. The apparatus can include a light source that can emit respective excitation light wavelengths or wavelength ranges towards a sample in a sample retaining region, for example, in a well. The sample can contain two or more detectable markers, for example, fluorescent dyes, each of which can be capable of generating increased detectable emissions when excited in the presence of a target component. The detectable markers can have excitation wavelength ranges and/or emission wavelength ranges that overlap with the ranges of the other detectable markers. A detector can be arranged for detecting an emission wavelength or wavelength range emitted from a first marker within the overlapping wavelength range of at least one of the other markers.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a substrate surface comprising lipid coated particles and microfluidic channels through which a blood product can flow. The lipid coated particles comprise functional molecules that can induce or inhibit the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a magnetic immunodiagnostic method for the demonstration of antibody/antigen complexes of blood group and phenotype. Such a method involves the research and/or identification of antibodies or antigens, preferably anti-antigen antibodies or antigens of a blood group. This method implements a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an antibody anti-glycophorin A that can recognize and specifically magnetize erythrocytes. The invention also includes a device and kit for carrying out one such method.

Abstract: An integrated sensor that is capable of discriminating the distance of a label from the sensor without using an optical signal. The label is attached to a single probe molecule or a group of probe molecules that interacts with a single or group of target molecules. As a consequence of this interaction, the probe molecule and/or the target molecule undergo a conformal change. This conformal change leads to perturbations in the distance of the label from the sensor. Thus, measurements and properties such as the concentration and the identity of one or more target molecules can be discerned from signals generated by the sensor (or by a plurality of sensors in a sensor array) and subjected to analysis using general purpose programmable computers programmed with suitable software that controls the analytical process, and such measurements and properties can be provided as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target within a population of molecules comprising: contacting a plurality of labeled probe molecules with the population of molecules potentially containing a target of the probe molecules; acquiring a probe specific signal emitted by said labeled probe molecules that bound to said target together with a background signal; preferentially modulating said probe specific signal by at least one of modulating said acquisition and modulating an emission of said probe specific signal; and detecting said probe specific signal over said background signal using said preferential modulation.

Abstract: Provided are an analysis device and an analysis method. According to the device and the method, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor unit is formed to be the same as the size of one cancer cell or smaller and magnetic resistance according to the number of magnetic nano particles coupled with the one cancer cell by using the GMR sensor unit, thereby not only diagnosing cancer but also simply and cheaply distinguishing the type of the cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnostic detection of an infection with a microorganism, comprising placing a biological sample, in a single assay receptacle, in the presence of particles, each carrying at least one specific detectable physical parameter, and belonging to at least two different groups, one of the groups carrying an anti-IgM capture antibody and the other group carrying a capture antigen derived from said microorganism.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic layer of a closed loop shape; a pair of current terminals which face each other contacting with the closed loop and through which current is input/output; and a pair of voltage terminals which face each other contacting with the closed loop and from which output voltage is detected. Both an anisotropic magnetoresistance effect (AME) and a planar Hall effect (PHE) contribute to the output voltage and a hysteresis of the output voltage is eliminated by exchange coupling of a ferromagnetic layer by a ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic layer structure and a ferromagnetic-metal-antiferromagnetic layer structure. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize a hysteresis due to a demagnetization factor of the closed loop, stabilize the output voltage of the magnetic sensor and enhance sensitivity.

Abstract: Graphitic nanotubes, which include tubular fullerenes (commonly called “buckytubes”) and fibrils, which are functionalized by chemical substitution, are used as solid supports in electrogenerated chemiluminescence assays. The graphitic nanotubes are chemically modified with functional group biomolecules prior to use in an assay. Association of electrochemiluminescent ruthenium complexes with the functional group biomolecule-modified nanotubes permits detection of molecules including nucleic acids, antigens, enzymes, and enzyme substrates by multiple formats.

Abstract: Methods for separating, in a continuous, multizone fluid medium, cells, particles, or other molecules of interest (MOI) from associated or contaminating unwanted materials not of interest (MNOI). The invention involves forced movement of MOI into certain zones having properties which deter the entry of unwanted materials. Differential movement of MOI and MNOI occurs by active counterforces that move MNOI but not MOI. MOI are tagged with magnetic particles and moved with a magnetic field through a fluid, or zones, of higher specific gravity that prevents, by flotation counterforce, unwanted less dense materials from entering. Surfaces specifically coated with reactants are reactive with the MOI in the tagged magnetic particle complex and of buoyant or other forces are used to remove any unbound material from the surface before reading.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.