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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: In a magnetic immunoassay using AC magnetic susceptibility measurement, a signal from non-coupled magnetic particles is prevented to mix with a desired measurement signal from magnetic particles coupled with an object to be measured. A sample vessel in which a mixed solution of an inspection objective sample and the magnetic particles are included is carried by a sample support, such that a precipitation of the magnetic particle coupled with the object to be measured dispersed in the solution by a magnetic field from a dissociating coil is promoted. Next, the sample vessel is carried to the magnetizing coil and the magnetic signal from the non-coupled magnetic particle remaining in a supernatant in the vessel is peculiarly measured by an MR sensor to perform AC magnetic susceptibility measurement with high precision.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to detect target analytes based on magnetic resonance measurements. Magnetic structures produce distinct magnetic field regions having a size comparable to the analyte. When the analyte is bound in those regions, magnetic resonance signals from the sample are changed, leading to detection of the analyte.

Abstract: Provided is a fluidic device including a main channel, wherein a first inlet fluidly connects to an upstream end of the main channel and introduces magnetic beads into a first side of the main channel. A second inlet is fluidly connected to the upstream end of the main channel and introduces a sample stream into a second side of the main channel. A magnet disposed adjacent to the second side of the main channel pulls the magnetic beads towards a sidewall of the second side, and thus into the sample stream. The beads continue through an extended incubation channel before entering a return channel. The return channel includes a detection region. Also provided is a multi-layer micro-fluidic assay device. An assay method that utilizes a microfluidic assay device is provided as well.

Abstract: A system is configured to process the contents of one or more receptacles to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of each receptacle. Each receptacle is held within a receptacle station of a movable receptacle carrier disposed within a temperature-controlled chamber of an incubator. At least one signal detector is configured to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of a receptacle as the receptacle carrier moves each receptacle into an operative position with respect to the signal detector. A magnet holder is attached to the receptacle carrier and holds one or more magnets adjacent to an associated receptacle station so as to expose the contents of each receptacle carried in the receptacle station to a magnetic field when the receptacle is in the operative position with respect to the signal detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a nanodot, including: providing a hydrolysable silane, wherein the hydrolysable silane has one or more hydrolysable groups and one or more substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbon groups; and performing a one-step heat treatment to hydrolyze and condensate the hydrolysable silane to form a nanodot. The nanodot includes: a core, the core is selected from the group consisting of a semiconductor core or a metal core; and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) including the substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbon groups, wherein the self-assembled monolayer is connected to the core by covalent bonds.

Abstract: A cell culture device comprises a well. A plurality of microwells are within the well, and a first common fluid volume is within the well above the microwells. A set of sub-microwells are within each microwell, and a second common fluid volume is within each microwell above the set of sub-microwells.

Abstract: Reaction detection method to detect a chemical reaction with respect to a target substance, for instance, glucose (5) in a sample (32) includes the steps of forming a reaction layer (3) to induce the chemical reaction and forming an oxygen transfer layer (2), which has an oxygen transmission rate higher than that of the reaction layer (3) and which transfers oxygen (4) in the air (1) to the reaction layer (3), between the reaction layer (3) and the air (1), where the oxygen is consumed in the chemical reaction. Chemical reaction rate with respect to target substances in a sample is increased.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively processing a sample according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example, for detecting a certain target component in the sample, include a plurality of cartridges in which the processing of a sample can take place and which each contain a different set of reagents required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system further includes a manipulator for introducing a sample into a selected one of the cartridges. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample at hand, the appropriate cartridge is chosen, and the sample is introduced into and processed in the cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and composition for nucleic acid isolation are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided for nucleic acid purification from biological samples, such as whole blood samples, extracted with phenol-based denaturing solvents, which does not require phase separation or nucleic acid precipitation. Methods according to the invention may also be used for of small RNAs (e.g., siRNAs or miRNAs) purification and are amenable to automation.

Abstract: A method for measuring a property of a binding interaction between a capture agent and a binding partner for the capture agent is provided. In certain embodiments, this method comprises: a) contacting a population of particles that are linked to a capture agent with a substrate comprising a binding partner to produce capture agent/binding partner complexes, wherein the population of particles comprises first particles that are bound to a single molecule of the capture agent and second particles that are bound to two molecules of the capture agent; b) applying a force to the bound support, wherein the force is in a direction that separates the particles from the support; and c) separately measuring the forces required to disassociate the first particles and the second particles from their respective complexes.

Abstract: A well-posed magnetic imaging method is disclosed that exploits the non-linear behavior of the characteristic time scale of the Néel relaxation for obtaining accurate high-spatial resolution images of magnetic tracers. The method includes placing an object in a selection field (static field) generated by three pairs of orthogonally arranged coil (drive coils), supplying prudently choice currents to the drive coils, a zero field voxel (ZFV) is formed that can be positioned anywhere in the local region of interest (ROI), switching the magnetizing field off, and collecting an image.

Abstract: A magnetic particle based separation and assaying method uses at least two sets of magnetic particles placed in solution within a container and characterized respectively by a coercive field e1 and e2, wherein e1 is greater than e2. The first magnetic particles with a larger coercive field e1 will be used as carrier to handle the second affinity magnetic particles having a lower coercive field e2. A magnetic particles handling method includes the step of applying an external magnetic field having a polarity and amplitude that varies with time to cause the said carrier magnetic particles to be in relative motion within the container driving thereby the affinity particles to form an homogenous suspension of particles in perpetual relative movement with the respect to the liquid.

Abstract: A device and methods for the non-invasive manipulation and detection of target objects such as cells, pathogens, microparticles, and nanoparticles in vivo using an external magnetic field are described. In one aspect, a device and method for capturing and detecting intrinsically magnetic target objects or target objects labeled with at least one magnetic particle within the area of interest using an in vivo flow cytometer are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample of liquid having an NMR signal in response to a magnetic field for the presence of an analyte. Included is an NMR device having a testing section that is adapted to contain a liquid and apply a magnetic field to the liquid. A complex comprised of a conjugate having a field gradient bound to the analyte that is of sufficient magnitude to quench the NMR signal of the liquid when in the test section whereby the presence of the complex is determined by the absence of the NMR signal.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample of liquid having an NMR signal in response to a magnetic field for the presence of an analyte. Included is an NMR device having a testing section that is adapted to contain a liquid and apply a magnetic field to the liquid. A complex comprised of a conjugate having a field gradient bound to the analyte that is of sufficient magnitude to quench the NMR signal of the liquid when in the test section whereby the presence of the complex is determined by the absence of the NMR signal. The system and method also include a container having a binding agent therein that has an affinity for the analyte or foreign agent that is used to remove the foreign agent from a patient's blood or plasma. Blood or plasma is shunted through the container to remove or reduce the foreign agent by extracorporeal circulation.

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. for treatment of disease and or injury.

Abstract: Methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acids generally involve exposing the nucleic acid to an electromagnetic field, for example a mini-current magnetic field, while performing the steps of PCR. The PCR methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional PCR techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents (e.g., optional use polymerases and primers). Additionally, the PCR methods and devices require significantly shorter reaction times (e.g., less than one hour) compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems (minimum 2 hours). Finally, as shown in the Examples, the PCR methods and devices amplify significantly more DNA compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems. Accordingly, the PCR methods and devices provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to perform PCR when compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems.

Abstract: A target affinity material comprising a biodegradable polymer, wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises one or more solid particles and one or more materials that specifically binds to a target, as well as related methods and kits.

Abstract: A first set of antibodies are bonded to a substrate, and are exposed to and bonded with target antigens. A second set of antibodies are bonded to nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle labeled antibodies are exposed to the targeted antigens. An electromagnetic write-head magnetizes the nanoparticles, and then a read-sensor detects the freshly magnetized nanoparticles. The substrate comprises a flexible film or a Peltier material to allow selective heating and cooling of the antigens and antibodies. Nanoparticles of different magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (100) for determining the amount of a target component (2) in a sample, wherein magnetic particles (2) can bind to a contact surface (4) with kinetics that depend on the sample-amount of the target component. The method comprises at least two washing steps during which magnetic particles (2) are magnetically moved away from the contact surface (4) and corresponding measurements of the remaining amount of magnetic particles (2) at the contact surface (4). The amount of target component in the sample is estimated from at least one of such measurement results. The measurement allows to determine also high concentrations of target component for which the sensor surface (4) is saturated in a steady-state.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling and mixing magnetic particles within a reaction chamber that is part of a microfluidic device and that contains the said particles in suspension. More particularly, the invention concerns a method of handling magnetic particles in a way to improve the mixing of the particles with the surrounding liquids medium and where the liquid is carried by a fluid flow as part of an automated system. Further, the invention describes the use of the method for conducting biological and chemical assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device (100) and a method for processing a medium in a processing chamber (121). The processing comprises the addition of magnetic particles (M) to the medium and the mixing of the medium by manipulating said magnetic particles with a time-variable magnetic field (B), particularly a partially oscillating or rotating field. The magnetic field (B) may be generated with a multipole magnetic field generator (110) comprising four subunits (111A,111B), each having a core (113A,113B) with a surrounding coil (112A,112B) and with a top surface (114A,114B), wherein all top surfaces of said subunits are preferably arranged in the same plane and wherein all cores are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: Provided herein is a new hybrid material system, mCNT, including magnetic carbon nanotubes for biological and medical sensing applications. In certain embodiments, the systems include magnetic material on the interior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The amount of magnetic particles inside CNTs may be such that mCNT can respond to small, low cost, portable magnet. The exterior CNT surface is kept intact for biomolecular attachments or other functionalizations. Performance enhancement with this novel material includes improved sensitivity, reduced response time, and reduced sample volume. According to various embodiments, the mCNTs are substrates for the adherence of molecules participating in these assays or as active sensing elements. Also provided are methods of fabricating two-dimensional mCNT and CNT networks on printed electrodes.

Abstract: Devices having an electromagnetic detector for the detection of analytes are disclosed. The devices include an electromagnetic detector, including effective inductance-change magnetic detectors, and a binding moiety. The device can include an electromagnetic material that can be detected by the detector. The device is configured such that binding of an analyte to the binding moiety changes the relationship between the electromagnetic detector and the electromagnetic material such that a change in electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic detector.

Abstract: In a method of performing a cluster assay, a suspension (14) of superparamagnetic particles in a fluid to be analyzed is provided, wherein the superparamagnetic particles are coated with a bioactive agent. The particles are then allowed to form clusters due to an analyte present within the fluid. Subsequently, clusters of superparamagnetic particles are selectively actuated by applying a rotating magnetic field, wherein the amplitude of the magnetic field varies over time. Finally, the selectively actuated clusters are detected. An apparatus for performing a cluster assay comprises means for accommodating a sample (12) and means for applying a rotating magnetic field (11), the magnetic field being adapted for selectively actuating clusters of superparamagnetic particles. The apparatus further comprises means for detecting the selectively actuated clusters.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) reporter molecules of the formula A-Y and methods of their use are disclosed, wherein A is selected from the group consisting of: wherein X1 is CR4 or N; and Y is selected from the group consisting of:

Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.

Abstract: A sensor device is configured by using a sensor element including functions as a magnetic field sensor and capable of generating the magnetic field for collecting magnetic particles on a sensor surface by the application of the current. As a result, a sensor device can be provided in which the magnetic particles serving as a label can be effectively collected on the sensor, and at the same time, the influence given to the sensor by the magnetic field for collecting the magnetic particles can be reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic immunoassay system with a mechanism for compensating the direct current residual magnetic field in the vicinity of the specimen measurement position, in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic marker direction of magnetization for the measurement target. This invention reduces the effects of the magnetic field emitted from the unbound magnetic marker due to the residual magnetic field in the specimen solution and detects with high sensitivity the signal of the bound target magnetic marker. The magnetic field at the measurement position is regulated so as to intersect the direction of magnetization of the magnetic marker for the measurement target, in order to make the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker that is unbound due to residual magnetism or remanence in the sample solution, intersect the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker for the measurement target.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method of performing a measurement with a sensor having a sensing surface and at least one capture molecule attached to the sensing surface for forming a binding pair with an analyte of interest, the binding pair having a flexible spatial orientation, the method comprising capturing the analyte of interest with the capture molecule, thereby forming the binding pair in an initial spatial orientation; applying a first electromagnetic force to the sensing surface to alter the spatial orientation of the binding pair; and performing a sensor measurement with the binding pair in the altered spatial orientation. A sensor apparatus implementing this method is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An analyte detection system includes a detector situated close to a well of a substrate. The well includes conjugated paramagnetic beads. The detection system also includes a magnetic field generator that provides an oscillating magnetic field in the well and the detector, an oscillator circuit coupled to the detector, and a circuit coupled to the detector that detect the conjugated paramagnetic beads. A method includes applying a magnetic field to well of a substrate with conjugated paramagnetic beads, alternating the polarity of the magnetic field, detecting a waveform associated with the alternating magnetic field, and associating the waveform with the quantity of conjugated paramagnetic beads. An analyte detection kit includes a substrate with an attached antibody that is reactive to the analyte, a conjugated paramagnetic particle, and a conjugated paramagnetic particle detector.