Abstract: Chemiluminescent substrate delivery systems comprising a conjugate a dendrimer and at least one chemiluminescent substrate are provided. The substrate delivery systems can also include a chemiluminescence enhancer. The dendrimer/chemiluminescent substrate conjugates can be used in kits including an enzyme capable of activating the chemiluminescent substrate to produce a peroxygenated intermediate that decomposes to produce light. The dendrimer/chemiluminescent substrate conjugates can be used in assays to detect the presence of an analyte (e.g., an enzyme, an antibody, an antigen or a nucleic acid) in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical methods, platforms, and devices for the rapid and efficient immunochromatic determination of one or more components in fluid samples. The devices are especially useful for identifying analytes in small volumes of whole blood samples utilizing one membrane principally for separating particles such as red blood cells from plasma and a second membrane as the site for reactions to identify the analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement reagent that is capable of suppressing nonspecific aggregation even when the amount of antibody to be carried is increased, and is capable of measuring in a wide measurement concentration range with high measurement sensitivity; an immunoturbidimetric assay using the same; and a method of producing thereof. A method of producing an insoluble carrier particle of the present invention is a method of producing an insoluble carrier particle carrying an antibody or an antigen on a particle surface thereof. The method includes a sensitization reaction processes in which the antibody or the antigen is brought into contact with the insoluble carrier particle in the presence of an amino acid with a charged polar side chain in a sensitization reaction solution. The insoluble carrier particles obtained by the producing method of the present invention show favorable dispersibility because nonspecific aggregation is suppressed. As can be seen from Examples 1-1 to 1-4 in FIG.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a human subject are disclosed. In the method, a body-fluid sample such as a vaginal-swab sample or urine is obtained from the subject and contacted with an antibody specific against a Trichomonas adhesin peptide, forming an antibody-adhesin peptide complex if the subject is infected with Trichomonas. The presence or absence of the complex establishes, with a reliability of at least 80%, in the case of a vaginal swab sample, and with a reliability of at least 40% in the case of a urine sample, the presence or absence, respectively, of Trichomonas infection in the subject. A preferred test kit employs a dry-strip, sandwich assay, format.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology and immunological diagnostics. More specifically, it relates to detection of the formation of antibodies in a subject that is treated with a therapeutic antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography ligand defined by the following formula (I) R1—R2—N(R3)—R4—R5 wherein R1 is a substituted or non-substituted phenyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 0-4 carbon atoms; R3 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-3 carbon atoms; R4 is a hydrocarbon chain comprising 1-5 carbon atoms; and R5 is OH or H. The invention also comprises a separation matrix, comprising the described ligands coupled to a porous support, such as particles or a membrane. The ligand and matrix according to the invention is useful for purification of biomolecules or organic compounds, such as proteins, polypeptides, DNA etc. An advantageous use according to the invention is the purification of antibodies.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent capable of assaying a biological sample at a wide range of the concentration in an immunoserological test and capable of being stored stably for a prolonged period, as well as an assay reagent employing the same. The invention is a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent comprising a carrier particle comprising a copolymer of a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a sulfonate, wherein said carrier particle has a surface sulfonic acid group amount of 0.005 to 0.7 ?mol/m2 and an average particle size of 0.01 to 1.5 ?m.

Abstract: A new class of biosensors and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The biosensors are multi-layered membrane composites, where at least one layer is prepared by the layer-by-layer process and at least one layer is responsive to changes is a property of a biological system such as changes in the concentration of an atom, ion, molecule or molecular assembly. Because the biosensors are multi-layered, a single biosensor is capable monitor a number of different properties of a biological system simultaneously. The biosensors are monitored by systems that impinge an excitation waveform on the biosensors and analyze a reflected and/or a transmitted resultant waveform. Additionally, the biosensors can be associated with field activated electronic components so that implantable, self-contained analytical devices can be constructed and monitored by field generators, where data is transmitted to an analyzer after field activation.

Abstract: Multiplexed test measurements are conducted using an assay module having a plurality of assay domains. In preferred embodiments, these measurements are conducted in assay modules having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of antibodies or fragments thereof using a prokaryotic host cell containing DNA sequences encoding for said antibodies of fragments thereof, wherein said DNA sequence is derived from a coronary plaque sample. Compositions containing said antibodies are also provided. Ligands to said antibodies and compositions containing said ligands are also described.

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

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes conjugated probes that contain a specific binding member for the analyte of interest. The specific binding member preferentially complexes with the analyte within a test sample when contacted therewith. Excess analyte that remains uncomplexed with the specific binding member undergoes non-specific binding, such as to a hydrophobic domain. As a result, the ability of the uncomplexed analyte to compete with the complexed analyte at the detection zone of the device is restricted. Thus, the incidence of “false negatives” is limited in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying the amount or concentration of one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples using differentially isotopically-labeled peptides and/or proteins. The invention also provides methods of identifying one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples.

Abstract: This invention involves the nano-structured support used for separation or/and analysis, especially the chip substrate, ELISA plate substrate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography gel. Besides, it involves the functionalized nano-structured support of high sensibility for separation or/and analysis, especially the analysis-chip, ELISA plate, planar chromatography reagent strip and chromatography gel. In addition, this invention also involves the nano-structured marking system for analysis. Moreover, it concerns the test kit; especially the chip kit, ELISA kit, and planar chromatography kit. What's more, this invention involves the preparing methods and the applications of all those mentioned above, especially the chip analysis, analyses with ELISA plate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography separation.

Abstract: An adsorbent for whole blood in the form of essentially spherical non-aggregated particles. The adsorbent comprises a porous carrier material having an average pore size of ?1.5 ?m, whereby a maximum of 50% of the pore volume may be in pores having a pore size of >1.5 ?m, whereby the outer surfaces of the porous carrier material have at least one surface modification M1 so that the outer surface essentially does not interact with blood cells, and the inner surfaces of the porous carrier material, e.g., the surfaces of the pores of the porous carrier material, have at least one surface modification M2 which interacts with substances present in blood.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensing field effect transistor uses an organic unimolecular film formed on a gate insulating layer. In the semiconductor sensing field effect transistor and a semiconductor sensing device, the gate insulating layer has a stack structure wherein a second silicon oxide layer is stacked on a first silicon oxide layer through a silicon nitride layer. A semiconductor sensor chip and the semiconductor sensing device are provided with a field effect transistor chip wherein the gate insulating layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode are integrated on a silicon board, a source electrode terminal wiring connected with the source electrode, and a drain electrode terminal wiring connected with the drain electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods of detecting DNA methylation and defected DNA. In one embodiment, the invention provides a nanosensor bound to a probe that is complementary to a DNA methylation sequence.

Abstract: An optical sensor for pH is described using a cross-linked network of bisilanes to immobilize a pH sensitive chromophore to a surface potentially exposed to a high pressure, high temperature environment such as wellbore effluents at a downhole location.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions of binding moiety-nanoparticle conjugates, aggregates of these conjugates, and novel methods of using these conjugates, and aggregates. The nanoparticles in these conjugates can be magnetic metal oxides, either monodisperse or polydisperse. Binding moieties can be, e.g., oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or polysaccharides. Oligonucleotide sequences are linked to either non-polymer surface functionalized metal oxides or with functionalized polymers associated with the metal oxides. The novel compositions can be used in assays for detecting target molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, in vitro or as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to detect target molecules in living organisms.

Abstract: Analytes using an active assay may be detected by introducing an analyte solution containing a plurality of analytes to a lacquered membrane. The lacquered membrane may be a membrane having at least one surface treated with a layer of polymers. The lacquered membrane may be semi-permeable to nonanalytes. The layer of polymers may include cross-linked polymers. A plurality of probe molecules may be arrayed and immobilized on the lacquered membrane. An external force may be applied to the analyte solution to move the analytes towards the lacquered membrane. Movement may cause some or all of the analytes to bind to the lacquered membrane. In cases where probe molecules are presented, some or all of the analytes may bind to probe molecules. The direction of the external force may be reversed to remove unbound or weakly bound analytes. Bound analytes may be detected using known detection types.

Abstract: A blood crossmatching apparatus, kit and methods for testing the compatibility of mammals for blood transfusion. Particulate layers in the apparatus allow nonagglutinated red blood cells to permeate through, while agglutinated red blood cells cannot. The apparatus also has a density solution. The density solution separates white blood cells from red blood cells in the whole blood when centrifuged, without lysing the red blood cells. Thus, the apparatus can be used to test whole blood.

Abstract: The immunoassay element for quantitatively analyzing an antigen by determining the change in enzymatic activity of an enzyme-labelled antigen or antibody caused by an immunological reaction. The immunoassay element comprises a substrate layer containing a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the labelling enzyme, and a reagent layer containing a fragmenting enzyme for further fragmenting the diffusible material into a lower molecular weight product. As the non-diffusible substrate, a substrate capable of reacting solely with the labelling enzyme and incapable of reacting the fragmenting enzyme is utilized. When an endo-active glucosidase is used as the labelling enzyme, and an exo-active glucosidase is used the fragmenting enzyme in the reagent layer, the non-diffusible substrate of the substrate layer is preferred to be an endo type selectively reactive substrate, which means a substrate having a reactivity specific to endo-active glucosidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material including a substrate having an oxide surface, and, a continuous monolayer on the oxide surface, the monolayer including a silicon atom from a trifunctional alkyl/alkenyl/alkynyl silane group that attaches to the oxide surface, an alkyl/alkenyl/alkynyl portion of at least three carbon atoms, a polyalkylene glycol spacer group, and either a reactive site (e.g., a recognition ligand) or a site resistant to non-specific binding (e.g., a methoxy or the like) at the terminus of each modified SAM. The present invention further provides a sensor element, a sensor array and a method of sensing, each employing the composite material. Patterning is also provided together with backfilling to minimize non-specific binding.

Abstract: To provide a measuring probe excellent in sensitivity and reproducibility, simple operation in the protein immobilization onto a support can prevent peeling or damage. A layer containing a protein is adsorbed onto a support surface to fully encircle the long axis of the support, and the adsorbed layer is treated for cross-linking with a cross-linking agent in a concentration of 1 to 5 moles to 1 mole of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: A measuring reagent is provided that allows the amounts of insoluble carrier particles and monoclonal antibodies to be reduced, can improve measurement sensitivity with respect to an object to be measured in a low concentration range, allows the object to be measured in a wide concentration range, and is used for a turbidimetric immunoassay applicable to a sample analysis tool such as a test piece. The measuring reagent includes two types of insoluble carrier particle groups that are different in mean particle size from each other. The insoluble carrier particles contained in one insoluble carrier particle group support polyclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies, and the insoluble carrier particles contained in the other insoluble carrier particle group support at least one of the polyclonal antibodies and the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a molecule immobilizing substrate, comprising at least the steps of: forming, on a substrate, a monomolecular film including hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, or oxiranyl groups, which are oriented toward an outmost surface of the monomolecular film; and chemically modifying the hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, or oxiranyl groups of the monomolecular film to transform them into carboxyl groups, to thereby form, on the substrate, the monomolecular film including the carboxyl groups, which are oriented toward an outmost surface of the monomolecular film. There can be provided: a method for producing a molecule immobilizing substrate which is free of occurrence of an immobilized-molecule peeling problem in the case of conducting an assay by immobilizing molecules on the substrate.

Abstract: A support carrying an immobilized selective binding substance, that the support surface has a polymer containing the structural unit represented by the following General Formula (1) in an amount of 10% or more with respect all monomer units, and a selective binding substance is immobilized on the support surface by binding to the carboxyl group formed thereon via a covalent bond: (in General Formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each represent an alkyl or aryl group or a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fixed support for immobilizing biomolecules, said support being covered, at least in some parts, with a polymer. The invention is characterized in that the polymer is an epoxy resin with functionality ranging between 4 and 15. The invention also concerns a method for making such a support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatuses and methods for reducing the content of albumin in serum, plasma and/or blood samples. The apparatuses comprise an insoluble support with a ligand attached thereto. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the ligand is a bromosulfophthalein, Cibacron Blue or Warfarin ligand or salts or esters thereof. Also provided are methods of making the apparatus, as well as kits and albumin-depleted samples produced by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to glutathione derivatized beads which are adapted for use in conjunction with glutathione-S-transferase fusion proteins (generally, GST fusion proteins, which contain a fluorescent label such as fluorescent green protein) for use in flow cytometry. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting and/or quantifying interactions between a GST fusion protein and their binding partners, in particular, labeled binding partners such as fluorescently labeled binding partners. By creating glutathione beads with an appropriate high or increased site density, disadvantages often associated with low affinity systems and quick off-rates in solution may be resolved to provide a workable system and method. Methods of identifying potential agonists, antagonists and regulator compounds of proteins fused to GST from libraries of compounds represents another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g. a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: Arrays of microparticle populations, each population labeled with a single fluorescent dye, are provided for use in multiplex assays. The populations form a virtual multidimensional array wherein each microparticle is identified by fluorescence intensity in two different fluorescence detection channels. The arrays are useful in a variety of assays, including multiplex, multi-analyte assays for the simultaneous detection of two or more analytes by, for example, flow cytometry, and a labeling reagents in, for example, microscopy. The use of singly-dyed microparticles to form multidimensional arrays greatly simplifies the creation of multiplex assays.

Abstract: There is described an affinity-chromatography assay system comprising with an immobilized component containing a bio-reagent and a flowable component containing a complimentary bio-reagent characterized in that the immobilized component is supported on a dip strip or planar surface and the flowable component is adapted to flow down the dip strip of high density. There is also described a method of conducting an affinity-chromatography assay which comprises the use of such an assay system.

Abstract: A support for performing an assay, including: a substrate having a pre-blocked binding polymer directly or indirectly attached to the substrate, the pre-blocked binding polymer having a plurality of maleic anhydride reactive groups capable of attaching to a biomolecule and a plurality of ionizable groups, the ratio of maleic anhydride reactive groups to ionizable groups is from 0.5 to 10, and the pre-blocked binding polymer does not contain a photoreactive group.

Abstract: A flow-through assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a detection zone and compensation zone within which are immobilized capture reagents. The present inventor has discovered that the presence of a compensation zone may enable the detection of an analyte over extended concentration ranges. In particular, the compensation zone facilitates the binding of probes that would otherwise bind within the interior of assay device or that would exhibit “self-quenching”.

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

Abstract: An analytical device has a housing that encloses a multi-substrate chip having a reference marker and a plurality of substrates, wherein the housing is configured such that the reference marker and the substrates are illuminated by respective light sources at different angles. Further contemplated analytical devices include a housing with a cavity in which a multi-substrate chip having a plurality of substrates is at least partially disposed, wherein at least one of the plurality of substrates is coupled to a carrier via a crosslinker that is disposed in a matrix.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel method and kit system for the detection of solid-phase bound primary amines, secondary amines, or thiol groups comprising adding a fluid to said substrate and further comprising adding a novel reagents to said substrate and recording a colour reaction on said substrate that comprise said amine or said thiol groups. The method and kit of present invention can be used for the quantitative determination of organic substituents with primary or secondary amines or with thiol groups immobilized on or in insoluble materials.

Abstract: Asymmetrically branched polymers are combined with bioactive agents for a variety of purposes including drug delivery and conjugation to one member of a binding pair for use in an assay.

Abstract: A system and method to test for the presence of target molecules in a biological test sample includes test molecules, a microfluidic chip, and irradiating and detection devices. The test molecules include bio-recognition molecules conjugable with the target molecules, and the corresponding conjugates. The microfluidic chip includes sample channels and flow focusing channels adjoining the sample channels. A buffer exiting from the focusing channels directs a single-file stream of the test molecules through one of the sample channels. The irradiating device delivers radiation for absorption by the test molecules in the single-file stream. After absorption, the test molecules emit fluorescence of a distinct fluorescent spectrum for each of the conjugates. The detection device monitors identifies the presence of the conjugates by monitoring for the distinct fluorescent spectrum. Thus, the test system and method identifies the presence of the target molecules in the test sample.

Abstract: A rapid immunoassay method and apparatus for detecting foot and mouth disease virus are disclosed. The method and test device permit pen-side testing of animals and provide test results within a relatively short time period. In a preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus provide a means for differentiating between FMDV-infected and FMDV-vaccinated animals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to detect analyte which comprises preparing fine particles which have a chargeable group in their core and a hydrophilic polymer chain in their shell; obtaining an agglutinated matter by forming a biologically specific bond between a specific residue on the surface of fine particles and analyte, and by simultaneously forming a bond by the electrostatic interaction between impure protein and said particles; and subsequently cleaving only the latter bond by raising ionic intensity. Thus, this invention provides a method to detect analyte with rapidity and high sensitivity with use of agglutination reaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stabilization of aggregation-based assays are described. In various embodiments, anti-analytes are dispersed within a matrix. A solution containing analytes brought into contact with the matrix, so that analytes may permeate throughout at least a portion of the matrix. In some embodiments, the anti-analytes and analytes are mobile within the matrix. As aggregates form and increase in size, the aggregates become substantially immobile within the matrix. As a result, signals representative of an amount of aggregation within the matrix can remain substantially constant. In various aspects, matrix-stabilized aggregation-based assays provide for reliable quantitative analysis of analyte concentration with test solutions.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus which uses harmonic cantilevers, such as used in atomic force microscopy, to detect variations in the attractive and repulsive forces on a solid surface as a result of macromolecular binding, for example, hybridization of a single stranded DNA molecule attached to the surface with another DNA molecule. The complexed macromolecule is less flexible than an uncomplexed molecule. It will typically have more negative charge due to amino acids or DNA monomers. Both stiffness of the surface and the attractive capillary forces will change after binding and may be detected. By scanning the harmonic cantilever across a surface with macromolecules attached in tapping-mode and by recording the signals at the high frequency vibrations provided by harmonic cantilever, complexed molecules on a surface may be identified and quantified.