Abstract: In a dextran coated surface disposed on a carrier, the connections between the dextran and the carrier surface are formed by a photolinker, the dextran coating being attached to the carrier surface by co-immobilization of a mixture of dextran and the photolinker.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: Encoded combinatorial chemistry is provided, where sequential synthetic schemes are recorded using organic molecules, which define choice of reactant, and stage, as the same or different bit of information. Various products can be produced in the multi-stage synthesis, such as oligomers and synthetic non-repetitive organic molecules. Conveniently, nested families of compounds can be employed as identifiers, where number and/or position of a substituent define the choice. Alternatively, detectable functionalities may be employed, such as radioisotopes, fluorescers, halogens, and the like, where presence and ratios of two different groups can be used to define stage or choice. Particularly, pluralities of identifiers may be used to provide a binary or higher code, so as to define a plurality of choices with only a few detachable tags. The particles may be screened for a characteristic of interest, particularly binding affinity, where the products may be detachable from the particle or retained on the particle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive system comprising at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). That interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: A particle-enhanced assay for determining an analyte in a test sample in which an additive for reducing non-specific particle aggregation is added in an amount to substantially reduce non-specific aggregation. The additive is selected form the group consisting of triethanolamine, trimethanolamine, N-butyldiethanolamine, 3-dimethylamino-2-methylpropyl chloride, N,N-dimethylglycine, N,N-dimethylguanidine, N,N-dimethylglycine ethyl ester, 3-dimethylaminopropionitrile, and N,N-dietylacetamide.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase within a sample is disclosed, where a positive detection indicates the presence of a target virus within the sample. Also disclosed is a trifunctional composition of matter including a trifunctional linker moiety with groups bonded thereto including (a) an alkyl chain adapted for attachment to a substrate, (b) a fluorescent moiety capable of generating a fluorescent signal, and (c) a recognition moiety having a spacer group of a defined length thereon, the recognition moiety capable of binding with tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remedy for neuropathy, such as nerve injury, nerve degeneration, and hypofunction upon nerve grafting, which contains as the active ingredient galectin-1 having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or its derivative; a protein having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or one having a homology of 90% or more at the amino acid level with the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and carrying a disulfide bond(s) at least between Cys at the 16-position (Cys 16) and Cys at the 88-position (Cys 88) among cystein residues at the 2-position (Cys 2), 16-position (Cys 16), 42-position (Cys 42), 60-position (Cys 60), 88-position (Cys 88) and 130-position (Cys 130); and a process for producing the galectin-1 or its derivative protein by using an affinity column having an antibody to the above protein.

Abstract: A method for simply and conveniently detecting acetyltransferase and deacetylase activities of proteins by executing an acetylation reaction of a peptide substrate with an acetyltransferase, or a deacetylation reaction of an acetylated peptide substrate with a deacetylase, and after the completion of these reactions, detecting the acetyl group bound to the peptide substrate by using an anti-acetylated peptide antibody. This system for detecting acetyltransferase and deacetylase activities using the anti-acetylated peptide antibody enables screening inhibitors or enhancers of acetyltransferase and deacetylase. A system for screening deacetylase inhibitors or acetyltransferase enhancers using cultured cells is also provided.

Abstract: Multifunctional, polyionic copolymers with molecular architectures and properties optimized for specific applications are synthesized on/or applied to substrate surfaces for analytical and sensing purposes. The coatings are particularly useful for suppression of non-specific interaction, adsorption or attachment of molecular or ionic components present in an analyte solution. Chemical, biochemical or biological groups that are able to recognize, interact with and bind specifically to target molecules in the material containing the analyte to be detected can be coupled to, integrated into, or absorbed to the multifunctional copolymers. These multifunctional copolymer coatings are compatible with a variety of different established methods to detect, sense and quantify the target molecule in an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for immobilizing a polysaccharide (PS) to a solid surface, said polysaccharide having a keto-carboxy group (—C(?O)—COOH) or a ketal or hemiketal group corresponding thereto, e.g. derived from KDO (2-keto-3-deoxy-D-manno-octonic acid)), the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a covalent bond between the carboxy group of the polysaccharide and a reporter molecule (RM), thereby forming a polysaccharide-reporter molecule conjugate (PS-RM), said reporter molecule comprising a recognition/substrate site (e.g. biotin or an anthraquinone); and (b) immobilizing the polysaccharide-report molecule conjugate by forming a specific bond (e.g. by photocoupling or formation of an affinity pair) between the recognition/substrate site of said reporter molecule and a reception/reagent site of the solid surface. The present invention also provides a solid surface thus obtainable and the use of such solid surfaces for diagnostic purposes, e.g.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample, which method comprises the steps of: (1) forming a composition comprising (a) a sample, (b) at least one substance selected from the group consisting of (i) added analyte of interest or an analog of the analyte of interest, (ii) a binding partner of the analyte of interest or its said analog, and (iii) a reactive component capable of binding with (i) or (ii), wherein one of said substances is linked to a label compound having a chemical moiety capable of being induced to luminesce, and (c) a plurality of particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and/or a substance defined in (b) (i), (b) (ii), or (b) (iii); (2) inducing the label compound to luminesce; and (3) measuring luminescence emitted by the composition to determine the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring proteins and cells. The apparatus includes a plate having wells in which cells are disposed. The apparatus includes means for analyzing the effect or proteins and other biological and chemical moieties on the cells. A method for monitoring of proteins and cells. A method for analyzing a cells. An apparatus for aligning light in a well of a plate for holding cells. A method for lighting a well. A method for determining a condition of a cell. An apparatus for indicating a condition of a cell. A method for establishing a focus profile of a plate having wells for holding cells. A method for manipulating cells. An apparatus for manipulating cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbopyronine compounds of general formula (I) as marker groups in methods for detecting analytes. The invention also relates to novel carbopyronine compounds and to a method for producing same.

Abstract: A high capacity assay platform capable of binding target molecules includes a substrate and a polymer matrix attached to the substrate. The polymer matrix comprises a plurality of polymer molecules where at least some of the polymer molecules are covalently attached directly to the substrate and at least some of which molecules are crosslinked to other polymer molecules. Some of the polymer molecules have at least one binding ligand covalently attached thereto, and the density of the polymer matrix on the substrate is at least 2 &mgr;g/cm2.

Abstract: A method for locating hidden microorganism contaminated surfaces in industrial water systems is described and claimed. The method works by applying a solution or dispersion of a fluorogenic reagent in water to the hidden water contact surfaces of said industrial water system and allowing said fluorogenic reagent to react with any hidden microorganisms present, wherein said fluorogenic reagent is selected from the group of fluorogenic reagents that are known to react with microorganisms such that a fluorescent signal of said fluorogenic reagent is detectable in such a way as to make the detection of the fluorescent signal indicate that there are hidden microorganisms present on the water contact surfaces of the equipment and piping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for coupling labels to particular target moieties. The coupling reactions of the present invention use temporal spacing of the reactants through phase change (i.e. by rapid freezing) to control the initiation and termination of reaction. This process results in a simplified and improved method for linking labels to specific binding moieties using N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. The present invention further relates to kits comprising all necessary components to easily and rapidly make protein conjugates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assaying a drug candidate with a biosensor having one or more sensing surface-bound biomolecules associated therewith are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of measuring the binding interaction between the drug candidate and the one or more sensing surface-bound biomolecules of the biosensor to obtain an estimate of at least one binding interaction parameter of the drug candidate, and then comparing the estimated binding interaction parameter against a mathematical expression correlated from binding interaction data associated with known drug compounds to determine an estimate of at least pharmacokinetic parameter of absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion (ADME) that is related to the drug candidate. The present invention allows for the simultaneous measurement of different pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug candidate, as well as an indication of the drug candidate's solubility, by use of a single analytical instrument.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to synthetic receptor(s) which comprises a polyfunctional organic template covalently linked to two or more oligomers which may independently be the same or different and may independently be straight chain, cyclic or branched. The template may be linked to an identifier which uniquely defines the synthetic receptor. The identifier is a stable chemical molecule or a plurality of stable chemical molecules distinguishable and detectable to picomolar levels or may be an oligonucleotide. In a preferred embodiment, the template is covalently linked to a solid support which is linked to an identifier. In addition, the invention includes methods of preparing synthetic receptors and synthetic receptor libraries. The synthetic library may be linked with identifiers such that the library comprises a plurality of different synthetic receptor members.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries are disclosed which are represented by Formula I: (T′—L)q—Ŝ—C(O)—L′—II′  I wherein: Ŝ is a solid support; T′—L— is an identifier residue; and —L′—II′ is a ligand/linker residue. These libraries contain dihydrobenzopyrans of the formula: which interact (i.e., as agonists or antagonists) with &agr; adrenergic receptors, dopamine receptors, &dgr;-opiate receptors, and K+ channels and are inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase isozymes. They are useful in the treatement of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate material having a density of at least 2.5 g/ml, where the particles of the particulate material have an average diameter of 5-75 &mgr;m, and the particles of the particulate material are essentially constructed of a polymeric base matrix, e.g. a polysaccharide such as agarose, and a non-porous core material, e.g. steel and titanium, said core material having a density of at least 3.0 g/ml, said polymeric base matrix including pendant groups which are positively charged at pH 4.0 or which are affinity ligands for a bio-molecule. Possible pendant groups include polyethyleneimine (PEI), diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) and quaternary aminoethyl (QAE). The materials are useful in expanded bed or fluidized bed chromatography processes, in particular for purification of bio-macromolecules such as plasmid DNA, chromosomal DNA, RNA, viral DNA, bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed wherein polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA) chemical sensing materials are used to detect the presence of certain chemical species in high ionic strength solutions, such as bodily fluids. The PCCA sensors consist of a mesoscopically periodic array of colloidal particles polymerized into a hydrogel. The array of colloidal particles diffracts light in the visible spectral region due to the periodic spacing of the particles. The PCCA materials also contain molecular recognition components that bind to the chemical species being detected. The binding or the chelation of the chemical species of interest results in a Donnan potential that swells the hydrogel and in turn red shifts the diffracted light proportionately to the concentration of the chemical species. However, no significant red shift response may occur for PCCA chemical sensors in high ionic strength solutions containing chemical species of interest.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an adsorptive size exclusion chromatography gel, said gel essentially consisting of a polysaccharide matrix whereon is grafted a polymer coupled with an affinity ligand and having a cleavage threshold ranging between 2 kDa and 60 kDa for eliminating a purifying biomolecules.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conjugating one moiety to another moiety. In the method the moieties are reacted with one another in a protic solvent. Reaction between the moieties and the protic solvent during the conjugating is negligible or reversible. A stable bond is formed between the moieties to produce a product that is not subject to &bgr;-elimination at elevated pH. Usually, one of the moieties comprises an unsaturation between two carbon atoms. One of the carbon atoms is or becomes an electrophile during the conjugating. The other of the moieties comprises a functionality reactive with the electrophile carbon atom to form a product that comprises the unsaturation. Compounds comprising both of the moieties as well as precursor molecules are also disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample employing compounds as described above.

Abstract: A method for counting leukocytes which comprises liberating elastase from granulocytes contained in a specimen, adding an anti-granulocyte elastase antibody to the thus liberated elastase, measuring the antibody bonded to the elastase to thereby determine the concentration of the elastase, and then calculating therefrom the number of leukocytes contained in the specimen with the use of the ratio of the leukocyte count to the elastase concentration. This method makes it possible to conveniently and less expensively count leukocytes at a high accuracy comparable to the one established by using a conventional automatic blood cell counter, as the figure shows.

Abstract: A class of asymmetric monobenzoxanthene compounds useful as fluorescent dyes are disclosed having structure (I) wherein Y1 and Y2 are individually hydroxyl, amino, imminium, or oxygen, R1-R8 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, alkyl, alkene, alkyne, sulfonate, amino, amido, nitrile, alkoxy, linking group, and combinatios thereof, and R9 is acetylene, alkane, alkene, cyano, substituted phenyl, and combinations thereof. The invention further includes novel intermediate compounds useful for the synthesis of asymmetric benzoxanthene compounds having general structure (II) where substituents R3-R7 correspond to like-referenced substituents in the structure of described above, and Y2 is hydroxyl or amine. In another aspect, the invention includes methods for synthesizing the above dye compounds and intermediates. In yet another aspect, the present invention includes reagents labeled with the asymmetric benzoxanthene dye compounds, including deoxynucleotides, dideoxynucleotides, phosphoramidites, and polynucleotides.

Abstract: An immunochemical assay device comprising a base member, an array disposed on the base member, and at least one assay indicia zone. The array comprises (i) a reservoir pad to receive sample liquid, (ii) a wicking membrane, and (iii) at least one filter zone interposed between the wicking membrane and the reservoir pad. The filter zone being operable to permit passage of any specific immunocomplex to the wicking membrane while impeding passage of larger components.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing polysaccharides. In particular, compositional and sequence information about the polysaccharides are derived. Some methods use NMR in conjunction with another experimental method, such as, capillary electrophoretic techniques for the analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new dipstick assay for detecting and quantifying the content of an target analyte in a sample. The assay is particularly useful for example in the diagnosis and monitoring of alcoholism by the detection of asialo transferrin or carbohydrate free transferrin (CFT). Thus, provided is a dipstick for determining the content of a target analyte variant in a mixture of analyte variants in a sample, comprising: a) a sample application zone, b) a screening zone having an immobilised binding ligand having a binding affinity for a non-target analyte variant or varinats, c) a conjugate zone comprising a detector reagent, d) a reading zone for detection of said analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the substantial elimination of errors attributable to carryover microspheres, doublets, or misclassification of microsphere subsets. The present invention is based upon passing a sufficient minimum number microspheres through the flow analyzer during an assay run.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the concentration of soluble analyte in a sample involves performing a competition assay using a predetermined amount of formed bodies to which are attached at least one analyte, varying known concentrations of an unlabeled ligand that binds to analyte, and a known concentration of ligand labeled with a detectable marker. After analysis in a flow cytometer, the test sample and a plurality of control samples generate data on curves formed by plotting signal vs. concentration of labeled ligand in controls (first), and vs. concentration of total labeled and unlabeled ligand in test samples (second). The concentration of unlabeled ligand that bound to soluble analytes in test samples is determined by evaluating the difference between the concentration that corresponds with the intersection of these two curves and the constant labeled ligand concentration in the test samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for carrying out quantitative fluorescence immunoassays using evanescent field excitation. Light from at least one light source is directed onto the boundary between two media which have differing refractive indices. The light source emits practically monochromatic light with a wavelength suitable for exciting a marking substance. The light is directed onto a boundary surface disposed between an optically transparent base plate, the refractive index of which is greater than that of the material above the boundary surface, and a receiving region for the sample. The receiving region is covered with a covering plate on the side disposed opposite the base plate, there being arranged between the base plate and covering plate at least one functional layer. A detector for detecting the fluorescent light is disposed on the same side of the base plate as the light source.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for rapidly identifying a large number of proteins by placing a protein mixture in a sample chamber of an electrophoresis gel, and performing electrophoresis to separate the mixture by molecular weight, in a direction of separation, into a two-dimensional separation pattern in the gel. The separation pattern is transferred to a membrane, such as a sheet of nitrocellulose, and a plate with a set of separate, side-by-side slots is then applied to the membrane. A different antibody mixture is introduced into each of the slots by perfusing each antibody mixture under pressure through the slots. The antibody mixture that is perfused through each slot recognizes several different proteins of sufficiently different molecular weights that different protein bands can be resolved by the antibody mixture in each slot.

Abstract: Thrombotic or thromboembolic disease is detected or monitored by determining the presence or amount B in a urine sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for covalently linking carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules under neutral conditions, using a Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction. In an example, activated carbon-carbon double bonds were attached to free amino sites of a carrier protein, and a conjugated diene was attached to a carbohydrate hapten. Spontaneous coupling of the carbohydrate and the protein components under very mild conditions provided glycoconjugates containing up to 37 carbohydrate hapten units per carrier protein molecule. The method is also applicable to the immobilization of biomolecules on gel or solid supports. The conjugated products are useful as immunogens and as analytical and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting, identifying, and manipulating proteins or peptides from a solution uses paramagnetic beads having a coating with an affinity for the target component. In one embodiment, paramagnetic beads coated with C18 are used to adsorb proteins and peptides. The beads can be used to purify, immobilize and assay antibodies. By cycling the beads, many times greater molar amount of binding partner may be separated from a solution. A magnetic probe is used to capture the beads and transfer the beads to selected processing stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can be used either alone or in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only non-complexed PSA, but also PSA which has formed a complex with &agr;1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes or precipitates complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) and ACT from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to the binding of complexed PSA to assay reagents.

Abstract: A covalent conjugate of a 4′-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid derivative (HABA) and an avidin-type molecule, of the formula: wherein A is (CH2)n or —CH═CH—, wherein n is an integer from 0-10; B is (CH2)n wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10; m is zero or 1; and Av is the residue of an avidin-type molecule selected from the group comprising native egg-white avidin, recombinant avidin, deglycosylated avidins, bacterial streptavidin, recombinant streptavidin, truncated streptavidin and other derivatives of said avidin-type molecules. These HABAylated avidins are red colored in the quinone configuration and can be used in many applications in the avidin-biotin technology.

Abstract: Protein arrays for the parallel, in vitro screening of biomolecular activity are provided. Methods of using the protein arrays are also disclosed. On the arrays, a plurality of different proteins, such as different members of a single protein family, are immobilized on one or more organic thinfilms on the substrate surface. The protein arrays are particularly useful in drug development, proteomics, and clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: A novel preparative methodology yields water-soluble, cross-linked conjugates and conjugate complexes that confer an improved sensitivity in immunochemical assays, particularly in the context of lateral flow devices and in determinations of the presence or absence of small amounts of active components present in a liquid sample.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase within a sample is disclosed, where a positive detection indicates the presence of a target virus within the sample. Also disclosed is a trifunctional composition of matter including a trifunctional linker moiety with groups bonded thereto including (a) an alkyl chain adapted for attachment to a substrate, (b) a fluorescent moiety capable of generating a fluorescent signal, and (c) a recognition moiety having a spacer group of a defined length thereon, the recognition moiety capable of binding with tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase.

Abstract: Polymeric hollow particles for delivery of an agent are provided that change permeability in response to a change in an external stimulus such as pH, temperature, light, ionic strength, electric field, magnetic field and/or solvent composition. The particles can have a shell formed of an amphiphilic triblock ABA or BAB copolymer, where A is a hydrophilic block and B is a hydrophobic block. Low permeability particles with a reversibly permeable shell expand and increase permeability in response to a stimulus so that an active agent such as a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent can be introduced. Removing the stimulus allows the particles to return to a low permeability state to form particles loaded with the active agent. Surfaces of the particles can be modified with specific ligands that allow the particles to be directed to a specific target via molecular recognition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for establishing and using a decision marker by which positive samples can be discriminated from negative samples. The method employs the analysis of multiple samples from confirmed positive and negative samples. A fluorescence channel is selected so that the desired sensitivity and specificity are achieved. A microparticle having this fluorescence channel then is made and is used in conjunction with a fluorescence marker which is specific for the population of interest.

Abstract: In a method for immobilizing biomolecules and affinity ligands water insoluble matrices, having amino groups and selected from test tubes, microtiter plates, microscope slides, beads, membranes, resins, and filters, are reacted with a cyclobutene carboxylic acid derivative, such as cyclobutene carboxylic acid diester, cyclobutene carboxylic acid halide, cyclobutene carboxylic acid ester halide, cyclobutene carboxylic acid dialkoxyester, and cyclobutene carboxylic acid imidazole, as an activating compound in methanol and triethylamine to form active matrices with active groups. A protein containing at least one primary or secondary amino group, is dissolved and added to the matrices. The activated matrices and the dissolved protein are incubated at pH of 7-10 and a temperature of +4° C. to +60° C. in an aqueous buffer system, free of primary and secondary amines, to thereby immobilize the protein on the matrices.

Abstract: The detection of gallium in biological samples is required due to its role in the diagnosis of tumor and for possible treatment of malignancies. However, the use of purely instrumental techniques is unsuitable for detection of low levels of gallium in biological matrices. New protein conjugates have been synthesized based on 4-(2-pyridylazo) ligands. The conjugates detect gallium in biological matrices using a non antibody-based sandwich assay format. The recovery level is between 97-101.3 with a relative standard deviation of less than 5%. The assay results in a detection limit of 5×10−8 M and a remarkable selectivity for gallium(III) relative to other metals investigated. The new method provides adequate accuracy for gallium applicable for animal physiology and clinical toxicology.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for detecting multiple target analytes in a sample using microparticles having molecular tags attached by cleavable linkages. Generally, an assay mixture is formed comprising a sample and a reagent comprising multiple such microparticles under conditions that permit stable complexes to form between binding moieties on the surfaces of the microparticles and the analytes. In one aspect of the invention, the a second binding composition is added so that complexes form among the microparticle-bound binding moieties, the analytes, and second binding moieties of the second binding composition. Such second binding moieties have cleavage-inducing moieties attached that upon activation cause the cleavage of the cleavable linkages and the release of molecular tags. Released molecular tags are separated and the presence and/or amount of the target analytes are determined based on the analysis of the released and separated molecular tags.

Abstract: A method for producing a derivatized aldehydic support matrix material includes activating surface hydroxyl groups on the support matrix material and reacting the activated hydroxyl groups with an aldehydic alkoxy silane. The derivatized aldehydic support matrix material produced is useful for immobilizing bio-molecules in biological applications.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided including a polymer exhibiting a measurable property from the group of luminescence and electrical conductivity, the polymer being complexed with a unit including a recognition element, a tethering element and a property-altering element bound thereto so as to alter the measurable property, the unit being susceptible of subsequent separation from the polymer upon exposure to an agent having an affinity for binding to the recognition element whereupon the separation of the unit from the polymer results in a detectable change in the measurable property.