Abstract: A procedure for the identification of a functional disorder of the pancreas by the use of parts of all iso-enzymes of the pancreas elastase and of synthetic amino-acid sequences as antigens for obtaining specific antibodies, as well as their use in immuno-chemical test procedures.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sensor for the estimation of total cholesterol in human blood serum using molecular imprint of cholesterol. Human blood serum contains 150-250 mg/dl cholesterol. The present invention provides a sensor device and a process for the fabrication of ISFET (Ion Selective Field Effect Transister) coated with molecular imprint of cholesterol on the SiO2+Si3N4 dielectric gate of the said electrode. The molecular imprint of cholesterol (MIPC) anchored in to a silica matrix sensing material is identified as a sensing material which has specific selectivity towards the cholesterol in presence of other organic constituents in human blood serum.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for increasing the dynamic measuring range of especially immunological test elements in particular immunological chromatography test strips that can be evaluated optically that are based on specific binding reactions. The invention enables the dynamic measuring range of test elements based on specific binding reagents, especially of immunological test elements to be shifted towards higher analyte concentrations without impairing the lower detection limit.

Abstract: A ligand molecule-immobilized polymer has a structure represented by the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 represents a ligand molecule-containing group, R2 represents a hydrophobic group, R3 represents a spacer site, R4 represents a hydrophilic group, R5 represents a group having charge, a to d specify a composition ratio and each represent an integer of 1 or more, and n and m specify chain lengths and represent integers satisfying the relationships of 1?n(a+b+c+d)?10,000 and 1?m?350.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensors for detecting chemical and biological material and for chemical actuation. In particular, the sensors of the present invention incorporates membranes or beams that are deformable in the presence of chemical adsorption on its surface. The sensor of the present invention contains a polymeric membrane or beam (102) that is clamped at least at two opposing ends (104) and (106).

Abstract: A device and method in which cells of a heterogeneous population are separated through a column partially packed with antibody coated beads. The antibody coated beads may be placed in a gradient fashion such that each layer binds to and selects a subset of cells from the entire sample population. A lipoaspirate fluid, or other fluid containing cells, may be brought through the column by positive pressure on the specimen bag side and negative pressure at the base of the column with a vacuum line and waste trap. The column may then be inverted and irrigated internally with a wash buffer to remove unhomogenized macroscopic tissue material and unbound residual cells. The column may be closed at the ends and shaken and/or washed with an enzymatic buffer. Cells may be removed from the device with an elution buffer.

Abstract: By detecting an antibody which immunologically reacts with amylase ?2-A in a sample, AIP or FT1DM is examined or the possibility of developing FT1DM is determined. For instance, detection of this antibody is carried out by an immunological method using an antigen which immunologically reacts with this antibody. The antigen is preferably a partial fragment containing the amino acid sequence of amino acid numbers 299 to 511 of human amylase ?2-A (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a kidney disease in a cat by detecting a cat urinary protein without being affected by cauxin, and a diagnostic agent therefor are provided. A method of detecting a urinary protein derived from renal dysfunction in a cat according to claim 1, wherein cauxin is removed from cat urine by bringing the cat urine into contact with a lectin or an anti-cauxin antibody that specifically binds to cauxin.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium comprising a phenylboronic acid group and, disposed therein, a hologram, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and an analyte present in an ocular fluid.

Abstract: A first reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with an analyte, and a fluorescent label site, and a second reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with the analyte, and a fluorescence recognition site for recognizing fluorescence produced by the fluorescent label site of the first reactant, are respectively fixed onto a support such that the first reactant and the second reactant have a positional relationship adapted for the binding with the analyte.

Abstract: Formats for optical analysis of fluid samples are provided with platforms and wells for contacting fluid samples and bringing reagents in contact with fluid samples. Formats may be made in opposing platform-and-well constructions, allowing a platform protruding from one format member to enter a well contained within an opposing format member. A sample fill nose accepts sample fluid from a sample collection opening and transports the sample fluid through the format.

Abstract: Rapid mass spectrometric immunoassay methods for detecting and/or quantifying antibody and antigen analytes utilizing affinity capture to isolate the analytes and internal reference species (for quantification) followed by mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated analyte/internal reference species. Quantification is obtained by normalizing and calibrating obtained mass spectrum against the mass spectrum obtained for an antibody/antigen of known concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.

Abstract: A process for treating biological targets in a fluid of a biological organism, including introducing a fluid comprising a biological target to an assembly comprising an inlet connected to receive the fluid and an outlet connected to pass the fluid from the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a flow chamber for conveying a flow of the fluid, and a capture zone comprising a target-specific binding agent, wherein during flow of the fluid through the flow chamber, the biological target undergoes flux rolling along the target-specific binding agent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid lateral flow immunoassays to detect specific antibodies within a liquid sample while also validating the adequacy of the liquid sample for the presence of immunoglobulin and the integrity and immunoreactivity of the test reagents that detect the antibodies of interest, without requiring instrumentation. The methods and devices provide for delivery of a diluted liquid sample to a single location that simultaneously directs the liquid flow along two or more separate flow paths, one that serves as a positive control to confirm that all critical reagents of the test are immunoreactive, and that the sample being tested is adequate, and the other to detect specific antibodies if present.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, test kits and methods for removing target agents from a sample. The device contains one or more porous matrices having pore sizes larger than 10 ?m, and a plurality of particles impregnated therein. The target agents attach the device and are removed from the sample.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a lateral flow assay for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid test sample. The lateral flow assay represents an improvement in the ability to accurately and with high fidelity to detect the presence or absence of a target analyte in a liquid sample, in part, by encompassing a reference region of immobilized, non-diffusible analyte that allows for detection of any factors that interfere with the interaction and binding of the analyte to the labeled capture reagent. Any influences on the interaction and binding of the analyte that is free in solution in the liquid test sample to its complementary labeled reagent will be encountered in parallel in the binding between the immobilized analyte in reference region to the labeled reagent as it diffuses through the reference region. In one embodiment, the lateral flow assay of the invention is a urine-based human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) assay.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: A composite including a cross-linked interpenetrating network of an organic polymer including an alcohol adduct of, for example, a glycidyl ether substituted acrylate or epoxy substituted acrylate; and a sol-gel polymer. The composite having a low or no-shrinkage characteristic, and a method for making and using the composite, as defined herein.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium comprising a phenylboronic acid group and, disposed therein, a hologram, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and an analyte present in an ocular fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to resolve analytes within a fluid path using isoelectric focusing, gel electrophoresis, or other separation means. Materials within the fluid path that are compatible with these separation means are used to attach resolved analytes to the wall of the fluid path. Attachment results from a triggerable event such as photoactivation, thermal activation, or chemical activation. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the material in the capillary may also be disrupted, by either the triggerable event or a subsequent event such as melting or photocleavage. Thus, an open lumen or porous structure may be created within the fluid path, allowing unbound analyte materials to be washed from the fluid path, and detection agents to be washed into the fluid path. The separation-compatible materials may be polymerizable monomers, gels, entangled polymers or other materials.

Abstract: The subject invention is an immunoassay for the semi-quantitative test kit for determination of human chrionic gonadtropin (hCG) in fluid sample (such as urine) as an aid in the diagnosis of a certain stage of pregnancy. The test device includes five strips having each having a dipping end or sample ends where sample can be applied. Results are indicated by coloration of two bands across a clear area of the strips, one band being coated with a reagent such as hCG antigens and the other with a reagent such as goat/rabbit polyclonal antibody gold conjugate. The combination of color indications on the bands provides the test results.

Abstract: Each well of a multiwell plate adapted to accept a plurality of biological samples for testing for the presence of analytes in the sample is further adapted herein for immobilizing on the side walls of a well a 3D arrangement of ligand arrays. A well is formed with planar side walls and a stack of sample separators is placed within a well in positions so as to not come in contact with ligand spots in the array(s). The spacing between each pair of adjacent separators in a stack forms a sample chamber in a position corresponding to an array of the 3D arrangement of ligand arrays.

Abstract: An example method for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid comprises the steps of exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermoelastic expansion in the analyte, and detecting a photoacoustic signal in the sample that results from the thermoelastic expansion.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a Raman active composite material comprising a metal particle; a coating layer of a Raman active molecule bound to the metal particle; and an encapsulating layer of an amphiphilic polymer bound to the metal particle. The present invention also refers to methods of manufacturing a Raman active composite material described herein and their uses.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. The described methods, devices, kits, and reagents facilitate the detection and quantification of a non-nucleic acid target (e.g., a protein target) in a test sample by detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid (i.e., an aptamer). The methods described create a nucleic acid surrogate for a non-nucleic acid target, thus allowing the wide variety of nucleic acid technologies, including amplification, to be applied to a broader range of desired targets, especially protein targets. The disclosure further describes aptamer constructs that facilitate the use of aptamers in a variety of analytical detection applications.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles may be changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles may be made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.

Abstract: A metallic nanoparticle coated water-soluble polymeric substrate and the process for preparing and using the same is described.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow diagnostic device that employs a phosphorescent particle. The particle includes, for example, an organic phosphorescent material encapsulated in a cross-linked halogen-containing polymeric matrix. The cross-linked halogen-containing polymeric matrix has at least one percent by mass weight of halogen atoms, and the cross-linked halogen-containing polymeric matrix shields the encapsulated phosphorescent material from phosphorescence quenchers.

Abstract: Method for determining the level of PTX3 protein in a sample of a biological fluid; hybridoma capable of producing a rat anti-PTX3 monoclonal antibody where said hybridoma is selected from the group comprising MNB10 and Pen-3; specific anti-PTX3 rat monoclonal antibody selected from the monoclonal antibodies produced by the hybridomas MNB10 and Pen-3; kit for determining the level of PTX3 protein in a biological fluid wherein the said kit includes a rat anti-PTX3 monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a molecular fingerprint comprising sites for identifying at least one target molecule, the fingerprint being obtained from at least one master molecule of polymeric type, called master polymer. The invention is characterized in that the master polymer is different from the target molecule(s), and is capable of being eliminated by degradation and/or washing, and that at least 5% in number of monomer units constituting the master polymer are involved in the formation of the sites for identifying the target molecule(s).

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates comprising one or more redox-active species, methods of making nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates, and methods for using nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates, for example, as diagnostic agents for the detection of various analytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of detecting autoantibodies from patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. To this end, according to the invention, at least two peptide units are used of which at least one peptide unit comprises a part not derived from (pro)filaggrin, fibrin, fibrinogen, vimentin, cytokeratin 1 and cytokeratin 9, and which peptide unit comprises the motif XG, and a peptide unit comprising the motif XnonG, wherein X is a citrulline or an analogue thereof, and nonG is an amino acid other than glycine.

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 a method and apparatus for detecting analytes in a medium, and more particularly the present invention relates to an assay based on light diffraction which appears or changes upon the binding of analytes to their specific receptors laid out in patterns on a substrate, which has high sensitivity due to the appropriate choice of such patterns. The present invention is based on the principle that the pattern of recognition elements, which gives rise to the diffraction of the incident light in a diffraction-based assay, can be chosen in such a way so as to facilitate detection, and to enhance the signal to be detected compared to known gratings such as parallel straight lines. In one aspect the substrate itself has a surface topography designed to enhance the diffraction pattern signals. In another aspect the substrate is a diffractive optic element having the analyte-specific receptors affixed to the optic element.

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: Improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates comprising chemically-derivatized magnetic microparticles complexed with metal colloidal particles or substrates. The SERS substrates permit collection, detection, measurement, and/or analysis of analytes present at concentrations ranging parts per trillion to parts per billion. Further, compositions, methods, and devices that provide for rapid and/or sensitive detection of chemical compounds of interest present in small concentrations. The subject matter has use in the areas of homeland security and force protection, for example, in the detection of trace samples including, for example, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), chlorinated solvents, TNT, nerve agents, blister agents, metal ions, anions, antigens, peptides, nucleic acids, spores, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

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 instant invention provides compositions and methods for determining cell interactions that are faster than conventional methods and that require the use of fewer reagents than conventional methods.