Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a labeled particle having a high reactivity with an antigen and a suppressed non-specific adsorption, and an immunochromatographic method using the labeled particle. The present invention provides a labeled particle, wherein a fragmented antibody is immobilized to a labeling substance via a chemical bond.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising a surface, wherein a portion of the surface is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and another portion of the surface is capable of emitting a differential electromagnetic radiation (either different intensity, different frequency or no radiation), and wherein the arrangement of said portions of the surface defines a spatially distributed code for identifying the particle. The invention also provides method of manufacturing a particle having an identifying code comprising providing a particle with a functionalized surface which comprises functional binding moieties and selectively removing a plurality of the functional binding moieties from the surface to create a pattern of functionalized and differentially-functionalized zones on the surface. Various liquid-based assay methods employing the particle of the invention and a kit comprising the particle of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay device that directs an applied sample to the analytical membrane of a directed flow device. The device has a sample receiving port defined by layers of built-up material on one end of the test strip. The port contains the sample and specifically directs it to the membrane in a controlled fashion. Additional features include configuration of the housing in a general C-shape with the test strip spanning the opening of the C-shape to allow access by a reader device. A preferred method employs superparamagnetic particles to label the target analytes for detection and measurement by means of an electromagnetic reader device.

Abstract: The present invention includes an assay method for detecting an analyte in a sample. The assay includes a solid surface such as a nitrocellulose membrane. It also includes providing a sample is applied to the solid surface and detecting the presence or absence of the analyte using a fluorescent label from a lanthanide label. The invention also includes a device for detecting the fluorescence in or on an assay test strip. The device includes a housing, a solid surface and an ultraviolet radiation emitting LED.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for VEGF as an antigen were developed to detect VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

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 present invention relates to increasing the signal intensity while simultaneously reducing unspecific background binding when carrying out detection reactions, in particular immunoassays by using polyvinyl derivatives.

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

Abstract: A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. The NT-proBNP ELISA assay test employs the sandwich ELISA technique to measure circulating NT-proBNP in human plasma. In order to obtain antibodies with specific binding properties for targeted amino acid sequences within human proBNP, recombinant human proBNP (or rhproBNP) was expressed and purified for use as an immunogen. Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) to specific amino acid sequences were subsequently purified from goat serum by sequential affinity purification. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against specific polypeptides. Recombinant human NT-proBNP (or rhNT-proBNP) was expressed and purified in order to obtain material for use in calibration of a quantitative method for measurement of human NT-proBNP.

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: The present invention concerns an immunological test for determining NT-proBNP comprising at least two antibodies to NT-proBNP, wherein at least one of the antibodies to NT-proBNP is a monoclonal antibody. One of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 38 to 50. In addition, one of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 1 to 37 or 43 to 76. The epitope recognized by the antibodies can slightly overlap.

Abstract: This invention provides a donor bead for use in an assay, wherein the bead (a) is coated with a layer of hydrogel having directly or indirectly bound thereto a polyacrylamide-supported sugar or a polyacrylamide-supported glycan, and (b) comprises a photosensitizer which, upon excitation by laser light of a suitable wavelength, converts ambient oxygen to singlet state oxygen. This invention also provides an acceptor bead for use in an assay, wherein the bead (a) is coated with a layer of hydrogel having directly or indirectly bound thereto a polyacrylamide-supported sugar or a polyacrylamide-supported glycan, and (b) comprises a chemiluminescer and a fluorophore, whereby when the bead is contacted with singlet state oxygen, the singlet state oxygen reacts with the chemiluminescer which in turn activates the fluorophore so as to cause the emission of light of a predetermined wavelength. This invention further provides related kits, detection methods and characterization methods.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided with 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). The interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes is disclosed which has application to estimating the level of intravascular exposure of tissue factor, assessing patient risk for hypercoagulation or other coagulopathies, and monitoring patients for factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes over time which can reveal changes in risk for hypercoagulation or other coagulopathies and/or effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. Antibodies suitable for use in an in vitro assay for determining the concentration of factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid phase carrier capable of adsorbing a highly hydrophobic target molecule, for example, a membrane associated protein, and a solid phase carrier optimized not only for a highly hydrophobic target molecule, but also for an optionally chosen target molecule.

Abstract: The particles of the present invention are high density particles which enable a preferential binding of a target substance thereto and inhibit a binding of “substances other than the target substance” thereto. The particles of the present invention are characterized in that a substance or functional group capable of binding to a target substance is immobilized on the surface of a particle body; the particles have a density of 3.5 g/cm3 to 9.0 g/cm3 and the particle body has no through-pore. The particles of the present invention are also characterized by a specific surface area of 0.0005 m2/g to 1.0 m2/g.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an immunoassay involving a multiplex of antibodies that recognize the same analyte but that have a different cross-reactivity to structurally similar compounds. Data obtained from the immunoassay involving observed analyte concentrations is input into an algorithm to determine the true concentration of the analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A method for preparing receptor-coated particles is described which comprises the following steps: a) providing a support body, b) conducting a liquid containing particles into or onto the support body, c) immobilizing the particles on at least one surface area of the support body, d) conducting a liquid which contains receptors or receptor building blocks for synthesizing polymeric receptors over the immobilized particles, e) coupling the receptors or receptor building blocks location—or/and time-specifically to the immobilized particles at in each case predetermined positions of the support body, f) repeating, where appropriate, the steps (d) and (e), until the desired receptors have been synthesized on the immobilized particles at the in each case predetermined positions of the support body.

Abstract: A miniaturized assembly is provided whereby a fluid sample can be divided into a plurality of sample portions in retaining wells and the sample fluid can be displaced from open ends of the wells while simultaneously being sealed in the wells. A method of dividing a fluid sample using the assembly is also provided.

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 layered above particulate layers. 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 present invention provides polymers and microfluidic devices comprising a covalently attached substrate binding element, and methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining the amount of maleimidyl groups on a polymer fine particle containing at least maleimidyl groups, by allowing a fluorescent material having an SH group to react with the maleimidyl groups and determining the amount of maleimidyl groups by means of measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescent material.

Abstract: Compounds having two reactive functional groups are described that can be used as a tethering compound to immobilize an amine-containing material to a substrate. The first reactive functional group can be used to provide attachment to a surface of a substrate. The second reactive functional group is a N-sulfonyldicarboximide group that can be reacted with an amine-containing material, particularly a primary aliphatic amine, to form a connector group between the substrate and the amine-containing material. The invention also provides articles and methods for immobilizing amine-containing materials to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a structure capable of detecting a target molecule, the invention including a functionalized polymer matrix having chemically reactive groups and at least one biomolecule attached to the chemically reactive groups to form a surface-modified bioresponsive polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for affinity separation of targets from mixtures. In particular, disclosed are avian IgY antibodies coupled to solid supports and their methods of use.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a method capable of easily realizing immobilization with the optimum density derived from a concentration control and without phase separation in coadsorption of a number of molecules. The immobilization method can include the step of dissolving a plurality of molecules to be immobilized to a solid phase substrate with a solvent to obtain a solution of the plurality of molecules, and the step of incubating the solution and the solid phase substrate in touch therewith. Each of the molecules can include a solid phase substrate joint portion having a jointing property to the solid phase substrate, a functional portion having a specific function, and a linker portion positioned between the solid phase substrate joint portion and the functional portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample, said method comprising: a porous surface to which particles having attached thereto a binding substance, analyte and binding substance coated label particles are added. If said analyte is present in the sample an immuno- or chemical reaction occurs in the liquid phase. The separation of bound complex from unbound material is achieved by using said surface where the separation occurs mainly two dimensionally on the surface of the porous surface (e.g. grid). Interestingly, the disclosed surface enables a separation where said complexes are distributed two dimensionally on the porous surface (e.g. grid), whereas unbound materials are distributed three dimensionally. Accordingly, said surface enables both a two and a three dimensional separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic fine particles having immobilized thereto a polymer having an upper critical solution temperature, and a process for producing the same, a method of separating or concentrating a microorganism, a method of purifying, detecting, or concentrating a nucleic acid, a separating agent, a method of separating a biological substance, and a method of converting a substance.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting chemical, biological, biochemical or other environmental stimuli, and includes a plurality of colloidal particles having chemical receptors bound to each particle's surface, wherein when a target stimulus is directed to the bound chemical receptor, the gelled matrix contracts or expands, which changes the lattice constant, thereby changing the pattern of diffracted light in a measurable manner so that the target stimulus' presence can be detected by a spectrometer. The plurality of colloidal particles are composed of a material having a first dielectric constant, and the gel and surrounding medium have a second dielectric constant. The colloidal particles can be assembled using holographic optical tweezers and polymerized to create an integrated sensor array, which diffracts light in a detectable characteristic manner.

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: The invention relates to a macroporous plastics bead material with an average particle diameter from 10 to 1000 ?m, containing a copolymer of a) 5-60 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with a water solubility of at least 1% at 20° C., b) 1-40 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with an additional functional group, which can enter into covalent bonds with the nucleophilic groups of the ligands in a polymer-like reaction, c) 10-40 wt. % hydrophilic, crosslinking radical-polymerizable monomers with two or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups and d) 10-60 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with a water solubility of at most 1% at 20° C. are contained, as a rule with the monomers a) to d) adding up to 100%.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position of the magnet. The assay is multi-configurable and can be modified to isolate target cells and grow cell cultures.

Abstract: Solid supports for chemiluminescent assays are provided. The solid support includes a plurality of probes covalently or physically attached to the support surface and a chemiluminescent enhancing moiety incorporated onto the surface or into the bulk of the support. The solid support can be a multi-layered support including an upper probe binding layer (e.g., an azlactone polymer layer or porous functional polyamide layer) adjacent to a cationic microgel layer. The azlactone-functional polymer can be a copolymer of dimethylacrylamide and vinylazlactone crosslinked with ethylenediamine. The cationic microgel layer can be a cross-linked quaternary onium salt containing polymer. A method and a kit for conducting chemiluminescent assays using the solid supports is also provided. The kit comprises a dioxetane substrate, a biopolymer probe-enzyme complex, and a solid support.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors comprising a receptor incorporated within polydiacetylene assemblies to form a transducer capable of indicating a color change when contacted with an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds having two reactive functional groups are described that can be used as a tethering compound to immobilize an amine-containing material to a substrate. The first reactive functional group can be used to provide attachment to a surface of a substrate. The second reactive functional group is a N-sulfonyldicarboximide group that can be reacted with an amine-containing material, particularly a primary aliphatic amine, to form a connector group between the substrate and the amine-containing material. The invention also provides articles and methods for immobilizing amine-containing materials to a substrate.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

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: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: It has been found that a urine test for ovarian reserve can be provided which is equivalent in sensitivity to current laboratory methods which determine ovarian reserve based on FSH levels in serum. A lateral flow device for indicating ovarian reserve is disclosed. The device has an application zone for receiving a urine sample, a labelling zone containing label which binds to FSH in the sample, and a detection zone where FSH-bound label is retained. The detection zone has a threshold value which corresponds to a serum FSII level of between 5-20 mIU/ml (e.g. 10 mIU/ml). A test result above the threshold value indicates diminished ovarian reserve.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for rapid detection of analytes in a sample. Surprisingly, it has been found that bulking materials having non-sugar sweeteners effectively enhance chromatographic detection methods by providing component stability and controlled release. Thus, the novel components and methods disclosed herein provide a completely new modality of chromatographic analyte detection.

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

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 present invention provides imprint compositions useful for capturing, isolating, detecting and/or quantifying macromolecules in a sample, methods of making and using the same. Generally, the imprint compositions comprise a matrix material defining an imprint of a template molecule, and the template molecule typically corresponds to a portion of a macromolecule of interest.

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 a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

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: 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.