Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method for regulating the adhesion of cells and biomolecules to hydrophobic surfaces and hydrophobic coated surfaces. The composition is a biomolecule conjugated end-group activated polymer (EGAP). The biomolecule conjugated EGAP can be put to numerous uses including cell adhesion, cell growth, cell sorting, and other biological assays.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to novel methods of rapidly determining the ratio of biological molecules. The invention also relates in part to a kit for rapidly determining the ratio of biological molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides internally calibrated competitive assays for use on a solid support. Additionally, the invention provides a method of using such assays.

Abstract: An analytical test device incorporating a dry porous carrier to which a liquid sample, eg. urine, suspected of containing an analyte such as HCG or LH can be applied indirectly, the device also incorporating a labelled specific binding reagent which is freely mobile in the porous carrier when in the moist state, and an unlabelled specific binding reagent which is permanently immobilised in a detection zone on the carrier material, the labelled and unlabelled specific binding reagents being capable of participating in either a sandwich reaction or a competition reaction in the presence of the analyte, in which prior to the application to the device of a liquid sample suspected of containing the analyte, the labelled specific binding reagent is retained in the dry state in a macroporous body, eg.

Abstract: An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.

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 magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detection of binding interactions, particularly low affinity binding interactions, are provided. The methods and compositions are suitable for diagnostic assays, and other assays for the presence of low affinity binding compounds in a sample. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes detecting agglutination of geometrically regular particles to which a molecule which is a member of a binding pair is covalently conjugated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agglutination immunoassay, wherein the agglutination of insoluble carrier particles such as latex are stabilized and uniformized to give good reproducibility, and a reagent therefor. In the agglutination immunoassay which comprises allowing an antigenic substance in a sample to bind to insoluble carrier particles carrying substantially neither antigens nor antibodies thereon, and allowing an antibody or an antibody complex which reacts specifically to the antigenic substance to bind to the antigenic substance to give a selective agglutination of the insoluble carrier particles, a homopolymer prepared by polymerization of a monomer such as 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine having a phosphorylcholine group and a vinyl group, or a copolymer prepared by polymerization of a monomer having a phosphorylcholine group and a vinyl group, with a monomer having a vinyl group such as n-butyl methacrylate is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, kits and systems for determining an analyte in a liquid sample as well as the use thereof for concentration analysis and screening purposes. In one method, a specific binding partner to the analyte is permitted to compete with a conjugate containing the analyte or an analyte analogue for the binding to free analyte. The conjugate also contains a component that specifically binds to a solid support so that reacted and unreacted conjugate are bound thereto when the reaction solution is contacted with the solid support. The amount of analyte is then determined by measuring by a label-free mass-detection technique, such as surface plasmon resonance, the amount of binding partner immobilized on the solid support via the reacted conjugate. This is made possible by the binding partner having a considerably greater mass than the conjugate. Variants of this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple immunochemical semi-quantitative assay method according to chromatography, which comprises trapping a certain amount of an analyte in a sample with a predetermined amount of a fixed antibody for the analyte before qualitative analysis of the analyte, the certain amount corresponding to the amount of the fixed antibody, and thereby decreasing a concentration of the analyte to be subjected to subsequent immunochemical qualitative determination, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Bioelastomers are disclosed for use in methods of binding compounds including immunoassay methods, in biosensors and methods or regenerating biosensors, and in methods for targeting the delivery of a compound to a particular location within an animal subjects. In general, the bioelastomer is conjugated to a binding compound, which is in turn used to bind a compound of interest. For targeted compound delivery, the bioelastomer is conjugated to the compound to be delivered.

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical affinity assay system for detection of ligand—ligand receptor binding.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to binding protein assays. In particular, this invention relates to binding protein assays for B12 and folate in serum or plasma. More specifically, this invention provides a sequential assay that uses a combination of specific binding proteins, and anti-binding protein antibodies to measure B12 and folate in serum or plasma.

Abstract: This invention relates methods for conditioning affinity chromatography resins to decrease leaching of the ligand during purification. The methods involve incubating the resin in a buffered solution of a hydroxyalkylamine compound (e.g., ethanolamine) prior to use of the resin for an affinity purification. The treatment removes unstably bound ligand from the resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port, and a mesoscale flow system that includes a sample flow channel extending from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analyte detection region in fluid communication with the flow channel comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding moiety and the analyte. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mesoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.

Abstract: To improve the detection of LSD, and LSD metabolites in biological samples, antibodies are raised to 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD conjugated to a protein carrier. Selected antibodies are matched with an immunoassay reagent in which the 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD is conjugated in the same position to a labeling or separation means. The set of reagents can be used in immunoassays for detecting or confirming the presence of LSD or LSD metabolites in a sample potentially containing interfering substances.

Abstract: A particle for a diagnostic agent, which comprises a polymer particle comprising (A) from 20 to 100% by weight of a structural unit derived from at least one of acrylate having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and methacrylate having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, (B) from 0 to 10% by weight of a structural unit derived from unsaturated carboxylic acid, and (C) from 0 to 80% by weight of a structural unit derived from a vinyl monomer copolymerizable with the acrylate, methacrylate and unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a turbidmetric immunoassay using the same.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay method for the highly sensitive detection of amphetamines, methamphetamines, and methylenedioxy designer amphetamines in urine samples. Commercially available reagents for the determination of amphetamines and methamphetamines are used with a calibrator comprising a known amount of a substance selected from the group consisting of methylenedioxy designer amphetamines.

Abstract: An immunoassay for selectively measuring human C-peptide as well as a kit therefor is disclosed. In the method, human C-peptide contained in a sample, a first anti-human C-peptide antibody, and a second anti-human C-peptide antibody which is immobilized on a solid support are reacted to form an immune complex among these three components. The formed immune complex is separated from the non-reacted antibodies and sample; and then the separated immune complex is quantified. The first antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of the human C-peptide, and the second antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of human C-peptide; with the proviso that the first and second antibodies do not recognize the same epitope so that they can simultaneously bind to said human C-peptide.

Abstract: An agglutination assay method for quantitatively determination of an analyte in a liquid sample using particles bearing an anti-analyte. A non-fluid substance which retains the particles while suppressing the diffusion of the particles therein is used as a medium which is to be a place where the agglutination of the particles takes place. Upon analysis, a solation agent is added to the non-fluid substance medium to increase the fluidity of the non-fluid substance, thereby the particles bearing the anti-analyte can diffuse in the medium to cause the agglutination with the analyte. Preferably, the solation agent is added to the non-fluid medium together with the sample. The non-fluid substance medium containing the particle-labeled anti-analyte can be stored with a higher stability in the dry state. A dry analysis element for enabling such analysis method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for detection of panel reactive antibodies in serum of a subject against HLA class I antigens, which comprises the steps of adding serum from a subject to an array of microbeads, each microbead presenting HLA antigens from a cell population presenting the same HLA antigens; incubating the serum and microbeads for sufficient time for anti-HLA antibodies in the serum to bind to the HLA antigens presented on the microbeads; removing the serum components which do not specifically bind with the HLA antigens presented on the microbeads; incubating the microbeads with a labeled ligand capable of specifically binding with anti-HLA antibodies bound to said HLA antigens; removing the labeled ligand which is not bound to said HLA antigens; and detecting the presence of labeled ligand bound to said HLA antigens by flow cytometry.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from a surface. The system is designed to use particles having means thereon which are capable of selectively binding to a contaminant or contaminants of interest. The particles are applied to the surface whereupon the contaminants bind to the particle. When the particle is removed, the desired contaminants are also removed. Preferably, the present invention utilizes magnetic particles having iron therein. The particles may then be readily removed using magnets. The means for binding the contaminant to the particle preferably comprise a ligand or a charge specifically designed to remove the contaminant of interest. The particles may be included in a carrier to facilitate their application to the surface. The invention is especially useful for the removal of contaminants from skin.

Abstract: A lateral flow testing device is provided for testing a biological fluid for the presence of methamphetamines. The device includes a substrate element such as a nitrocellulose strip, including an antibody zone and an immobilized drug conjugate zone for detecting presence of methamphetamines, and an on-board chemical reactant for preventing undesirable cross-reactivity to ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine that may be present in the biological fluid being tested. Preferably, the on-board chemical reactant is sodium periodate. Methods for preparing test devices are provided including the step of striping a substrate sheet with a solution containing sodium periodate during manufacture of methamphetamine lateral flow test strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test cell and a method for detection of a preselected ligand in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. The test cell includes an elongate outer casing which houses an interior permeable material capable of transporting an aqueous solution and defining a sample inlet, a test volume, and a reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is disposed in a section of the test cell spaced apart from the inlet and is filled with sorbent material. The reservoir acts to receive liquid transported along a flow path defined by the permeable material and extending from the inlet and through the test volume. In the test volume is a test site which includes a first protein having a binding site specific to a first epitope of the ligand immobilized in fluid communication with the flow path. The test site can be observed through a window of the casing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the immunological determination of an analyte in a sample using magnetic particles coated with the analyte to be determined or analyte-specific bonding partners and directly detectable non-magnetic particles coated with analyte-specific bonding partners or the analyte to be determined or using a non-magnetic substance which is indirectly detectable, and incubation of the reaction mixture. The method is characterized in that the magnetic particles are subsequently separated from the reaction mixture using a magnetic test strip and the analyte concentration is determined directly.

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: Particle-based methods, compositions, and kits are provided for the detection of the free form of a member of a binding pair which may be found free or in a bound state in a sample. Inhibition and direct assay formats are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of thrombophilia through the detection of free protein S.

Abstract: A particle resistant to storage of at least one first and at least one second component, wherein said second component of at least one crosslinkable polymer as a shell at least partially envelops and/or encloses said first component as a core and said first component has at least one ascertainable property, obtainable by reacting said first component with the crosslinkable polymer and subsequently reacting the formed product with a crosslinking agent such that the first component with resistance to storage remains within the second component.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is disclosed. A method of inactivating interfering cross-reactive material in an assay for measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is also disclosed. Compositions wherein cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier or a label, optionally through a linking group, at an alanine nitrogen atom of the cyclic backbone of cyclosporin are also disclosed. Compositions wherein atiocyclosporin is conjugated, optionally through a linking group, to an immunogenic carrier or a label are also disclosed. Where cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be used as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies which are capable of recognizing cyclosporin.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: Protein arrays and protein-coated substrates for the parallel, in vitro screening of biomolecular activity are provided. Methods of using the protein-coated substrates and protein arrays are also disclosed. A plurality of different members of a single protein family may be immobilized on the protein-coated substrate or array. The protein-coated substrates and protein arrays are particularly useful in high-throughput drug screening and clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: A particle resistant to storage of at least one first and at least one second component, wherein

Abstract: An assay device comprises a sample-collecting wick made from non-woven fabric material laminated to plastics sheet. Preferably, the fabric is a 30:70 blend of viscose and polyester, and has a fibrous structure in which more than two thirds of the fibers run substantially parallel to the intended direction of liquid flow in the wick.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for detecting biomolecules in samples employing transponders associated with the bead(s) used as the solid phase in the assay, and information pertinent to the assay is encoded on the transponders memory elements. A dedicated read/write device is used remotely to encode or remotely to read the information. The invention can be used in direct or competitive ELISA-type assays, or in multiplex assays for the simultaneous assay of several analytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel tricyclic antidepressant drug derivatives synthesized for covalent attachment to proteins or polypeptide antigens for use in the preparation of antibodies or receptors to tricyclic antidepressant drugs and tricyclic antidepressant metabolites. The new derivatives are characterized by a saturated double bond on the amitriptyline portion of the molecule and are represented by the structure where R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched chain of 0-10 carbon or heteroatoms, X is a linker group consisting of 0-2 substituted or unsubstituted aromatic rings, and Y is an activated ester or NH—Z, where Z is a poly(amino acid).

Abstract: The present invention provides internally calibrated competitive assays for use on a solid support. Additionally, the invention provides a method of using such assays.

Abstract: Arrays of protein-capture agents useful for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of proteins which are the expression products, or fragments thereof, of a cell or population of cells in an organism are provided. A variety of antibody arrays, in particular, are described. Methods of both making and using the arrays of protein-capture agents are also disclosed. The invention arrays are particularly useful for various proteomics applications including assessing patterns of protein expression and modification in cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for binding antibody or antigen molecules to solid phase. The reactive compound comprising an antibody or antigen molecule and a solide phase are formed by coupling a specific antibody or antigen molecule to a solid phase using a two-step reaction. The coupling is covalent, between the active groups of the solid phase and the antibody, a fragment thereof or the antigen molecule, in the presence of an anionic surfactant, after adding an alkaline/solution to raise the pH to the basic region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a micro-carrier, which includes patterning pluralities of bar code on a mask; exposing the bar code to a substrate coated with photoresist; etching and removing residual photoresist and electroforming to a nickel plate; placing a bead coated with biotin or poly-L-lysine between two-nickel plates, and compressing the bar code on the surface of the bead to form a microcake-like particle with bar code; and combining the particle with the corresponding bio-molecule thereof to produce a micro-carrier with a label. The invention also provides a test method for identifying a bio-molecule, which includes mixing several micro-carriers with the labeled unknown bio-molecules; and identifying the bar code on the micro-carrier via image recognition system, wherein the numbers and types of the known micro-carrier can be flexibly adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay apparatus for detecting a product in a sample. The assay apparatus comprises a fluid pathway with an input of the sample and an input for a reagent with a detectable moiety which transports the sample to a detecting means via a barrier arranged to prevent a product-reagent complex passage but allow passage of unbound reagent and sample. The apparatus also includes supply means for supplying a substance adapted to breakdown the complex into a detectable moiety which can flow through the barrier to the detecting means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for at least one of detecting, quantifying or isolating at least one analyte from a liquid medium in which the analyte is distributed and comprises providing a reagent comprised of particles having a receptor for an analyte fixed to the particles distributed in the medium and a capturing means having an exposed surface defining an active zone. An intermediate reagent is formed by the complex of the reagent with the analyte. A second receptor is fixed in the active zone to capture either the analyte bound by the reagent or the receptor (capture partners). The active zone serves as a site of isolation and concentration of the capture partners.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising (a) a metal chelate wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium osmium and ruthenium in at least a hexacoordinated state and (b) a compound having a double bond substituted with two aryl groups, an oxygen atom and an atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen wherein one of the aryl groups is electron donating with respect to the other. Such composition is preferably incorporated in a latex particulate material. Methods and kits are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. The methods and kits employ as one component a composition as described above.

Abstract: Heterogeneous assays for different analytes in a single biological sample are performed simultaneously in a multiplexed assay that combines flow cytometry with the use of magnetic particles as the solid phase and yields an individual result for each analyte. The particles are distinguishable from each other by characteristics that permit them to be differentiated into groups, each group carrying an assay reagent bonded to the particle surface that is distinct from the assay reagents of particles in other groups. The magnetic particles facilitate separation of the solid and liquid phases, permitting the assays to be performed by automated equipment. Assays are also disclosed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies of different classes and a common antigen specificity or of a common class and different antigen specificities.

Abstract: This invention provides for a rapid and convenient method of simultaneous collection of both genomic and diagnostic information from a single sample on a bibulous pad by differential extraction of the diagnostic information from the genomic information. It is a surprising discovery of this invention that a PCR assay on the contents of the bibulous pad provides results comparable in reliability, specificity, and sensitivity to the best available serum (blood) based assays. The assays of this invention can be used to confirm each other, either by detecting the genomic information leading to the diagnostic information, or by detecting in the genomic information, a predisposition to a disease and confirming the presence of the disease through diagnostic testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing together in an aqueous medium to form a mixture: (i) the sample; (ii) at least one specific binder for the analyte; (iii) a first binding agent coupled to either (1) exogenous analyte or (2) the specific binder for the analyte; (iv) a support comprising a second binding agent; b) adding an activator to the mixture, wherein the activator binds the first binding agent and the second binding agent of the support to immobilize the first binding agent; c)determining the amount of the analyte in the sample by detecting the immobilized first binding agent, the presence or amount thereof being related to the presence or amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for separating at least one species of biological entities from a sample solution, by contacting the sample with a matrix of magnetic particles formed on a substrate such as a sheet a gel, etc. The particles in the matrix are coupled to entities capable of specifically binding to the species of biological entities to be separated. The separation is carried out either for detection purposes for obtaining separately each species of biological entities or for synthesis purposes. The invention further concerns matrices of magnetic particles formed on various substrates and kits for use in the method.