Abstract: A biosensor having an optical fiber having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and one or more nanoparticles associated with the optical fiber, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label-free biosensor system, a method for manufacturing said label-free biosensor system, its use for detecting biochemical reactions and/or bindings, enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid hybridizations, protein-protein interactions and protein-ligand interactions, as well as an assay method for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte of interest in a biological sample which comprises detecting the Recognition Induced Birefringence (RIB) generated in the presence as opposed to the absence of said analyte by bringing said sample into contact with said label-free biosensor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay device and a method for using such for the quantitative determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains a test site having immobilized thereon a ligand capable of reacting with the analyte and binding such to the test site, and two standard band sites having immobilized thereon known high and low concentrations of a calibrator agent capable of reacting with a label conjugate and binding such to the standard sites, wherein the upstream membrane has a site for the application of a sample to be analyzed, and has a site downstream from the sample application site for depositing label conjugates capable of reacting with the analyte and label conjugates capable of reacting with the

Abstract: This invention refers to continuous flow devices for detecting and/or removal of contaminants from a liquid stream. The device comprises a cartridge with an inlet and outlet for the liquid stream, a radiation incident and emerging wall portion and optically transparent support material packed in the cartridge such that a liquid stream can pass between voids or spaces formed within the optically transparent material, as well as a radiation source and detector. The support material comprises molecules for capturing at least one contaminant on the surface of the support material and each of the capture molecules comprises at least one reporter group which emits a signal upon binding of the contaminant. Another form of the invention refers to a rotatable support within the liquid stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).

Abstract: The formulations, systems, and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of specimens (e.g., biological specimens) for examination. The formulations can include a cytological fixative solution including Azure B, a surfactant, methanol, and ethylene glycol. The disclosed formulations, systems, and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation phases for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining specimens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting changes in the refractive index at the surface of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) detection system. The method includes generating an insoluble product from an enzymatic substrate using an immobilized enzyme, wherein the insoluble product accumulates at a LSPR supporting surface. The method also includes detecting changes in the reflected or transmitted light of the surface arising from the presence of the insoluble product using LSPR.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for continuously detecting glucose concentration in a sample, including: (a) providing a biosensor comprising a transducer and a polysaccharide covered on the surface of the transducer; (b) providing a carbohydrate binding protein solution, wherein the carbohydrate binding protein has at least one receptor, and the receptor is capable of binding to the polysaccharide and glucose; (c) mixing a sample and the carbohydrate binding protein solution to form a mixture; (d) contacting the mixture with the biosensor; (e) detecting the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide by the biosensor, wherein glucose concentration of the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide; and (f) refreshing the surface of the biosensor with a high concentration glucose solution.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the fabrication of photonic biosensor arrays and applications of arrays produced by the method in the biomedical field.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for a membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.

Abstract: This invention relates to photonic biosensor arrays in particular employing plasmon resonance based sensing, and to methods and apparatus for reading such arrays. A biosensor array for plasmon resonance-based sensing of a plurality of different biological targets simultaneously, the array comprising a transparent substrate having a surface bearing a plurality of assay spots for plasmon resonance sensing, each of said assay spots comprising a discrete metallic island, a said metallic island comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles to which are attached functionalizing molecules for binding to a said biological target, different said islands bearing different said functionalizing molecules for binding to different ones of said biological targets, and wherein total internal reflection of light at said surface at a wavelength at or near a said plasmon resonance results in scattering of said light away from said surface, said scattering being modulated by said binding of said biological targets.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns.

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 test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

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: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked Ficoll molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.

Abstract: Methods are provided to detect changes in cells without the use of detection labels.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting interactions between phage and antigen or antigen and antibody using biosensors.

Abstract: A scanning sensor system, methods of use and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte are provided. The scanning sensor system includes a light source, a detector, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, and at least one adapter configured to couple with the substrate and provide optical communication between the light source, the waveguides of the substrate, and the detector.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

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 comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus is provided with a dielectric block, a metal film formed on a surface of the dielectric block, a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical system for making the light beam enter the dielectric block at various angles of incidence so that a condition for total internal reflection is satisfied at an interface between the dielectric block and the thin film layer, and a photodetector for detecting the intensity of the light beam satisfying total internal reflection at the interface. In the measurement chip to be utilized in the surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus, the dielectric block is formed from a synthetic resin in which, when said light beam is p-polarized outside said dielectric block and then strikes the interface, the intensity of a s-polarized component at the interface is 50% or less of the intensity of the light beam at the interface.

Abstract: A biosensor based upon a vertically emitting, distributed feedback (DFB) laser is disclosed. In one configuration, the DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one- or two-dimensional dielectric grating coated with a laser dye-doped-polymer as the gain medium. A sensor is also described in which the grating layer and the active layer are combined into a single layer. DFB lasers using an inorganic or organic thin film with alternating regions of high and low index of refraction as the active layer are also disclosed. The sensor actively generates its own narrowband high intensity light output without stringent requirements for coupling alignment, thereby resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a simple and effective way of synthesizing robust organic-inorganic hybrid gels and ultra-thin films using vaporization of a gel precursor. The gels are synthesized at relatively low temperature allowing the activity of the immobilized species to be maintained. The disclosure provides robust, synthetic, selective, active and/or passive transport systems in the form of functional biologically active species and mechanisms for forming them. These systems allow selective and passive or active transport of ionic, molecular and biological species through the incorporation of functional biological molecules and biomolecular assemblies in a rigid matrix.

Abstract: Performing high-resolution determination of the relative shift of the spectral properties of a biosensor. The shift in the resonance peak of the biosensor is indicative of the amount of material bound to the surface of the biosensor. A preferred biosensor is a Guided Mode Resonant Filter Biosensor (GMRFB). In one aspect of the invention, curve fitting is used to determine the relative location of the spectrum of the unexposed biosensor with respect to those spectra that are altered (e.g., shifted) by the presence of materials bound to the surface of the biosensor. In an alternative embodiment, the cross correlation function is used to detect spectral peak offsets between a reference spectrum and a spectrum measured from an exposed biosensor. In yet another alternative, maximal likelihood estimation techniques are used to determine the spectral shift or offs.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules that are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides for a method for detecting an analyte, comprising contacting with said analyte a recognition moiety for said analyte, wherein said contacting causes at least a portion of a plurality of mesogens proximate to said recognition moiety to detectably switch from a first orientation to a second orientation upon contacting said analyte with said recognition moiety; and detecting said second orientation of said at least a portion of said plurality of mesogens, whereby said analyte is detected.

Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold substrates is presented for SAMs onto which gold nanoparticles of various shapes have been electrostatically immobilized. SERS spectra of 4-MBA SAMs are enhanced in the presence of immobilized gold nanocrystals by a factor of 107-109 relative to 4-MBA in solution. Large enhancement factors are a likely result of plasmon coupling between the nanoparticles (localized surface plasmon) and the smooth gold substrate (surface plasmon polariton), creating large localized electromagnetic fields at their interface, where 4-MBA molecules reside in this sandwich architecture. Moreover, enhancement factors depend on nanoparticle shape, and vary by a factor of 102.

Abstract: A method of producing a precursor, active-matrix, fluid-assay micro-structure including the steps of (1) utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, establishing preferably on a glass or plastic substrate a matrix array of non-functionalized pixels, and (2) preparing at least one of these pixels for individual, digitally-addressed (a) functionalization, and (b) reading out, ultimately, of completed assay results.

Abstract: A method for producing an active-matrix, fluid-assay micro-structure including, utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, establishing preferably on a glass or plastic substrate a matrix array of digitally-addressable, assay-material-specific-functionalizable pixels, and employing pixel-specific digital addressing for selected, array-established pixels, individually functionalizing these pixels.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A method of performing a fluid-material assay employing a device including at least one active pixel having a sensor with an assay site functionalized for selected fluid-assay material. The method includes exposing the pixel's sensor assay site to such material, and in conjunction with such exposing, and employing the active nature of the pixel, remotely requesting from the pixel's sensor assay site an assay-result output report. The method further includes, in relation to the employing step, creating, relative to the sensor's assay site in the at least one pixel, a predetermined, pixel-specific electromagnetic field environment.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.

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: Semiconductor quantum dots are becoming valuable analytical tools for use in biomedical applications. Indeed, their unique properties offer the opportunity to design luminescent probes for imaging and sensing with unprecedented performance. In this context, we have identified operating principles to transduce supramolecular association of complementary receptor-ligand binding pairs into enhancement or suppression in the luminescence of sensitive quantum dots. Thus, complementary receptor-ligand binding pairs can be identified with luminescence measurements relying on our design logic. In fact, we have demonstrated with a representative example that our protocol can be adapted to signal receptor-ligand binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enriched fish food product comprising a binder resin and a fermented soy nutraceutical. Optionally the nutraceutical may contain enzymes or coenzymes. Also, the enriched fish food product may be formed by mixing a resin with the fermented soy nutraceutical in a heated molding machine and subjecting said product to a variety of size reduction processes. For example, the fish food product may be provided in the form of a flake.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labeled biological cells involves contacting a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom of a reaction vessel with a solution containing the fluorescent dye. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components. In this case, a receptor layer at the bottom of a reaction vessel is in contact with a solution in which a fluorescent or luminescent ligand is dissolved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect different HPV genotypes. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of HPV specific DNA probes used for the detection of different HPV genotypes.