Electrical Property Or Magnetic Property Patents (Class 436/806)
  • Patent number: 11815489
    Abstract: A measurement device includes a sensor that detects a particular substance, a storage unit that stores calibration data that indicate a relationship between a measurement value of the particular substance and an output of the sensor, and a calculation unit that calculates the measurement value of the particular substance from the calibration data based on the output of the sensor. The calculation unit produces a first waveform where a plurality of first outputs of the sensor are normalized, produces a plurality of second waveforms where a plurality of second outputs of the sensor that are included in the calibration data are normalized. The calculation unit calculates a measurement value of the particular substance based on the first waveform and the plurality of second waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11565260
    Abstract: Accordingly, in some embodiments of the disclosure, a multi-chambered assay device is provided, which is configured for arrangement on a disc, as well as configured to process an individual sample. A plurality of such assay devices can be arranged along a periphery of the disc at a distance/radius from the center, such that a plurality of individual samples can be processed, e.g., one per assay device. In addition, in an arrangement that a plurality of assay devices are used, they can be spaced apart such that they balance the disc during rotation (which can be with samples contained in one or more of the assay devices, a plurality, a majority, or all of the assay devices).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Orbis Diagnostics Limited
    Inventors: Miriam Cather Simpson, Matheus Jose Teixeira Vargas, Mithileshwari Chandrasekhar, David Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 8969069
    Abstract: Disclosed are a glycated protein measurement sensor and a portable glycated protein measurement apparatus. The glycated protein measurement sensor includes: a sensing film (300) formed on a predetermined base material (100); and first and second unit sensors (10?, 10?) including a positive (+) electrode (400) and a negative (?) electrode (500) disposed facing each other at a predetermined distance on both ends of the sensing film (300). A ligand composition (600?) including an aromatic boron acid combined with a first target material (700) as an effective component is disposed on the first sensing film (300) of the first unit sensor (10?). Also, a receptor (600?) combined with the first or second target material (700) is disposed on the second sensing film (300) of the second unit sensor (10?). Here, the first target material (700) is a glycated protein (700?), and the second target material (700) is a protein (700?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: NDD, Inc., IM Healthcare Co., Ltd., Fuzbien Technology Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Saeyoung Ahn, Steingrimur Stefansson
  • Patent number: 8936947
    Abstract: A method of performing a measurement with a sensor having a sensing surface and at least one capture molecule attached to the sensing surface for forming a binding pair with an analyte of interest, the binding pair having a flexible spatial orientation, the method comprising capturing the analyte of interest with the capture molecule, thereby forming the binding pair in an initial spatial orientation; applying a first electromagnetic force to the sensing surface to alter the spatial orientation of the binding pair; and performing a sensor measurement with the binding pair in the altered spatial orientation. A sensor apparatus implementing this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Friso Jacobus Jedema
  • Patent number: 8912005
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith G. Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8852957
    Abstract: The present invention provides an appropriately produced magnetic material sensor having a small size. The magnetic material sensor of this invention includes: a magnetoresistive effect film, formed using magnetic films; a current source, for supplying to the magnetoresistive effect film a current having a magnitude and a direction that can change the magnetization directions of the magnetic films; and a detector, for detecting the resistance of the magnetoresistive effect film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8795523
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kai Wu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8796036
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8753894
    Abstract: An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described. A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Diagnostic Biosensors, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Tondra
  • Patent number: 8722427
    Abstract: A method for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) by plotting resonance frequency shift as a function of time for various target analyte concentrations. From this graph, the fraction of saturation, i.e. equilibrium fraction of bound binding sites out of all available binding sites on the sensor surface may be estimated by taking the ratio of the equilibrium resonance frequency shift at a selected concentration to the equilibrium frequency shift of the sensor. The dissociation constant is the inverse slope of the line produced by graphing the fraction of saturation as a function of concentration. This method is particularly useful for the study of protein-protein and protein-mRNA interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wan Y. Shih, Joseph Capobianco, Wei-Heng Shih
  • Patent number: 8697435
    Abstract: A system for sample preparation and analyte detection includes a cartridge, with a fluidic channel, a waveguide, and a capture spot. The system further includes a force field generator, an imaging system, and a fluid, which includes a sample potentially containing a target analyte, first type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are responsive to a force field, and second type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are capable of generating a signal. When the sample contains the target analyte, specific binding interactions between the target analyte and binding moieties link first and second type particles via the target analyte to form multiple-particle complex capturable at a capture spot. The force field allows manipulation of the particles and multiple-particle complex such that the detected signal from the second type particles is indicative of the target analyte within the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: MBio Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Heil, Michael J. Lochhead, Kevin D. Moll, Christopher J. Myatt
  • Patent number: 8673626
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a biosensor for quantitatively analyzing a bio-material and a manufacturing method thereof. The biosensor has an exposed conductive region of a few-nanometer scale distributed on an insulated metallic substrate in a desired pattern or randomly. The quantitative analysis of protein can be carried out by means of simplified procedures, without the necessity of rinsing out a signal-producing material, which is non-specifically bonded to the materials to be analyzed. The biosensor utilizes only the size of the molecules, and thus can be universally used for the analysis of bio-materials. A selective and separate analysis can be realized in which interference caused by other materials is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: All Medicus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-Young Chang, Seung-Joo Kang
  • Patent number: 8551333
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for manipulating particles in a fluid has a device body that defines a main channel therein, in which the main channel has an inlet and an outlet. The device body further defines a particulate diverting channel therein, the particulate diverting channel being in fluid connection with the main channel between the inlet and the outlet of the main channel and having a particulate outlet. The microfluidic device also has a plurality of microparticles arranged proximate or in the main channel between the inlet of the main channel and the fluid connection of the particulate diverting channel to the main channel. The plurality of microparticles each comprises a material in a composition thereof having a magnetic susceptibility suitable to cause concentration of magnetic field lines of an applied magnetic field while in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Adam Yuh Lin, Tak Sing Wong
  • Patent number: 8399262
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are biosensors for the detection of airborne biomolecules. The biosensors include a housing, a sensing component, and optionally a sample capture component. The biosensors may utilize a gel-based detection platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Darrel A. Mazzari, Martin A. Seitz
  • Patent number: 8334146
    Abstract: The binding specificity of at least one plasma protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium is altered by exposing the protein to an oxidizing agent or an electric current sufficient to alter its binding specificity. A masked protein such as an autoantibody can be recovered from blood or blood products or extracts by oxidizing the protein to change its binding specificity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Redox-Reactive Reagents LLC
    Inventor: John A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8318445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for labeling, isolating, detecting, and/or enumerating a statistically significant number of biological cells, or other biological analytes of interest, present in a complex matrix sample. The isolation of a biological target of interest from a sample mixture is done by immunomagnetic separation. Upon introduction of the sample within an imaging chamber, the capture complex (biological target-magnetic capture agent) will be attracted by the magnetic field and will lay on the surface of the chamber in the focal plane of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J-C Bernard, Kurt D. Hoffacker, Charles J. Collins
  • Patent number: 8318098
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present technique facilitate the detection of analytes. Detection is generally achieved by binding agents labeled with non-radiative energy transfer acceptors. The binding agents, when bound to a specific analyte, change conformation such that the distance between the respective non-radiative energy transfer acceptors and a respective quantum dot or quantum well changes. Certain embodiments of the present technique also comprise readout circuitry configured to determine rates of non-radiative energy transfer electrically and not optically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Rogerio Geraldes Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8309367
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which liquids can be moved or mixed. Microwaves strike and heat materials that are highly susceptible to microwave heating. The susceptible materials are on, within, or near materials that melt or change shape in response to temperature increases. Upon microwave irradiation, these materials change shape (e.g., shrink or melt), causing the movement of liquids. The invention is important in many microfluidics applications, especially in biomedical analysis, where it is valuable to be able to move small volumes of liquids (e.g., on a microarray chip).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mirari Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Saul, Mark T. Martin
  • Patent number: 8247241
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for detecting a target compound including: injecting a test liquid containing a target compound into a colloid solution of magnetic nano-particles having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or less to allow the target compound to bind to the magnetic nano-particles, thereby forming bound magnetic nano-particles having a diameter of 100 nm or more; and bringing a dispersion liquid containing the bound magnetic nano-particles in proximity to a magnetic sensor including at least a magnetoresistive (MR) element and a permanent magnet while measuring the change in magnetic resistance to selectively detect the bound magnetic nano-particles, thereby indirectly detecting the target compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hirai, Masayoshi Kojima, Isao Tsuyuki
  • Patent number: 8227255
    Abstract: A biosensor capable of analyzing an object, such as antigen, antibody, DNA or RNA, through detection of magnetic field to thereby allow washout of unbound label molecules to be unnecessary, which biosensor is compact and available at low price, excelling in detection precision. Coils are arranged at an upper part and a lower part of a magnetic sensor using a hall element as a magnetic field detection element. An object and magnetic particles having an antibody capable of specific bonding with the object bound to the surface thereof are introduced in the magnetic sensor having a molecular receptor capable of specific bonding with the object attached to the surface thereof. Therefore, a change in magnetic field by magnetic particles bonded through the molecular receptor to the surface of the magnetic sensor is detected by means of the hall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 8217647
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring agglutination in a target-induced agglutination assay with one or more magnetic particles is performed in a reaction chamber. After the magnetic particles, which are capable of binding to a target are provided in the assay, an agglutination process is performed resulting in agglutinated particles. Further an alternating current magnetic field (HAC) is applied to the assay. The method further includes measuring an effect of the HAC on the one or more magnetic particles unattached to any surface. The measured effect is indicative of one or more agglutination parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Wendy Uyen Dittmer, Peggy De Kievit, Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Leonardus Josephus Van Ijzendoorn, Xander Jozef Antoine Janssen
  • Patent number: 8158008
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Kai Wu, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8092745
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic sensor which detects a target substance indirectly by making a labeling substance larger than the target substance bond with the target substance contained in a sample in a detection area, and detecting the labeling substance, comprising a capture area which is relatively easy to capture the target substance, and a non-capture area which is relatively hard to capture the target substance, on a surface of a member which is comprised in a detection area, wherein the capture area is surrounded by the non-capture area. Thereby, the sensor enables to detect comparatively accurately the number and concentration of substances which cannot be directly detected, and enables to be used for detection of various target substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Kazuhisa Okano
  • Patent number: 8030069
    Abstract: The subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient isolation and purification of stem cells. Specifically, conductive immunopolymers with stem cell specific antibodies can be used to remove stem cells from biological fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Morphogenesis, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. P. Lawman, Patricia D. Lawman
  • Patent number: 8025843
    Abstract: The present invention has a hydrogen detection portion composed of a semiconductor and a hydrogen absorber provided at least a part of a surface thereof, and pairs of electrodes provided at the semiconductor so as to sandwich the place at which the hydrogen absorber is provided and so as not to be electrically connected to each other with the hydrogen absorber, wherein the presence of hydrogen can be detected by the change in resistance of the semiconductor in response to hydrogen absorption into the hydrogen absorber, the change in resistance being measured between said pairs of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuichi Ono, Toshiaki Konno
  • Patent number: 7993525
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Kai Wu, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 7977111
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor for identifying small superparamagnetic particles bonded to a substrate contains a regular orthogonal array of MTJ cells formed beneath that substrate. A magnetic field imposed on the particle, perpendicular to the substrate, induces a magnetic field that has a component within the MTJ cells that is along the plane of the MTJ free layer. If that free layer has a low switching threshold, the induced field of the particle will create resistance changes in a group of MTJ cells that lie beneath it. These resistance changes will be distributed in a characteristic formation or signature that will indicate the presence of the particle. If the particle's field is insufficient to produce the free layer switching, then a biasing field can be added in the direction of the hard axis and the combination of this field and the induced field allows the presence of the particle to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: MagIC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xizeng Shi, Pokang Wang, Hsu Kai Yang
  • Patent number: 7939734
    Abstract: Method and system for detecting presence of biomolecules in a selected subset, or in each of several selected subsets, in a fluid. Each of an array of two or more carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) is connected at a first CNT end to one or more electronics devices, each of which senses a selected electrochemical signal that is generated when a target biomolecule in the selected subset becomes attached to a functionalized second end of the CNT, which is covalently bonded with a probe molecule. This approach indicates when target biomolecules in the selected subset are present and indicates presence or absence of target biomolecules in two or more selected subsets. Alternatively, presence of absence of an analyte can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventors: Jun Li, Meyya Meyyappan, Alan M. Cassell
  • Patent number: 7927495
    Abstract: A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (?) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Qiagen Instruments AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lutze
  • Patent number: 7906340
    Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7892414
    Abstract: Electrochemical biosensors, methods of making biosensors and methods of detecting a target analyte in a sample to be analyzed are provided. A preferred embodiment device comprises a non-conductive polymer deposited on the electrode to form a matrix material having a plurality of pores; a capture biomolecule immobilized on the electrode such that the binding of the target analyte to the capture biomolecule effectively blocks a sufficient number of pores in the matrix material to produce a measurable decrease in the rate of a redox reaction occurring at the electrode; a current source for driving a redox reaction at the electrode; a redox species in contact with the electrode; and a detector element operatively connected to the electrode to detect the measureable decrease of a change in the rate of a redox reaction occurring due to the blockage of pores in the matrix material by the target analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Army
    Inventor: James J. Sumner
  • Patent number: 7838282
    Abstract: Electrodes and configurations for electrochemical bioreactor systems that can use electrical energy as a source of reducing power in fermentation or enzymatic reactions and that can use electron mediators and a biocatalyst, such as cells or enzymes, to produce electricity are disclosed. Example electrodes in the system may comprise: (1) neutral red covalently bound to graphite felt; (2) a carboxylated cellulose bound to the graphite felt, neutral red bound to the carboxylated cellulose, NAD+ bound to the graphite felt, and an oxidoreductase (e.g., fumarate reductase) bound to the graphite felt; or (3) a metal ion electron mediator bound to graphite. Various biocatalysts, such as an oxidoreductase, cells of Actinobacillus succinogenes, cells of Escherichia coli, and sewage sludge, are suitable for use in the electrochemical bioreactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Joseph Gregory Zeikus, Doo Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 7829347
    Abstract: A diagnostic test kit that provides an integrated system for accurately detecting a test analyte over a broad range of possible concentrations is provided. One feature of the integrated system is that it is capable of indicating whether an analyte is within the “hook effect” region. Based on this indication, a technique may be selected for correlating a measured signal intensity to an analyte concentration or range of concentrations. For example, when it is determined that the test sample falls outside the “hook effect” region, the analyte concentration may be determined using one portion of a dose response curve. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test sample falls within the “hook effect” concentration, the analyte concentration may be determined using another portion of the dose response curve. Alternatively, the sample may simply be diluted for re-performing the assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Xuedong Song
  • Patent number: 7824925
    Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Meso Scale Technology LLP
    Inventors: Jacob N. Wohlstadter, James Wilbur, George Sigal, Mark Martin, Liang-Hong Guo, Alan Fischer, Jon Leland, Mark A. Billadeau, Larry R. Helms, Ramin Darvari
  • Patent number: 7759133
    Abstract: Methods of detecting and/or quantifying an IgE antibody present in a liquid sample. The IgE antibody is specific to a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody, or a hapten. These methods can be used for monitoring and evaluating the immunological status of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: ALK-Abello A/S
    Inventor: Joost Van Neerven
  • Patent number: 7670786
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuedong Song, Rosann Marie Matthews Kaylor
  • Patent number: 7598081
    Abstract: The subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient isolation and purification of stem cells. Specifically, conductive immunopolymers with stem cell specific antibodies can be used to remove stem cells from biological fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Morphogenesis, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lawman, Patricia Lawman
  • Patent number: 7585682
    Abstract: The invention involves methods, assays, and components for the detection and analysis of binding between biological or chemical species, and can specifically be used for drug discovery. In an example where drug discovery is carried out, different candidate drugs can be attached to different articles such as magnetic beads. The beads can be exposed to colloid particles carrying signaling entities, or other signaling entities, immobilized with respect to protein targets of the drug candidates. After incubation, all beads are drawn to separate surface locations magnetically. Beads are released from surface locations where it is determined that signaling entities do not exist, and are removed from the assay. Beads held at other surface locations then are released, re-distributed, and re-attracted to surface locations. This is repeated with appropriate wash steps, until individual drug candidates can be isolated and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Minerva Biotechologies Corporation
    Inventor: Cynthia C. Bamdad
  • Patent number: 7579184
    Abstract: Conductimetric assay devices that have both low end and high end sensitivity are described. The geometric shape and/or arrangement of the capture zones make it possible for the assay devices to have both low end and high end sensitivity. Also described is a conductimetric assay device having a pre-capture zone to capture unbound analyte. The assay device overcomes the problem of flooding by the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Finny Mathew, David Olson, Zarini Muhammad-Tahir, John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7566531
    Abstract: Selective whole cell QCM biosensors are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such whole cell QCM biosensors, e.g., to screen drugs and diagnose diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Marx, Susan J. Braunhut, Tiean Zhou, Anne Rugh
  • Patent number: 7550290
    Abstract: In order to realize a sensor that is capable of promptly and accurately supplying a small amount of a liquid sample to a filtration part even if the sensor is not held substantially horizontally, this invention provides a sensor having means for supplying a liquid sample to the filtration part by capillary action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7544504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Specifically, the present invention relates to novel non-invasive methods for the detection of the presence or absence of a Helicobacter pylori antigen or a metabolite produced by the bacterium in a biological sample with a biosensor-based measurement. The present invention also related to the use of a biosensor containing specific antibodies against H. pylori or antigen-binding fragments thereof immobilized thereto together with biomolecule-repellent polymers preventing the non-specific binding. The invention also relates to test kits useful in the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Bionavis Ltd.
    Inventors: Vesa Kleimola, Erkki Eerola, Markku Viander
  • Patent number: 7513983
    Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Labmaster Ltd.
    Inventors: Timo Ala-Kleme, Philip Canty, Jarkko Eskola, Timo Korpela, Sakari Kulmala, Piia Vainio
  • Patent number: 7504261
    Abstract: Provided is a method of sensitively detecting nucleic acids in a nucleic acid sample, the method comprising: contacting the sample comprising the nucleic acid with a non-specific nucleic acid binding agent in an electrically conductive fluid medium; contacting the sample comprising the nucleic acid bound to the agent with a nanopore; and applying a voltage to the nanopore and monitoring a current change through the nanopore. The nucleic acid can be sensitively detected because a change in current amplitude through the nanopore is greater than when nucleic aid detection is performed without using an intercalator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kui-hyun Kim, Jun-hong Min, In-ho Lee, Ah-gi Kim
  • Patent number: 7494770
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide polymerization reaction. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system, which extends from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system includes a polynucleotide polymerization reaction chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port which is provided with reagents required for polymerization and amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. In one embodiment the devices may be utilized to implement a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the reaction chamber (PCR chamber).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Peter Wilding, Larry J. Kricka
  • Patent number: 7488607
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically addressing and interrogating microarrays are disclosed. The described microarrays include a plurality of features disposed on a substrate. Each of the features has a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed between the first electrode and second electrode. The substrate also includes addressing circuitry in operable relation to the features. Method of using the microarrays are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: May Tom-Moy, Carl Myerholtz, August Hidalgo, William McAllister
  • Patent number: 7470549
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simultaneously carrying out the detection or measurement of a substance interacting with a physiologically active substance immobilized on a biosensor and the analysis of the effects of the above substance on the biological activity of the physiologically active substance. The present invention provides a method using a biosensor formed by immobilizing a physiologically active substance on a substrate, wherein the detection and measurement of a substance interacting with said physiologically active substance and the measurement of the biological activity of said physiologically active substance are carried out on said single biosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Yamamoto, Toshihide Ezoe, Nobuhiko Ogura, Katsumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7445941
    Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Biosite Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Buechler
  • Patent number: 7410768
    Abstract: A method and test device for differentiating between states of an analyte that can exist in different forms, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The method or test device uses a pair of specific binding agents, especially monoclonal antibodies, in two assays for the same analyte. The assays, applied to contemporaneous samples, differ from one another in format, one being a two step assay and the other being one step. A novel pair of anti-FSH monoclonal antibodies that can be used together in two such assays to differentiate pre-menopausal and post-menopausal FSH samples is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Lorraine D. Butlin, John Coley, Stephen J. Eida, Mohamed M. Gani
  • Patent number: RE43978
    Abstract: An electronic sensor is provided for detecting the presence of one or more analytes of interest in a sample. The sensor preferably comprises a field effect transistor in which conductance is enhanced altered by analyte binding to receptors in the active region. An array of sensors may be formed to analyze a sample for multiple analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventor: James W. Holm-Kennedy